The moment has finally come. I’m officially on my physical journey heading to the USA Petite Pageant in Florida. For the next week, I am pausing other blog posts to focus on my experience to enjoy my time to be the best me possible.
Over the course of the past few months of training, several people have asked why I do pageants and what has started me on this road. “Oh, you’re just the competing queen now, huh?” For me, it serves several purposes.
For one, it’s a process that truly allows for you to get to know yourself and really become you at your best. You really get to know what you do not want. Yes, you can do this without a pageant, but with a competition tied in, you become more cut-throat and real with yourself.
Two, not only do I get to network, but I’m also testing myself on how much I want my dreams to be a reality. This doesn’t necessarily mean becoming queen, but judges and contestants constantly ask what you’re doing with your life. If you can be confident enough to talk about your dreams over and over and over again with enthusiasm and not get bored, it shows where your true passion lies (or if it does not exist at all). Pageanting has truly helped me identify myself as an artist. There are not many creative professionals out there, and I’m happy to identify with this small group.
Finally, it’s funny how a title can work wonders. When I was younger, I knew that I wanted to serve and give back to my community. I debated about going into politics so that I could better those who grew up in the same situations that I was dealt. I even did government internships and organizations. However, as I got older, I realized that the politicians weren’t necessarily the ones making the moves. The common folk are so much more willing to listen to the words of an innovator who is able to speak to them on their level. They’re able to relate and be real, like a humble entertainer. It’s similar with having a pageant crown or sash. People are so much more willing to hear what you have to say, and you’re given more of a responsibility. You’re able to help in unorthodox, uncanny, and yet creative ways that I absolutely love.
So, for the next week while I am tanning in the Florida sun, I’ll wear my crown (literally and figuratively) with pride and excitement. I’m pumped for the next phase of this experience (training, now the pageant, post-pageant). Each experience brings about a new perspective. Be grateful for all of life’s spunky adventures.
Brooke Leigh Howard 