The Queen B
As child, I was a major tomboy and I had a big secret… I wanted to be a “beauty queen.” At age 8, my dad bought me a Miss America play set complete with crown and sash. I made my little brother dress up in evening gowns to play pageant. Of course I was always Miss America then. Could I ever really compete for Miss America? A debilitating insecurity, low self-esteem, and depression would not allow it.
Finally, at 21, I competed in Miss Virginia USA. I thought, I would win, then magically flourish into a new woman, one that I would love and accept. I didn’t even place and honestly, I didn’t really know what I was doing. I was quite discouraged. Little did I know; it really was the beginning of a life changing transformation.
Introspection and faith which focused my energy and determination towards continued self improvement. The last 3 years of my life I made the decision to focus my heart to developing the self-assured, strong woman that I am today.
Today, at 25, as Miss United States, I am frequently asked, “What is your beauty secret?” I simply reply “confidence,” and share my personal quote. “Define beauty for yourself and don’t live up to anyone’s standards but your own. Embrace all of God’s gifts even if it is more or less than the next woman’s. Confidence is beautiful, powerful, and exudes from within”.
Most people can not fathom how or why I would have ever been insecure. Sharing those experiences of pain and stories of hope have become my mission as a title holder. I will continue to be a source of empowerment even after my pageant days are through. I plan to earn a Ph. D. in psychology and counseling in an effort to continue to affect change and help girls rach their fullest potential by overcoming societal pressures and arbitrary image standards; defining beauty for themselves, and most importantly loving, embracing and accentuating their positives.
