Top Five Reasons to Compete in a Pageant

Grateful for the intelligent, talented and beautiful women I have met through the Miss America Organization ❤️👑 #iwd2017 #womensday #missamerica #missflorida

A post shared by Danielle Ball (@missdanielleball) on Mar 8, 2017 at 4:59pm PST

I can say with complete certainty that my time as a Miss America Titleholder has been the most memorable nad impactful time of my life. I will always remember the first time I stepped foot on a Miss America local stage, the joy, the anticipation, and the confidence. I encourage everyone to give it a try, even if its only once. Here are my top five reasons for entering a pageant. 1. Pageant are Fun!! Let's face it, most women love to dress up! When you compete in a pageant you get to wear beautiful dresses and sparkly jewelery. You basically get to be a princess! What little girl doesn't dream of that growing up? Its a dream come true! 2. Friendships Another big piece of the fun are the friendships you make behind the scenes. When you enter a MAO local, you ahve lots of down time during the day. This is time where you get to interact with the other competiors. Picture 12 to 20 girls running around in curlers and singing at the top of their lungs to Justin Beiber. Most people think that pageants are full of caddy backstabbing girls. This could not be further from the truth! While you will always have a few bad seeds, you are ost likely going to be surrounded by sweet, geniune, and smart girls. 3. Memories that last forever Those memories that your making behind the scenes will stay with you forever. When you compete at the state level, you will have a whole different experience! This is the time that these girls will become your sisters! You spend nearly 24 hours a day for 7 days with you state queens, and emotions are running high. There is nothing to describe the sisterhood that forms during this week. By the time of finals night, everyone will be cheering the finalist just as if they were up there on stage competing. 4. Boosts Confidence What better way to boost confidence that have 50 other girls cheering you on? Your Miss State sisters will be with you cheering you on well past the state pageant. Having so many strong, smart and beautiful grisl cheering you on is empowering! But also just getting up on stage and putting yourself is the best way to figure out who you are unlock your inner diva. There something about getting on stage dowsed in Sally hansen spray tanner, tippy top heels, and a sparkly swimsuit that can make anyone a victoria secret model. That confidence will bleed into your every activity. You will bring a newfound confidence in your school, work and social life. 5. It Opens Doors Speaking of newfound confidence. Beauty pageants are so much more than just a pretty face! The skills, confidence, and connections that you develop while ocmpeting in pageant are vital to future. Many former MAO competitiors go on to have successful careers. Look at Gretchen Carlson, former Television host at Fox News, actress Vanessa Williams and Miss Florida 2007 Laura Rutledge who seres as host for ESPN.