I miss the pageant world so very much. It's hard to believe that fifty two weeks ago, I was praying and packing and preparing to compete in Miss Kentucky's Outstanding Teen! When reflecting upon my time as Miss Heartland's Outstanding Teen 2014, so many beautiful memories and lessons flood into my mind. I was able to see and experience incredible opportunities that I never would have had without the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Organization, and as a "former," I am forever grateful.
When I decided to enter this system and compete in a preliminary, I must admit, I had my doubts. I mean, aren't pageants a little flaky and ego-centric?
Boy, was I proven wrong.
I don't know if I've ever been so on-my-feet, exhausted, and challenged.
I don't know if I've ever been so on-my-feet, exhausted, and challenged.
Sure, there was the definite temptation to compete for the crown in order to gain personal glory. But, WOW, how Jesus redirected those thoughts with humbling situations and opportunities. And WOW, those ministry opportunities. I was able to represent and advocate for a very personal battle- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Additionally, while competing, I met SO MANY beautiful and talented girls whom I am still friends with and love dearly. And most of all, I got to represent my Savior, Jesus Christ, as I put myself and my abilities on the line to serve and grow as a young woman and leader in this world.
Without further adieu, here are ten lessons the pageant world taught newbie Lyd:
1. The way you represent yourself is so very important.
People are always watching, whether young or old. The way you dress and speak and carry yourself is an indication of your heart. What an important (and sometimes humbling) lesson to learn. I learned to question my heart constantly- "What does this dress say about my heart? Was that response encouraging? How can I make her feel included?"
2. Never underestimate the value of interview skills.
I had an incredible board of local directors who pushed me to be informed and knowledgeable; poised and prepared; trained and confident. In preparation for the state level of competition, I would attend "mock interviews" as frequently as possible. In the process, I learned so much about myself, society, and my state/country. I have found myself to be much more relaxed and informed in conversation- both formal and informal. (College interviews were also MUCH easier and more comfortable than they would have been without my pageant training!)
3. Laugh at yourself.
Mistakes happen. You forget names. You fall in heels. You don't know the correct answer. But you lead and love and laugh. Others are more likely to respect those who not only admit and apologize for their mistakes, but can turn around, smack their foreheads, and laugh, "OOPS!"
(You also make funny faces like this on stage and still laugh about it a year later:)
4. Serving others is the most beautiful and fulfilling experience.
It never gets old! Loving on others and learning about their lives is humbling, eye-opening, and a true fulfillment of Jesus' call for our little lives.
5. Poise is the key to gaining respect and clear communication.
Confidence, posture, eye contact, and clear speech are traits very rarely found in today's day and age. People always remember how you make them feel, and that includes how you act in their presence.
6. Take care of your body (!!!).
Because I was expected to complete in a fitness portion during the competition, I ate better and worked out more than ever before. And it felt GREAT. This training reinforced in me that an individual who treats their temple with care and respect reaps greater energy to do what Jesus has called him or her to do.
7. Create, don't wait.
Pageantry taught me to create my own opportunities instead of waiting for the "perfect one" to come along (the "perfect opportunity" doesn't even exist, by the way). For example, was there someone I wanted to talk to and work with? I learned to just call them! Thinking outside the box and living without fear of rejection invited me to new territories and fun experiences.
8. Be a student always.
There are ALWAYS new things to learn. What fun is it to pretend like you know everything? Learning about the history of my state and the people within it was TOO FUN to miss out on because I wanted to come off as "previously informed." Come on, y'all. Learning is such a gift.
9. Always have a quality pair of black and/or nude heels.
No explanation really needed on that one.
(Honestly, they're invaluable.)
10. You can only offer what you can offer.
A semi-cliche bullet point, but I gained so much confidence in my persona and identity as a young woman through pageantry. The things that I can bring to the table in this life are things only I can bring. No one else has my voice or my body or my brain. Once this is understood, you are able to utilize your personal gifts better and encourage others to pursue and expend their own. Again, I'm always learning.
I'm so grateful for the many opportunities brought to me through one year with the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Scholarship Organization. I hope to compete in the "Miss" competition in the near future, but until then, I'll sit back and continue to laugh at pictures of myself trying to conduct a serious interview while wearing eight inch heels.
XOXO,
Lyd
P.S. If you're interested in getting involved with this amazing organization, check out maoteen.org!
It never gets old! Loving on others and learning about their lives is humbling, eye-opening, and a true fulfillment of Jesus' call for our little lives.
5. Poise is the key to gaining respect and clear communication.
Confidence, posture, eye contact, and clear speech are traits very rarely found in today's day and age. People always remember how you make them feel, and that includes how you act in their presence.
6. Take care of your body (!!!).
Because I was expected to complete in a fitness portion during the competition, I ate better and worked out more than ever before. And it felt GREAT. This training reinforced in me that an individual who treats their temple with care and respect reaps greater energy to do what Jesus has called him or her to do.
7. Create, don't wait.
Pageantry taught me to create my own opportunities instead of waiting for the "perfect one" to come along (the "perfect opportunity" doesn't even exist, by the way). For example, was there someone I wanted to talk to and work with? I learned to just call them! Thinking outside the box and living without fear of rejection invited me to new territories and fun experiences.
8. Be a student always.
There are ALWAYS new things to learn. What fun is it to pretend like you know everything? Learning about the history of my state and the people within it was TOO FUN to miss out on because I wanted to come off as "previously informed." Come on, y'all. Learning is such a gift.
9. Always have a quality pair of black and/or nude heels.
No explanation really needed on that one.
(Honestly, they're invaluable.)
10. You can only offer what you can offer.
A semi-cliche bullet point, but I gained so much confidence in my persona and identity as a young woman through pageantry. The things that I can bring to the table in this life are things only I can bring. No one else has my voice or my body or my brain. Once this is understood, you are able to utilize your personal gifts better and encourage others to pursue and expend their own. Again, I'm always learning.
I'm so grateful for the many opportunities brought to me through one year with the Miss America's Outstanding Teen Scholarship Organization. I hope to compete in the "Miss" competition in the near future, but until then, I'll sit back and continue to laugh at pictures of myself trying to conduct a serious interview while wearing eight inch heels.
XOXO,
Lyd
P.S. If you're interested in getting involved with this amazing organization, check out maoteen.org!
