Who would have guessed that I would do another pageant before Miss Earth United States? After receiving some negative feedback from those closest to me, I was unsure if pageantry was the right thing for me. If pageantry was turning me into somebody "judgmental" and "pretentious". It wasn't till a chance encounter with the director of Miss Teen Seattle America and Miss/Mrs. Washington International while dress shopping for a friend that I was driven to compete. Elizabeth Gibbons is truly a wonder to speak with as she is so knowledgable and experienced and so passionate about helping young women into themselves and helping them be successful.
After much deliberation and discussion, and wonderful advice from Elizabeth, I signed up to compete! I rushed to finish my headshots, platform page, and ad for the pageant. Something about this pageant felt right as I prepared for it. Here's how I prepped for the pageant:
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The Friday before the pageant we all met for the first time in Renton. I chose to stay in the hotel for the convince of driving and sanity. There was when I met my first Mrs contestant ever, who was an absolute blast! We carpooled to rehearsals and boy were we late because of typical Seattle traffic and poor parking lot design. Rehearsals went quickly and were ran well thanks to Elizabeth and Cassie Searles who knew exactly what they were doing. Not only did they help but in the audience we had Gary Umemeto and another pageant queen giving us walk, facial, EVERYTHING advice so that we would compete at our highest the next day. Even our Executive Pageant Director and most amazing sponsor Dr. Erik Suh came by with snacks to come watch as we prepared.
While in bed I was so distraught and dreamt that I tripped on stage, rolled my bad ankle, and would continue with the opening number sobbing but still snapping because you can't stop the dance.
While in bed I was so distraught and dreamt that I tripped on stage, rolled my bad ankle, and would continue with the opening number sobbing but still snapping because you can't stop the dance.