Sashes and Safety

When I think about what pageantry has given me, one word comes to mind: growth. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to see this world from two very different perspectives. I’ve stood on stage as a contestant with butterflies in my stomach, and I’ve stood behind the scenes as a director with a clipboard in hand. Both roles have stretched me, challenged me, and shaped who I am today.

As a contestant, I learned resilience. You show up nervous but prepared, hoping the judges see the real you. Sometimes you walk away with a crown, and sometimes you don’t. But either way, you walk away with friendships, lessons, and memories that last far longer than the spotlight. Being a contestant is about putting yourself out there in a vulnerable way and saying, “This is me, flaws and all, and I’m ready to give it my best.”

As a director, I learned responsibility. The focus shifted from my own performance to the success of others. I became a mentor, a guide, and sometimes even a shoulder to cry on. I discovered how rewarding it is to help young women find their confidence, discover their voices, and realize that they are capable of more than they ever imagined. Directing isn’t just about producing a beautiful event. It’s about creating opportunities for growth and service, and reminding each girl that she matters.

Now, at 36, I’m stepping back into the contestant’s shoes after years of living in the director’s role. It feels both familiar and brand new at the same time. Familiar, because I know the process…the rehearsals, the interviews, the excitement of the stage. New, because I return with the perspective of a director and the life experience of a woman who has lived a lot more than she had at 18 or 21. I’m not competing to prove myself anymore. I’m competing because I believe in the power of a platform and the message that you’re never too old to chase your dreams.

I’ll be honest…it hasn’t been easy. Balancing the role of leader with the vulnerability of being judged again takes humility. There are moments when I have to remind myself to accept feedback with the same openness I ask of my contestants. But there’s also so much gratitude. Few people get to experience both sides of pageantry, and it has deepened my appreciation for this world in ways I never expected.

What I’ve gained is more than crowns or titles. I’ve gained perspective. I know what it feels like to have flowers placed in my hands and a crown on my head, and I also know the pride of placing them on someone else. Both are victories in their own way.

As I step into this season of life, my heart stays grounded in my platform: water safety and drowning prevention. For me, the sash is a symbol, but the service will always be the purpose. Whether I’m on stage competing or cheering from the wings, that mission will never change.

Pageantry has been a mirror, a teacher, and a community that has walked alongside me through highs and lows. At 36, I stand not as the same girl who once dreamed of wearing a crown, but as a woman who now knows the real power of one. It isn’t about wearing it. It’s about what you choose to do with it once it’s yours.