Not many people can say that receiving a letter in the mail changed their life. Well, I can happily say that is my story. I will start from the beginning. The year was 2002, and I was finishing up my junior year of high school. For the most part, I was content with the direction my life was taking. I was a straight A student, class president, and involved in numerous clubs and organizations. I was the quintessential definition of a nerd. Little did I know that the contents of a letter contained a significant piece that was missing from my life that would eventually birth me into my purpose. This particular letter contained information about competing in a pageant. It took me by surprise because initially I had no interest in pageantry. In the past, my mother tried to encourage me to compete, but I turned down her offer. I had no desire to compete in a pageant or anything related to the glamour lifestyle. My perception of pageants was negative, and I thought only “pretty” and “popular” girls competed in those types of contests, however, my mindset slowly began to shift after I received the letter.
This letter stated that I was nominated to compete in the Miss Teen of Alabama Pageant. The Miss Teen of Alabama Pageant is a preliminary to the Miss Teen of America Program (now American Pageants) which was founded in 1983 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The mission of the Miss Teen of America Organization is to encourage and motivate young women to reach their full potential through recognition of; scholastic record, service and achievement to school and community, personal development, general awareness, personality projection and communication skills.
The first thing that drew me to this particular pageant was the following statement: “Miss Teen of America is NOT a beauty contestant.” That statement shocked me because I initially thought all pageants were beauty contestants. That was not the truth of Miss Teen of America. Contestants were judged based on service and achievement in school and the community, personal development, scholastic achievement, judge’s interview, personality, projection in formal wear and general awareness of the world around them. I was able to identity with this pageant because I represented the components of the system.
As a 17-year-old about to enter her senior year in high school, I was already an academician, student leader, and community leader. I was beyond ecstatic that a pageant was created to celebrate my achievements. After I learned all of this information, I decided to compete.
I must say that pageant experience was life changing. Even though I did not take home the state title, I did win optional awards such as the 17-year-old Achievement Award and the Community Service Award. After that experience, I continued in my pageantry journey where I developed self-confidence, improved my communication skills, served as a role model, and much more. Through pageantry, I discovered my purpose of empowering women and girls to create clear visions for their lives so they can experience success.
Now 17 years later, I am a 34-year-old successful pageantry professional who has held several pageantry titles, judged and coached contestants all over the Southeast, served on staff for a national pageant system, written several books, and appeared in major publications. I also the Owner & Founder of a web based platform entitled Krystle Clear Pageantry where I coach and educate women and girls on how to have a winning mindset, make a good presentation, and develop self-confidence.
I believe all of these opportunities and successes would not have been possible had I not received that letter in the mail all of those years ago. Who knew that a shy, introverted nerd who wanted nothing to do with pageantry would one day have a career in that very industry? It is amazing how receiving a letter in the mail changed the trajectory of my life.
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