Posing in my formal wear at the 2002 Miss Teen of Alabama Pageant in Auburn, Alabama
This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are mine.
Many people have that moment or event that change their life. Well, my event was a pageant. Before pageantry, I was a quiet and introverted girl. I found pleasure in reading books and competing in academic and math competitions. 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 type of contests. In my opinion, I did not have the look to compete successfully.
My mindset began to shift when I received a package in the mail in 2002. The package contained information about competing in the Miss Teen of Alabama Pageant. The Miss Teen of Alabama Pageant is a preliminary to the Miss Teen of America Program 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.
Posing with my roommates Keisha, Jami, and Callie
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.
The pageant experience was life changing, and learned a lot about myself. 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.
Posing with my 17-year-old Achievement and Community Service Awards
Considering that this was my first pageant, I think I did quite well. Fast forward years later, I am now a 32-year-old successful pageant professional. I am a professional pageant coach (The Glamour Effect) where I teach women and girls how to “Manifest the Crown” and I work in pageant media with my platform KrystleBell.com and The Pageant Planet. I have even had the opportunity serve as pageant judge alongside celebrities such as Eva Marcille. I believe all of these opportunities would not have been possible had I not competed in that first pageant many years ago.
Pageantry is not just about the glitz and glamour. If you believe that, you clearly do not know or understand the industry. Pageantry changes lives and provides opportunities for women and girls across the country. I am grateful for my experience with the Miss Teen of America Organization, and I would encourage any girl to compete in this system.
To learn more about the Miss Teen of America Organization, please visit www.missteenofamerica.com.
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