Personal Narrative: Pageantry

When asked what has sparked a period of self-growth one specific part of my life comes to mind; Pageantry. Growing up, I was always a “tomboy”. I played countless sports and hated the color pink. I became part of my towns travel softball team, Lady Lightning, where we played tournaments every weekend with some of my best friends having the time of my life. One practice, we were doing sliding drills when I rounded third base coming into the home base. I went down to slide and my knee was pulled back and twisted. At the time I didn't understand what was going on but after four reputable doctors later I was finally diagnosed with Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome. To put into simple terms, this is when the kneecap isn't properly aligned and pops on and off the track of the knee. The doctors said that I

I tried swimming and golf but neither satisfied me. I thought I would never find a hobby that fulfilled me like softball again.

One day I got a letter in the mail from National American Miss inviting me to compete in their state pageant. After going back and forth with myself about whether to compete or not, I finally decided to go for it. Getting to state-level competition, I expected the pageant world to be snobby, fake, and mean. I couldn't have been more wrong. The girls I met were so sweet, loving and helpful. They helped me so much from giving me tips on my first time competing to helping me change into my dress in between the fast stage changes. Throughout the weekend, I became so close to these girls. They taught me how to be confident on stage, to carry myself and to present myself well. I ended up placing 2nd runner-up in the Junior Teen Division. After