From Most Athletic to First Runner Up Pageant Contestant
- Sep 21, 2021
- 6 min read
Updated: Jan 24, 2023
I was raised in a small town in the country where I would play games outside with my cousins. Some of our favorites were kickball, freeze tag, basketball (three-point shootout, 21, and horse), hide-and-seek, and football. We had such fun times playing together in Granny’s backyard. This recreational playtime was only the beginning of a successful athletic career to come.
I officially became an athlete in sixth grade when I made the basketball team. I didn’t get much playing time since I was a rookie, but I was still happy to be a part. I played as a power forward in seventh grade then alternated as a shooting guard and point guard in eighth grade. I continued to play the latter positions in high school. The most notable season was my senior year. We made it to the district championship in which we lost then advanced to the first round of playoffs. This was something that had not been accomplished in over a DECADE. It was definitely a season to remember.
All of that running around in Granny’s backyard paid off when I joined the track team. I initially started competing in the 200 meter dash. I then progressed to compete in the 100 meter dash and as the third leg on the 4x1 relay team. Each season was successful in its own right. My skills were sharpened as time went on which allowed me to set personal records, earn medals for my high placements at special invitational track meets, and qualify for regionals.
My final athletic event was in April 2014. Our 4x1 relay team competed at the regional track meet. We did not place high enough to qualify for the State Finals meet and that was the last time I competed.
Playing basketball and running track were some of the best times of my life. I was able to travel (something I love to do,) meet new people, hone my skills, make memories, and receive awards for my hard work. Some of my accolades included being voted Most Athletic by my classmates for our superlatives, rookie of the year in basketball, and scholar athlete for maintaining a 3.0 or higher GPA in both sports.
Things didn't always go well though. There were challenges too including a few injuries. Most of all, I’m thankful for God’s protection while playing and traveling and His grace for keeping me healthy to pursue what was next. Who knew six years later I would be standing on stage accepting the first runner up trophy in the Miss Freedom USA pageant? I definitely didn’t imagine doing something so diametric in comparison to my athletic career.
Why did I enter a beauty pageant?
2020 was denoted as my Breakout Year. This encompassed breaking free from limitations placed on me and doing things outside of my comfort zone. I came across an advertisement for the Miss Freedom USA pageant on Instagram one day. I checked out their page then saved the post I originally saw for later. It took over a month to build up the courage to apply since this was something completely out of the norm for me. In addition, I love challenges. I saw this as an opportunity to empower myself through combatting my fears of getting up in front of people and public speaking. I've had many presentations in college, but this was on a whole other scale...in HEELS which is not my forte at all. I legit traded in my Nikes for a pair of shoes I could barely walk in. This was a major plot twist.
You will never know what you're capable of until you grow beyond your comfort zone.
Explain the pageant process.
Each pageant system has different qualifications, rules, areas of competition, optionals, and prizes. Within the Miss Freedom USA pageant, delegates demonstrate their personal interview skills, put on a spectacular opening number show, give a brief introduction of who they are to everyone, strut their stuff in fun wear, then model their gorgeous evening gown. There is also an optional talent portion. Each area of the competition represents a percentage of the delegate’s overall score with its own designated value.
The process began with completing the application online. Next, my title was chosen, then I became Ms. Jacksonville.
A lot of preparation went into getting ready for the pageant. The hardest part was deciding on my outfits. I wanted to look my absolute BEST while making my mark on the stage. It was also challenging writing my introduction. This was when God stepped in. One of my biggest dilemmas was finding someone to do my hair. On top of that, I was notified that the person I originally booked to do my makeup had a last minute emergency so the owner of the makeup studio took her place instead. I asked the owner if she knew someone who could do my hair and she sent me the contact information of someone she's friends with (I later found out the hairstylist was located a couple of doors down from the makeup studio.) I spoke with the hairstylist then she agreed to style my hair. This was such a HUGE relief because this happened the day before the pageant.
Pageant day arrived and I was experiencing so many emotions. The main one was stress because I still had not completed my introduction. I told the hairstylist about my struggle and she informed me that she'd previously competed in pageants. With her help, my introduction was DONE by the time I left for my makeup appointment. Whew, thank you, Jesus. She was a lifesaver!!!
It's more about who you know than what you know. Connections will take you far.
The pageant itself was incredible. I shared my heart with the judges in the interview, danced to the best of my ability without an ounce of rhythm in the opening number, slayed in my fun fashion ensemble, then gracefully modeled my Jovani evening gown. The event concluded with the crowning ceremony where I was pronounced the first runner up.
Did my perception of beauty pageants change after the experience?
People typically regard beauty pageants as superficial events that girls enter for their looks and a chance to prance around in a sparkly crown and sash during their reign. It's not a flashy, frivolous event full of glamour. Lives are changed including the contestants, the people they advocate for, and those around the world who follow their journey. Being a titleholder yields a prestigious privilege to make an everlasting impact through their designated platform. A pageant platform is a cause chosen by a contestant to bring value to an organization’s established mission by exercising their influence through increasing awareness and fundraising. Some girls are even the founder of their own organization in which they utilize as their platform. As a multi recipient of scholarships and grants, my platform is dedicated to education with aspirations to establish a college scholarship and sponsor students with items essential for college success.
Pageantry is also a stepping stone that leads into other ventures. Contestants have landed modeling deals, gained partnerships with major brands, become ambassadors, received new jobs and scholarships in addition to their prize package.
My perception of beauty pageants definitely changed after competing. I used to think it was for super girly girls until I tried it for myself. The ad I saw compelled me to pursue something new, but I ended up gaining so much more than I expected. A component of Miss Freedom USA’s mission is to build new friendships. Girls of different places and ages convened together for this exciting occasion. The most surprising thing was how nice and supportive everyone was to each other. It felt like a sisterhood even though it was a competition. I wasn’t used to this. In basketball, I had to be tough and aggressive. Here, I could be soft and empowering. This was so foreign to me, but necessary for tapping into my femininity.
Unlearning hostile behaviors takes time. Give yourself grace to rebuild and unlock your inner power.
One of my biggest takeaways was becoming more intentional about volunteerism. Just because I didn’t win the crown, doesn’t mean I can't make a difference. In fact, I felt provoked to serve more. As a result, I look for ways to give back regularly. Every month I sow into an organization or someone personally as I’m led by the Holy Spirit.
Sometimes it’s necessary to learn new things in order to maximize your purpose.
Trying something new can be intimidating, but the reward outweighs any trepidation. Not winning the crown wasn't my expected outcome yet everything turned out the way it was supposed to. The lessons I learned and experience gained are far more valuable than anything a prize package could offer. "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." -Romans 8:28.
Fun fashion
Evening gown
View more photos here.
Written with grace,
Kiala
Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior? If not, say this prayer:
Dear Lord Jesus,
Come into my life. I accept You as my Lord and personal Savior. I believe in my heart that You died and rose from the dead to save me. Thank You, Lord, for saving me in Jesus' name. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer, then congratulations! All of your sins are now forgiven and you have been born again. Heaven is rejoicing!
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