Mirror, mirror on the wall… –

July 15, 2019 –  I try to remember every piece of choreography I’ve been rehearsing — knee slightly forward, angled just right to pull my core muscles taut. A sharp pivot while I keep my eyes on the judges, one single twirl, and a quick wink before I finish my routine. When I competed in pageants throughout high school and college, my life was full of moments like this — balancing delicately in six-inch heels while I smiled at the audience with a seemingly effortless sense of grace. I “caught the bug” for pageantry at age 17, when I entered and won my Tennessee high school’s annual pageant. My confidence soared. I loved being able to sing onstage, to wear gowns that made me feel beautiful, and to sell my public speaking skills in an interview room. It seemed only natural that I would try competing in the Miss America program in college, which gave me a chance to earn scholarship money if I placed as a winner or runner-up. I took my training seriously, attending biweekly sessions with my coach who would teach me how to pivot in heels, hit all my talking points, and convey an easy sense of elegance.

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