Beauty pageants are competitions that celebrate not only physical beauty but also talent, intelligence, and community service. Participants often prepare for months, sharpening their skills in areas like public speaking, interview techniques, and stage presence. While the experience can be incredibly rewarding, it also comes with its share of challenges.

Now what is pageantry? Pageantry is a competition that celebrates beauty, talent, intelligence, and community service. Contestants prepare for events like talent performances, interviews, and public speaking. While traditional pageants have focused on appearance, many modern ones emphasize personal achievements and social impact. Pageantry also builds friendships among participants and often involves charitable activities.

Pageantry is such a unique experience, filled with both highs and lows. On one hand, the thrill of competition and the excitement of performing can be exhilarating. The friendships built along the way make it all the more rewarding. However, there can be challenges, like the pressure to look perfect and the nerves accompanying public speaking. I wanted to get an insight into how it’s like experiencing this first hand, so I asked SEMHS student Miley Jimenez how she feels when competing “Well, it can be challenging because public speaking can be nerve-wracking, but the charity events we’re involved in make it all worthwhile. I love knowing that our efforts can make a difference.” It’s that sense of purpose that truly elevates the entire journey, making every moment spent worthwhile.

Beauty pageants often offer scholarships and financial support for higher education. Many participants can pursue their academic goals thanks to the financial aid provided by pageants. This aspect helps to elevate the perception of pageants as opportunities for personal development and education rather than mere contests of beauty. Miley Jimenez says, “Well I haven’t gotten any scholarships, I have friends who have and it’s truly something amazing to see. Especially since a lot of us are involved with different things at school, it makes a difference in our lives” As you can see these scholarships help young people pursue their passions and dreams without the financial stress of higher education. 

Lastly, beauty pageants can help individuals discover their passions and career paths by allowing them to explore various talents and interests, such as public speaking and advocacy. Participants often uncover new areas of interest through preparation and competition and connect with mentors in different fields, gaining valuable insights. Miley Jimenez says “I think before pageantry I would panic at the thought of what was next after this chapter, but now I know what I want my career to do and I’m really happy that pageantry helped me find that.” Miley’s experience shows how pageantry helps people choose their careers. Through the process of pageantry, she was able to meet new people and decide what she wanted to pursue in life. Overall, pageantry is a great way to grow and find a rewarding career.

While pageantry can be challenging—with pressure to perform and the demands of preparation—these difficulties lead to personal growth. Contestants gain resilience, valuable skills, and lasting friendships. The rewards go beyond titles; they include increased confidence, clearer career goals, and a sense of purpose through community service. Ultimately, the experiences in pageantry help individuals become empowered and self-aware, showing that overcoming challenges can lead to meaningful and transformative outcomes.