Rodeos, monster trucks and big hair. These are the things the state of Texas is most known for. Beauty pageants are also characteristic of the southern states. Over the years, as women have evolved to become more empowered and independent, beauty contests have earned a bad rap for degrading the female species. However, the fact is that beauty pageants are not all about the hair and make-up; they are about teaching young girls confidence and the power of good will.
“I believe that competing in pageants and modeling has helped mold me into the person I am today,” senior Andrea Javier said. “It has caused a dramatic change in my personality as well as the way I project myself to others and it has opened the door to many wonderful opportunities and friendships with truly amazing people.”
Javier holds the titles of Miss CoverGirl for Quinceañera Magazine and Miss Latina Dallas. She first decided to compete in pageants when she got involved in modeling, following in the footsteps of her mother who encouraged her to try her hand at beauty pageants. Although being involved in pageants is time-consuming, Javier feels that being involved in competitions such as these has helped her to move toward her future.
“I won the talent portion of the Miss Latina Dallas Pageant with a monologue, which has helped me discover a passion for acting that I wasn’t aware of,” Javier said. “I am really thankful that I involved myself in these activities because it has led me towards the communications major I want to pursue.”
Another shining star in the pageant world is senior Anjelica Rodriguez. Sharing her love of playing the piano with thousands and getting most of her college tuition paid by the Miss America Organization were just the start for this promising contestant. As Miss Teen Austin in 2011, Rodriguez was given the opportunity to promote her platform of choice: “Rescuing America’s Homeless Youth.”
“I traveled the city of Austin for a year encouraging students not to run away and telling them what to do if they found themselves in a situation in which they needed to leave home or were being thrown out of their home,” Rodriguez said. “It is truly a remarkable feeling to know that I helped raise awareness for a cause that is near and dear to my heart.”
Recently named National American Miss Texas Teen 2nd Runner Up is senior Christina Wu. Having competed in the National American Miss North Texas two years in a row, Wu is no stranger to the world of flowing gowns and sparkling tiaras. Being a part of beauty pageants has added to the lives of these three contestants in unique ways. Along the way, they have made lasting friendships and learned significant life lessons.
“The most important thing I learned was that there’re always going to be people who don’t agree with your decisions or opinion and will aim negative comments towards you, but you need to make sure you are happy with yourself because that will help you understand that you can’t be perfect in everyone’s eyes and that you don’t need everyone’s approval to be happy,” Javier said.
