As a former pageant girl, I can honestly say that the toughest part of any pageant is being able to think quickly on your feet. Once I heard Olivia Jordan Miss Oklahoma USA’s answer that society needs to focus on improving race relations, I knew she’d won.
Believe it or not, walking across a stage in front of thousands of people wearing a swimsuit and evening gown is just half the battle. The way you answer the types of questions that are thrown at you often times is the determining factor. You can be valedictorian of your high school. But if you’re at a loss for words, you’ll end up looking like a complete moron and you can forget about winning – as I’ve learned.
I have a knack for spotting a winner and from the moment I saw Olivia Jordan tearing up as she spoke about losing her grandma, I knew she was a front runner.
“Over the past four years since I’ve been modeling and acting full time, I put so much energy into that that sometimes I let the family stuff fall to be a second priority.” However, Jordan’s priorities shifted after the loss of her grandmother.
She’s honest, relatable, and has flaws. That said, I think back to my pageant days and cherish the valuable lessons I’ve learned like how to be confident, anticipate tough questions, and just go with the flow.
Pageants are an important stepping stone toward adulthood and I think that every girl should consider participating.
Princess is 4-years-old and I happened to think that she a bit too young right now. However, in the next 10 to 15 years, I’d probably encourage her to give it a try.
Heck, if it were up to me, I’d make it a requirement for all girls.
Do you think Olivia Jordan is deserving of the Miss USA crown? Do you think all girls should participate in pageants?