The Night that Changed my Life
When you hear stories about pageants you often think about the planning that comes with it such as the preparation, practice, and overall execution. In 2013 & 2014, I was the title holder of Virginia’s Top Model Winner for National American Miss (Namiss). Although it was my first time competing in pageants, I received the highest score in Virginia for that category for two consecutive years. In 2013 & 2014, my goal was to win the Top Model title as a way to promote myself to modeling agencies and overall boost my confidence. Going into this, I knew that I would win this category. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to enter the pageant world at such a young age. There are many qualifications that you have to pass such as an official state application process, interview process, orientation/workshop events, and the pageant itself. To compete in the pageant, you have to be selected as a contestant through the official state application. If you are accepted, then the interview and orientation process begins, once you pass those steps, you will have to complete the orientation/workshop. Only around 100 contestants are selected to be able to compete in the pageant. After months of practicing for the pageant, the pageant is held in July and lasts around 2-3 days.
National American Miss 2014 group photo at Reston, Virginia.
When I arrived at the pageant, I was positive about winning that title. The pageant has many categories ranging from Top Model Winner, Talent Winner, Photogenic Winner, Spokesmodel Winner, Queen, etc. Throughout the week of competing in the pageant, every contestant is required to complete the interview process, the introduction event, the formal wear event, and the crowning. I was also required to learn a dance routine to present before the crowning of the pageant queen. As I entered the room for the Top Model competition, I was required to pose with my name and assigned number. After hearing the judges tell me to start, it felt normal to begin posing. By the time I was done with my photo shoot, I could see and hear the judges talking about how they have never seen someone so young be able to come up with so many poses without any direction. I remember one of the judges saying I was a “natural” at modeling. Another judge stated that “I have blown out the competition!” After leaving the room, I immediately started smiling as I knew that I won the title without hesitation! When the final results came, I heard my name being called “Naya Shelton as Miss Top Model Winner of Virginia”. The screams and shouts I heard as my name was called were uplighting and unbelievable.
Taking a photo with the Top Model Competition sign in 2014.
The coordinator and I photographed at the competition in 2014.
Overall, being in pageants since then has taught me a lot about what it means to be confident in your own skin. For background context, National American Miss is the #1 most extensive pageant system in the United States of America. As a former pageant contestant, there are many things to consider when entering the pageant world. My three tips for being successful when entering the pageant world are to:
Be confident.
Practice! Practice! Practice!
Know what you’re capable of.
This night I won three trophies: 2014 state finalist, 4th runner-up casual wear winner, and top model winner title holder.
Always remember that there are so many opportunities for you to achieve your goals, whether that is competing in pageants or getting accepted into your dream school, always set goals and know your timing. There will be times when you feel like giving up or not feeling confident; remember that everything happens for a reason. Always leave a situation with the notion of doing your best.
- Naya Shelton