I had an amazing time at Miss Texas Teen USA this past weekend! I got to catch up with old friends as well as meet many amazing new ones. So many of the lessons I learned as a competitive athlete translate to pageantry. Perseverance, endurance, and hard work are all things soccer taught me that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

I have been so blessed by my journey through pageantry (it’s so odd to say that, as a lifelong jock, I still find myself a little surprised by this new, more glamorous path). Although it has only been 18 months since I entered in my first pageant, I have learned so much about myself in the process. It has prepared me for life in many ways, and I am so thankful for everyone who has guided me along this road.

I know that life is a continual progression of becoming the best version of yourself and growing spiritually and in every other way. I can say with assurance that I was the best version of myself yet. I know that my identity lies in the hands of God, not in the outcome of a pageant, and realizing that has allowed me to be my strongest and most confident.

Even though some people are critical of pageantry, and I was probably one of them subconsciously if not outright, it has brought me more maturity, insight into my true self, and ability to intelligently articulate my beliefs than I ever expected and I am forever grateful for the experience.

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing. -2 Timothy 4:8