Three in a row

They say good things come in three’s… right? In these three cases.. not so much. In the name of pageantry… mistakes happen. Many pageant queens have fallen, lost train of thought, tripped, and the list goes on. Well.. I’ve done these things too.. I still have my head held high, and walk with confidence every single day.

Part 1 - What’s my name?

If you have ever competed in a Sunburst pageant, you know how much fun they are! I loved how tall the trophies were, and how they created a background for the stage. This was my first time competing in a Sunburst pageant. I started off with evening wear walk, leading up to my introduction. I was handed the microphone and began my speech…

Hello everyone!… My name is….. …. …. …. ..

The host takes the microphone back, and says “that was ALICIA BLANKS”…. I could not believe I forgot my name. It was crazy. I walked off the stage to my mother, still dazed that I just completely forgotten my name. Trust me that NEVER happened again.

Part 2 - Did she just trip?

I had the most beautiful light blue gown on for a National American Miss pageant. When I tried it on at the store, the dress length was great. I was gliding, my shoes did not show, I felt like a fairytale princess, it was perfect. At the pageant, my mother steams the dress making it incredibly long. Neither of us thought about the length of the dress changing due to a little steam. When it was time for evening wear… oh boy. Every other step I was tripping on the fabric getting tucked under the dress. No matter how far back I had my shoulders… step step.. trip trip..

If you have competed in a NAM pageant, you know about the amazing escorts for evening wear. I had my uncle escort me for evening wear. He loves being on stage. I told him about my dress situation… He gave me some of the best luck ever… “Well.. let’s rock and roll baby!” It didn’t phase him in the least. Which boosted my confidence. During evening wear, I did not trip on my dress! I was so happy. You know when I did? During the parade of contestants…. I heard person in the audience literally yell out… did she just TRIP? Really dude?

(I seriously cannot find a photo of this gown…)

Part 3 - She’s down! Now she’s up!

My second favorite competition is swim wear. I love wearing heels, and working a great suit. However… I will say this was the very first time I was a tad nervous to walk in heels. They were so steep I felt like I had Barbie feet.. if that makes sense. (It should)

I made the top semi finals in Miss New Jersey USA. (Yay) We were given sarongs. These things were so long. I was working the stage.. and the fabric caught under my heel. “She’s down… Now she’s up! Oh boy… I think I may have been the reason the staff took out sarongs the next year.

So there you have it! Things happen! Tell the story, and laugh about it. Own your trips, falls, and forgetfulness. They are what make you who you are.