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a pageant that is best for you. Sarnia Billups, a junior, was another contestant in the Miss Omega Psi Phi pageant. “I chose to do a Greek pageant because I know they are the most controversial and criticized,” Billups said. “I perceived it as a challenge to use my gracefulness to change that perception.” Many enter pageants for personal aspirations but others have goals to connect with people they admire. Whatever your goal may be, make sure that you find the perfect one for you. The pageant process and outcome are both worth a close look into when considering entering a pageant. Some pageants occur within a month of contestant selection, while others may occur three months later. Most RSO and class pageants are held in the same month of contestant selection. Other pageants like Miss Spelman and Miss AUC are held the semester following selection. This is important because you may apply and be selected in October with the mindset that it will be over soon. The time leading up to the pageant is full of chaos. A storyline must be made, a photo-shoot must be carried out, a dress must be bought, questions must be practiced, a platform must be established, and above all a talent must be solidified! The process of a pageant can sometimes be so worrisome, that some contestants quit after realizing it’s not for them. This is why it is crucial to make sure your pageant of interest is dear to your heart. “Seeing the contestants work hard under so much pressure was motivation for me to stick to the project,” said Morehouse senior and pageant director Logan Battle. “After so many financial and social obstacles, we were still able to put on a good show. Though I learned a lot and made great friends, I would not do it again. I feel as though it was a once in a lifetime experience for a reason. Rachel Delsarte, a senior biology major, was a recent winner in the Kappa Alpha Psi pageant. “My involvement in the pageant was enjoyable and I learned a lot about myself,” Delsarte said . I made good connections with important people, but I probably won’t do another pageant in my college career.” Some pageants reveal to contestants that the spotlight is for them, while others learned that they were born to perform. Though it may be stressful and require hard-work, pageants are worth it in the end as you receive a great number of rewards in all forms. Fallon Clark, junior computer science major, is now serving as Miss Junior. “I feel honored to represent the class of 2015,” said Clark. It’s wonderful to know that the students trust me to represent them with poise, grace, and class. It is difficult to collaborate with class council, but I know that it will help me grow as a student and a professional. It was a very rewarding experience.” If you see a pageant contestant out and about, take the chance to congratulate and complement them as they have worked very hard. We encourage you to go for it and be determined if you are considering taking part in a pageant! The BluePrint SpelmanPaper@gmail.com Feb/March 2014 <