What Miss USA taught me....

I watched my eight year old daughter's face as the pageant contestants walked across the stage. Her expression was that of amusement and curiosity...I could only imagine what was going through her head at that moment. For an eight year old--some what of a tom boy-- sitting almost next to Miss USA this evening may have been somewhat of a culture shock. From our morning battles to brush teeth and comb hair to seeing perfectly poised beauty queens on a gleaming stage, I was secretly hoping the evening would inspire her to be 'more of a little lady'. And at the end of the night, I got exactly what I wanted.

Having sponsored Miss Maryland USA for the past two years, I've learned a lot more about the competitors than I ever thought I would. Sitting in the audience tonight watching the girls perfectly poised in their evening wear and swim wear, I had so much admiration for what it takes these women to be on that stage. So many people have the misconception that it's just a 'see who's prettier' contest. In reality, these women work their asses off. From diets, workouts, walking, posing, gowns, teeth, hair, wardrobes, tanning, nails, skin care, choreographed routines, accessorizing, sponsorships, countless interviews, pre pageant training, and so much more...these brave women have fought hard to be where they are. Not to mention that they are all educated, productive citizens in our community. The winner of tonight's Miss Maryland USA 2012 tonight graduated top of her class from UCLA and was an All American volley ball player...another was a scientist at NASA...while someone else was a partner in a law firm. They are strong, intelligent, beautiful women who are all competing to represent the state of Maryland in a positive and vibrant way. I learned this last year when I attended the pre competition meetings with the girls. They were given the rules of the competition which included being sweet, gracious, and respectful to every single person that they meet. To always be put together and ready for anything, and most of all that they were all beautiful and were equals amongst each other.

What a beautiful life lesson for all young girls. That they should take care of their bodies, respect themselves, respect others, always be humble, and make a positive impact on the world. Isn't this a lesson that all mothers want for their daughters? To take pride in themselves and have a sense of confidence that they can truly do anything they want? That their goals can be achieved with hard work and determination. And that nothing should get in the way of their dreams. To stand up tall no matter where they go and be prepared for anything?

Although there were moments during the evening that I had to strongly remind my daughter not to kick the chairs in front of her or sit up and watch the show...at the end I could see she was inspired. And even more so when she expressed in the car that she was going to be Miss USA one day and that we should start 'getting ready for when she's a teenager'. We got home. She went upstairs, hung up her clothes, took a shower, brushed her teeth, and preformed all the 'grooming' tasks that we ask our kids to do with lots of prompting. Already the inspiration has set in. She's expressed more sweetly than I've ever heard her talk, unless she really really wants something, that she is practicing for the pageant....Thank you Miss. USA...I am a very grateful mom tonight and I hope your message gets across to many more young girls...