As a career woman, mother and philanthropist, I felt that the Ms. America Pageant was a great opportunity to test my ability to step out of my comfort zone. Being in a pageant was not something I thought I would ever do because I really didn’t know much about them. However once I took that leap of faith and took my husband’s challenge, I didn’t look back.

From the moment I was accepted to be in the pageant to the moment it ended, I found myself excited and nervous all at the same time. I enjoyed every bit of the process. At times it was consuming and overwhelming, and others it took my breath away. Since I had not been in a pageant before I did not have anything to compare it too, so for me, it was a great and unique experience.

Once I checked into the hotel, I realized I was in for a magical weekend. I felt like royalty from the hotel staff and the pageant people. I felt important and that I was there for a purpose. The women I met were terrific. Each coming from an incredible background for one common goal. All were beautiful inside and out. A “true beauty” kind of moment! The pageant people were very nice and the rehearsals were great. Who knew I could dance that long in heels. The prizes were terrific. The dinner was terrific and the necklaces are a nice keepsake. The necklace will always remind me of that special weekend.

I have made some new friends across the nation and I hope to keep in touch with all of them forever. Being in the Ms. America pageant has taught me to hold my head up high, and know that I can do anything I set my mind too. Would I do it again? Not sure, we’ll see how my year shapes up. Would I encourage other to do it? Absolutely, I think a woman should try it at least once in her life, no matter what age. They have nothing to lose!
Lisa Hart
Coto de Caza, CA

When I looked at the Ms. America website, I was impressed with their mission statement.  The Ms. America Pageant Mission Statement impressed me to the point of deciding to fill out the application.

What if I was given a “priceless” opportunity?   I took that “priceless” opportunity by filling out the application for Ms. America.  At the time I simply filled the application out just for fun.  Little did I know the impact that process would have on my life.  Each day that goes by I apply something that I learned from the pageant; whether it is standing taller with a sense of confidence, looking at life with a different perspective, encouraging or helping someone, or simply remembering the new friendships.

One of the catalyst for completing the application was a Life Coaching class that I am currently attending by Dr. John Townsend and Dr. Henry Cloud.  When I came across the Ms. America website I thought this was a perfect opportunity to put into action the things I was learning in the class. 

I could set my goals and meet my first goal by doing something that was totally outside my “box”--filling out the application for the pageant.  I would stretch myself by doing something beyond my comfort zone and fill a gap in life. I focused on my personal goals of encouraging others, meeting new ladies who believed in a common goal of friendship, helping others be the best they can be beyond their physical or emotional limitations, and sharing philanthropic passions.

Throughout the entire process of preparing for the pageant, I was challenged to think through my personal beliefs of how I viewed life and even my role as a participant in the pageant.  This was a growing experience as I decided to write a letter to Gold Canyon Candles to see if they would donate candles to each of the ladies.  I wanted to encourage each lady to let her light shine as she shared her talents and strengths with others.  They were so gracious in donating 16 ounce Heritage Candles to all the ladies plus a few extra for others who played a major role in the pageant experience.

In reflecting over the weekend, there could only be one $35,000 queen that had a voice as queen of the pageant for a year, yet there are twenty-five other ladies who have a voice in their circle of influence for a lifetime.  “What do you plan to do if not crowned Ms. America?” 

What if those twenty-five ladies reflected on the weekend as being “priceless” even though they were not crowned?  How would that influence the pageant?  Who wouldn’t want to be part of something so fabulous that it was a “priceless” experience? 

The growth process is “priceless” when you set your own personal goals.  Anyone who wants to challenge themselves to expand beyond their comfort zone would benefit from this pageant experience.

How does one handle failure?  Failure is the avenue to success. How a person handles failure will determine their successes.   As an analogy, I think of Babe Ruth with 714 home runs and 1,330 strike outs in baseball.  What would be your perspective on being crowned or not crowned, if you were to participate in the pageant?  John Wooden once explained that winners make the most errors.

Thank you for the “priceless” experience!

Pam Lee

Corona, CA

WOW!!!!!!!!  Susan, I am so proud of you and the work that you put into the pageant... No one ever dreamed it would be so wonderful.. I truly enjoyed every minute of it... I felt like the little girl who did not want to go to sleep until I found out who the Queen was!!!!!

I do look forward to next year and continuing on as the official teeth whitener for the 2012 Ms America Pageant.

Gina McLane
Celebrity Smiles

I am honored to have been chosen to compete. I met many intelligent and accomplished women, and felt very lucky to be included with people of their caliber. Being in the Ms. America Pageant helped me to overcome my fear of taking a chance at something I never thought I would have the courage to do. I value my experience and am thankful for the opportunity.
Holly Telford
Aliso Viejo, CA

Susan Jeske is a “woman of her word.” Everything she mentioned before hand took place and was accurate. I wish Britney Cleary the best of luck during her reign. YOU GO GIRL!!! 
Daphine Rice
Ypsilanti, Michigan 

As a contestant in the 2009-10 Ms. America pageant, I wanted to share my experiences.  There is no doubt in my mind that the pageant was fair and honest...  I also competed in the pageant and feel the pageant was fair, and Bridget was a great winner… I had a great time and was so impressed with the women I met and their character and class. I am proud of my association with this pageant.
Heidi Ritz
Woodland Hills, CA

I was in the pageant my name is Sue Drakeford from Kansas City. I thought Bridget won fair and square. At that moment and time she was the best contestant…  This was Bridget's night and I think she will do an amazing job as the new Ms. America…   Each one the girls could have represented the crown because I felt each girl was capable of it.
Sue Drakeford
Executive Director
Miss Essence & Mrs. Essence Pageant
www.essencepageant.com