Tiaras. Heels. Glitter. Hairspray. Sophomore Mia Mathewson competes in pageants on the weekend and completes schoolwork on weekdays. Mathewson’s mom got her into pageants because her mom used to compete when she was younger. Since she was only 18 months old, Mathewson has been participating in competitive beauty pageants.
Pageants, school, and competitive dance are all very time-consuming activities, but Mathewson does it all. She believes that if someone truly enjoys something, they can always make time for it. In addition to attending the pageant, she also must train. Mathewson has a total of four coaches. Two coaches are to perfect the iconic model walk, and the other two coaches are to practice her interviewing responses.
Participating in pageants can often be expensive, requiring the purchase of coaching and dresses. Although the dresses vary, Mathewson recently wore one that cost about $1,800. Although participating in the pageant can be very expensive, she says it can also be gratifying. Some pageants offer cash prizes or even full-ride college scholarships.
Judges will score the girls on many factors, including their physical appearance. This often takes a mental toll on many pageant girls. Mathewson has seen some of her pageant friends have mental struggles from these competitions. One way that she maintains good mental health is by giving herself friendly reminders. Her favorite reminder is, “I always tell myself I’m my own biggest critic.” She thinks that it is better to compare herself to her past self rather than others, because you can only be your own you.
Mathewson’s friend Abby Valigorsky has seen her in pageants. Valigorsky went to Mrs. Connecticut and Mrs. Connecticut Teen to watch Mathewson compete. She loved going to the pageants. “It was an amazing experience; everyone looked amazing, and it was just everyone supporting each other.” The wholesome interactions with the pageant girls added to the pageant’s beauty.
Before Mathewson steps on stage, she always takes a minute to pray. It reminds her that God has a plan for her and that, instead of stressing about the competition’s results, she should focus on His plan and realize that everything happens for a reason. She says, “God has a plan, and your time will come.” For Mathewson, pageants are more than just a competition; they’re a way to follow the path she feels God has set for her.
Through all her hard work and dedication, Mathewson learned that pageants are more than just winning crowns or wearing pretty dresses. They’ve taught her confidence, patience, and how to always believe in herself. Balancing school, dance and pageants can be difficult, but Mathewson always finds time to do what she loves. Whether she is in sneakers at school or heels at a pageant, she always works hard to grow and become the best version of herself.
