My dad is my biggest cheerleader. My dad once told me, “Never let money stop you from doing anything that you want to do.” That statement jives so well with my idealistic outlook. I can accomplish anything that I set my mind to. I have allowed that statement to resonate in my mind every time that money poses an obstacle.
Pageantry is an expensive hobby. I knew this going into it. I have been broke for the past year – year and a half paying for coaching, personal training, healthy meals, makeup and my wardrobe and pageant fees when pageant season finally rolls around.
The closer I get to my goal, more obstacles present themselves. The crown begins to feel just beyond my reach. I want to abolish all obstacles in my way so that I can reach out and grab my dream.
As much as I try to maintain my idealistic attitude that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to, money keeps rearing its ugly head. I refuse to sacrifice anything that is on my timeline of training, wardrobe and makeup for the next two months.
I will keep my head up and fight for what I want.
I have always measured my success by asking, “Would the 10-year-old me be proud if she knew the 26-year-old me?” For a long time, I was uncertain about the answer to that question. The answer to that question is finally, not only would the 10-year-old me have been proud, but in disbelief. I have surpassed everything I ever dreamed. My dreams have grown beyond what I could have imagined as a child. I am finally not only the person that I wanted to be when I was a kid, but I am someone that 10-year-old me would have wanted in her life, to look up to.
I have an opportunity to be this role model for millions of young girls across the country that are in need of role models.
I refuse to give up. Nothing is standing in my way.