BarbaraBlogger is happy to hand over the blogging reins today to Laura Pennington, Miss Commonwealth  (Virginia). Laura read BB’s previous post about earning scholarship money by competing in the Miss America Pageant and wanted to share the following advice with all you smart and sassy women out there:
 
I had always known that the Miss America organization was the leading provider of scholarship money to young women, but until my junior year of college, I hadn’t considered competing. In my senior year, I competed in 11 Miss America preliminaries. Each taught me strength, determination, and courage. During my first year of competing in these pageants, I earned a total of $3,500 towards my education and a top 11 finish at the Miss Virginia pageant.

Two of the best aspects of competing in these pageants are gaining self-confidence and developing public speaking skills. Pageant interviews force you to explain your views and think quickly on your feet. Pageants have also helped me develop my talent and share it with others. The stage time and experience allows you to hone your craft and learn great showmanship, no matter what your talent.
 
One of the other benefits of competing in pageants is the opportunity to reach out to others. In a world where many role models don’t set good examples (Paris Hilton, anyone?), you’ll be surprised at how many little girls look up to you just because you have a crown on. Representing a Miss America pageant gets you out in the community speaking about an issue that you feel strongly about. You’ll engage with your community, help others, and learn from your volunteer experiences.

I’d suggest attending a local pageant in your area before you begin competing. For your first pageant, I don’t recommend going out and buying a brand new wardrobe. See what you have in your closet that can work, and purchase more quality items one at a time. The great part about pageants is that if you don’t win the first time, you’ve already got all the essentials. Girls use the same gowns, interview outfits, shoes, jewelry, and swimsuits over and over again. It’s certainly an investment when you begin, but you will see it pay off in spades when you’re racking up thousands of dollars towards your college tuition. Already paid off your college balance? Many states allow you to use the money towards student loans.
 
Consider yourself a feminist? Me, too. Pageants are actually a great way to empower women. I guarantee you will walk away with greater self-confidence, a sense of achievement, and public speaking skills that will last a lifetime. Pageants celebrate a healthy lifestyle, a drive to achieve goals, talent, and the many qualities that we as women can offer our local and state communities as real role models.

You’ll be surprised how much you learn and grow during the process. In the meantime, I have a close network of friends that I have met through pageants. They are intelligent, driven, and talented women just like you. Pageants are the best self-improvement classes you can take! And trust me, if you can walk on stage in a swimsuit and 4 inch heels in front of an audience, you can do anything!

The Ayn Rand Institute sponsors an annual essay competition for students in 8th grade through high school, offering thousands of dollars to dozens of winners. Depending on your grade level, the contest involves essays written about three of Rand’s most famous novels: Atlas Shrugged, The Fountainhead, and Anthem.

Rand’s novels are intense reads, so this competition will be a challenge. However, if you are an avid reader who is looking for a book that you can really sink your teeth into, give it your best shot. The odds and the payout are pretty awesome–over $80,000 to be awarded this year alone–so it’s well worth your while to enter the contest.

If you feel too bogged down with the regular homework in your English class to take on yet another novel, why not ask your teacher if you can submit the contest essay for extra credit? English teachers are thrilled when their students are reading outside of class, so this question may not be as far-fetched as you think.

Good luck and happy reading!

Find out the difference between grants, loans and scholarships, so you can get the most out of financial aid. Read our Financial Aid Glossary after the jump!

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