This text initially appeared on Enterprise Insider.
This essay relies on an interview with Lillian Perez, a 23-year-old contestant within the San Antonio pageant. It has been edited for size and readability.
At any time when I used to be requested, “What do you need to be once you develop up?” once I was youthful, I all the time had the identical reply: “I need to be Miss Texas.”
I had no thought what I used to be into as a child, however it was one thing I simply knew I wished.
I bear in mind attending the Miss Del Rio pageant once I was younger, however the first pageant I entered was Miss San Antonio Teen USA 2018. I received the teenager class and my good friend and mentor, Alayah Benavidez, received is the Miss San Antonio USA crown that 12 months.
Seeing somebody I knew win made my aggressive desires that rather more actual. I knew I wished to be Miss San Antonio USA sooner or later.
Later that 12 months, I competed once more and completed as a semi-finalist within the Miss Texas Teen USA pageant.
5 years later, I graduated as an adolescent and entered the Miss San Antonio USA 2023 pageant.
My coaching schedule was very intense
Perez within the gymnasium. Lillian Perez through BI
I’m additionally in class finding out kinesiology, educating lessons at Cyclebar Studio half time and taking part in analysis alternatives at my college to pursue my dream of opening my very own gymnasium.
My schedule consisted of 12 to fifteen hour days and included work, college, coaching, hydration and wholesome consuming.
After a 12 months of coaching and competing, I received Miss San Antonio USA in Could.
I do not assume individuals understand how costly it’s
Pageants are very costly not solely to enter, but in addition to compete.
I needed to pay for all the things from wardrobe to hair, make-up and nails. There are additionally a number of coaching programs that you must take, which price cash. It is overwhelming and overwhelming, and might be irritating if you do not know the way to method it.
The Miss San Antonio USA pageant price me hundreds of {dollars}. The price forces you to have a powerful work ethic as a result of it is an funding.
Successful Miss San Antonio USA was just the start
Perez competes. Choose Studios through BI
Being topped was surreal. All my coaching and dedication culminated within the second I heard my identify being referred to as. It was difficult to not cry once I was topped as my family and friends cheered me on from the viewers.
The conclusion of my dream was not with out sacrifice. I needed to work extra hours on the biking studio to cowl the price of competitors prep, skip social occasions to remain on observe and cling to a strict food plan and coaching routine to take care of my edge.
After the preliminary wave of feelings following my coronation, I acknowledged that my journey had solely simply begun.
I’m motivated
Considered one of my favourite motivational phrases is “the work goes on”. After I received, I instantly began coaching for Miss Texas USA 2023, which occurred in July.
Whereas I used to be coaching, I used to be nonetheless required as Miss San Antonio USA to advertise well being and wellness on my social media accounts in addition to sponsors of the Miss Texas USA pageant.
I additionally needed to proceed with my health and food plan regime till I went on stage to face the judges.
Sponsorships helped me with Miss Texas USA
One factor that helped me put together financially was the Miss San Antonio USA prize package deal.
That he gave me sponsorships and I additionally reached out to a number of native enterprise house owners myself and secured non-public sponsorships from house owners in San Antonio and Houston.
My spring semester ended earlier than Miss Texas USA, so I used to be capable of absolutely dive in and give attention to extra work to avoid wasting up and practice extra throughout that eight week interval with out college.
I felt calm when Miss Texas USA lastly got here
I used to be not nervous through the choice as a result of each second on stage is a second during which I’m in my component. I do know that is what I used to be meant to do.
The Miss Texas USA pageant is split into an offstage interview, an onstage swimsuit efficiency, and a night robe efficiency. You do not actually have time to be nervous or in your head as a result of it is so quick.
I ended up second runner up. That consequence motivated me to work tougher.
I nonetheless have roles to carry out
I attend native occasions and publish on social media about how a disciplined, energetic life-style strikes you towards your objectives.
Considered one of my private priorities is to get as many ladies as doable to compete within the subsequent pageant. Extra ladies ought to know concerning the potentialities of competing in pageants, even when they solely need to accomplish that on the native degree.
My participation in pageants has resulted in networking alternatives, together with manufacturers to mannequin for, photographers to work with, and different notable individuals within the business.
I made connections that can assist me in my profession
What was thrilling for me was assembly individuals who work in bodily remedy as a result of that’s the profession discipline I need to enter.
I’ve additionally met individuals who personal non-profit organizations and provides me the chance to volunteer and get entangled locally.
I strengthened my values by means of coaching and elevated my work ethic and want to enhance. Though I wasn’t making any cash instantly from competing, which could possibly be used in direction of my dream of proudly owning a gymnasium, the communication and social expertise I gained had been invaluable in working towards my long-term profession objectives.