How Pageantry Found Emily Brooks, Mrs. ND International 2021
Why I Chose Pageants
When I
was 17, I competed in a pageant for the first time. I didn’t know a lot about
the pageant world but had a wonderful experience. It was an opportunity for me
to meet other girls my age from around the state. Caroline Melroe of The Academie
Agency had encouraged me to compete. She provided training to help prepare me
for the various areas of competition. The skills I learned from this pageant
involvement are something that has been useful throughout my life since.
Feeling confident walking into an interview is an amazing skill to have! This
is something I gained from the training I received in preparation for the
pageant.
Fast forward more than 2 decades…I didn’t imagine that revisiting my pageant dreams would be in my future; especially not during my 40s. I had been asked if I would be interested in competing in the North Dakota International Pageants when my son was a toddler. I had so many activities going on and was a busy young mother. It was hard for me to imagine adding more to my plate at the time without feeling overwhelmed. The seed was planted though, and it was something I always kept it in the back of my mind for a future date. A few years later, I was asked again if I might be interested. I was nearing 40, and I thought to myself, “If not now, then when?” I had a strong feeling that it was the right time for me to revisit the pageant dream from my youth.
I’m a
collector of life moments and friends. What matters most to me are the stories
that define me, and the people I hold dear to my heart. Both of these aspects
have been a part of my pageant journey even before winning the title of Mrs.
North Dakota International 2021. The women who I’ve met through my involvement
with the International Pageants have become wonderful friends and the memories
I’ve made with them have been amazing. One story that comes to mind was one of
the first events I volunteered for with North Dakota International Pageants. I
had the opportunity to escort veterans at the Hector International Airport as
they returned from an honor flight. I knew at that moment that I was right where
I was supposed to be.
Moments such as the honor flight were something that I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to experience had I not stepped out of my comfort zone, and said yes to a new adventure with International Pageants. Since winning the Mrs. North Dakota International 2021 title, the amazing and unique experiences have continued. I recently had the chance to judge a classic car show. It was something I hadn’t thought of to put on my life wish list of experiences, but afterward realized it should have been on it. It was something I’ll never forget.
Although I was a confident woman before revisiting my pageant journey, I’m thankful for the opportunity to really focus on who I am and what I stand for. For this, I am glad I chose pageants!
Sharing a mother’s
love,
Emily
