The Hampton Script

With the 2017-2018 Miss Hampton University Scholarship Pageant today, some students might be inspired to participate in a pageant in the future. Pageant life can be nail-biting, but two of Hampton’s own beauty queens have been there and succeeded.

They know what it takes to have a prosperous pageant career and are here to provide some tips for aspiring contestants.

Kyla Wright, a junior journalism major and sociology minor from De- troit, has been in pageants since middle school and placed second in the 2016- 2017 Miss Black and Gold Pageant, claiming the title Miss Gamma Iota. She is also competing as the only junior in this year’s Miss Hampton University Pageant.

Maya Thames, a sophomore journalism major from Ellicott City, Md., has experience in the National American Miss Pageant and Barbizon modeling competition.
Having self-confidence is key, according to Wright.

“One of the biggest lessons I have learned from one of my pageant coach- es is [that] you are only in competition with yourself,” Wright said. “If you focus on what you are doing and put your best foot forward, that’s how you [will] know you are con dent with yourself.”

You cannot expect to be the best if you do not believe you are your own best. If you are a procrastinator, you may want to rethink your priorities when it comes to pageant life.

“Be prepared and do not do anything last minute because people will notice,” Thames said.

In the pageant world, no one likes anything rushed, as it is considered unprofessional. For instance, to prepare for the Miss Hampton University Scholarship Pageant, Wright practiced ve days a week and for about three hours each. She also was required to exercise every Saturday morning lead- ing up to the pageant.

Still, be careful not to get too carried away. Overwork can be bad for your health, physically and mentally. To maintain good health, Thames gives a few suggestions.

“Drink water all of the time,” Thames said. “Drink apple cider vinegar with tea [for clear] skin. Substitute regular products with organic products. It might be more expensive, but it is way better for your health.”

It’s easy to get lost in the glitz and glam of pageant life, but never forget the person you are when you leave that stage.

“Stay true to yourself because you are the only person that really matters,” Wright said. “Remember to stay con dent and remember you are still wonderful.”