I started going to Junior Miss programs when I was little and mom and I would go together. Mom would always make sure that we'd at least get to see the night when the talents were performed. I remember watching the talents and hoping that the others wouldn't mess up... it always made me so nervous for them (still does!). So during my junior year, people would ask me if I was going to do Junior Miss but I never really thought that I'd do it. I am quite the procrastinator, and it seemed like a lot of pressure. Plus I never believed that I would do well in it. But eventually, I convinced myself to give it my best shot and see where giving it my all would take me. I told myself that if it was God's plan it would happen and that He would use me, to just have fun, and that there was nothing to be worried about. I would pray over and over that I would be myself through all of this and to try my absolute best... and if my best wasn't good enough I could accept that. My other goal was to not embarrass myself on stage! At one point of time I remember my mom specifically asking me to drop out because I hadn't practiced my song enough that I was going to play on my flute... lol!!!! I looked through a flute music book that a family friend gave me to look through and found a Spanish song that was very cute (also entitled "Andalouse"...coincidence?). I'm interested in Spanish culture so it seemed to fit me perfectly. I didn't want to have to buy any new dresses so I reused mine from dances. I wanted to wear my red dress for talent and get a white rose to wear in my hair- how festive! In order to memorize that piece, I had to lock myself in my room for the weeks to come. I didn't have a flute instructor so I would listen to the song on Youtube alot. I got my chorus teacher,Mrs. Crigger, and also my middle school band director, Mr. Tucker, to record the piano part for me at church... they were great! For self-expression, the question was, "What is your dream?" so everyone talked about what career they wanted. At the time, I wanted to be a zoo veterinarian. At first, I just said something really basic that wasn't catchy but then someone suggested to me to say at the beginning, "Lions, tigers, and bears, OH MY!" Which I felt ridiculous saying, but it fit me. I heard the judges laugh whenever I said my self-expression (we had a discussion in my interview about strange pets I've had)! Two weeks before the program we started the practices in fitness and self-expression routines. That's when I really got to spend some quality time with the girls :) Most of them were so sweet, but you're always likely to have those one or two people that try to get you down. I had this one girl randomly try to tell me that the flute wasn't a good talent and it was very easy. One tip for those being picked on- don't even give them a minute to think that you're down. Even if it hurts you, just smile and walk away and keep trucking. Mean comments from people make excellent motivation. :) The nights of the program were awesome- just feeling confident and not caring what people thought. It was something that I'll never forget. It was a shock, a completely unexpected surprise, and a blessing. Through the whole experience, I've never felt so loved...my family and friends were there the whole time. It was so much fun! Through this program I strengthened some friendships with the participants, gained confidence, met some new people throughout the county at different events, earned scholarship money, and so much more. I highly encourage every upcoming senior girl to sign up... I'll be happy to give you words of encouragement or help in anyway I can, and I'm sure the current DYW, Ander Helms, or any other past Junior Misses would love to help because we all have one thing in common- we love this program! :)
Structure-
25% interview
25% talent (onstage)
20% scholastics
15% self-expression (onstage)
15% fitness (onstage)
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