Erica’s
Journey
Many of us know
that beauty pageants can be very expensive. From the coaching, entry fees,
gowns, swimwear, photos, teeth whitening and beauty enhancement treatments the
cost can range in the thousands. I started competing in beauty pageants at the
age of 14 when my mom signed me up for a local pageant at the mall in New York
and that’s where it all started when I won my very first title and had the
chance to compete at nationals. As a former pageant contestant competing
in various pageants, my parents didn’t have the economic resources to pay for
me to take pageant coaching or modeling classes. From my point of view, a crown and a sash doesn't define who I am and that never hindered my ability and desire to help others. My parents did what they could to
raise me and today I’m beyond thankful and blessed for who I am.
For many, I was rich and wealthy just
because I competed in beauty pageants little did they know how hard I had to
work and sacrifice myself into paying my own expenses and look for sponsorship
in order to compete. I never gave up on my dreams because I was focused, determined and persistent and I knew I would succeed no matter what the challenges and obstacles were. Back when I was in college while living in Puerto
Rico, I paid for my own modeling classes on a weekly basis with the money I
made working through the work and study program in college. I gained a passion for pageantry and continued
to compete. I'm a risk taker, even when my goals seem far. I enjoy taking opportunities that can add to my life experiences. Although to me, it was never about winning the crowns or titles. It
was about the learning experiences, memories I took with me and accomplishing my dreams.
Life is
not about how many times you fall down.
It's
about how many times you get up!
People
who shine from within don’t need a spotlight
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