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What is considered beautiful? Is it the outward appearance of how one looks or is it the personality? In beauty pageants, beauty is measured as the outward appearance and personality of the individual competing.

Feminists believe that pageants do not advance women and that the whole concept of it is shallow. It is understandable that they want women to advance and to be seen as equals with men. However, they ought to consider that, as women, it is okay to be feminine.

Beauty pageants are about more than just beauty. They are about being a role model and making a positive difference in the community or country. Due to controversies from Miss USA, Miss California USA and children's pageants, have been given a bad name. What has to be realized is that in organizations- whether it be sports, cheerleading, music programs or student government- there will always be good and the bad. Unfortunately, the bad side of pageants has been shown more than the good.

As a competitor in pageants, I learned many positive things that I can take with me for the rest of my life. My mother had me compete in pageants because I was painfully shy. I have the smarts, but my mom wanted my social skills to be tweaked. I have been competing in pageants since 2006 and it has truly been a rewarding experience. After winning Miss Teen Victorville in 2007, I had the opportunity to attend ribbon cuttings, mixers, city events, parades and community service projects.

For most pageant systems you cannot just have the title without the work. Most pageant organizations have the queens participate in numerous community or national events. As a holder of many queen titles, I am connected to the community and I have the opportunity to make a positive difference in more ways than just one.

One of my favorite events was visiting Rock Springs Home, a retirement home for the elderly, during the holidays. We had conversations with them and give little gifts in order to show that we care. It is really important to stay connected and serve my community because it has made me a well- rounded person. I have done over 250 hours of community service with the various titles that I have won.

Some may argue that you don't have to be in pageants in order to serve the community, but what they don't consider is that with big titles come greater opportunities to help others. For instance, the Miss America Organization raises funds for the Children's Miracle Network to bring awareness for children's hospitals in the United States. From Nov. 9, 2009 to today, the MAO has raised over $3.5 million for the Children's Miracle Network. Sure, a normal person can raise funds for charities, and that's wonderful. But with powerful titles can come a powerful impact.

Pageants teach young women how to be well rounded ladies by gaining confidence, humility, dignity, respect and social skills. It also provides opportunities to get scholarships for college or savings bonds. For instance, Miss America receives $50,000 for college tuition.

Many celebrities have competed in pageants: namely, Halle Berry, Oprah Winfrey, Beyonce Knowles, Sharon Stone, Justin Timberlake, Sarah Palin, Delta Burke, Kathie Lee Gifford, Diane Sawyer and Vanessa Williams.

I never thought I would compete in pageants, but God had me participate in pageants for a reason. At 16 years old, I didn't see the purpose at first, but I believe that if I wasn't in pageants I wouldn't be the person that I am today. I would still likely be painfully shy and uninvolved in the community.

Participating in pageants has opened up a lot of doors for me, and I made friendships and connections that will last for a lifetime. For the most part, every girl wants to be a princess. Pageants provide a way to make those dreams into a reality.