First of Many

I promised my friends that I would do a better job at updating this blog than my tumblr so here goes a post about my first event as Miss Michigan Amazing!

Getting Ready for the Parade

I had the honor of representing Michigan Amazing Pageant in the Royal Oak Holiday Magic Parade. Growing up, I went to parades annually with my parents. I was always impressed by the talented high school bands, the variety of vehicles from unicycles to antique cars , and of course, the beautifully creative floats. However, as a young girl, my favorite part was always waving to the strangers that passed by, especially the beauty queens. I would turn to my mom and say, "She waved at me! Did you see?!" And today, I wasn't the young girl standing beside her mom, I was the girl with a crown on my head in my very own convertible.

With my beautiful director in the background :)

What a beautiful car!

It was about 19 degrees but with my hand warmers and beautiful fur scarf, I was ready to rock the parade! As soon as our Chevy Camaro hit Lincoln street, I waved like an excited child at the families before me. I was thoroughly enjoying myself, laughing and smiling as we went down the parade! I loved hearing "Look, it's Miss Michigan Amazing!" and "It's Karen Tang!" as our car drove by. I was continuously waving to everyone because I remember loving the waves I received from the parade participants. I hope I made their day just like they made mine. The smiles and waves from the residents of Royal Oak made the cold a little bit warmer and I couldn't be happier to have been a part of this experience!

Happy to be a part of the MAG Pageant family! <3

So excited to meet Paws! Go Tigers! 

Behind the Scenes

The pageant interviews began bright and early Saturday morning. Dressed in my red dress and black glittered heels, I was ready to take on my competition. What I wasn't expecting was becoming friends with my competition in a matter of five minutes. There were seven of us in the Miss division, each girl was truly one of a kind. Even though we came from different cities within Michigan, we bonded over McDonald french fries and the bargain deals from GoodWill. These girls were all beautiful but more than that, they were poised, confident, and good-hearted people. 

Ready for Interviews!

They taught me that pageants aren't just about the crown at the end of the night. It was about being confident enough in yourself to walk on a stage while others judged you. It was about improving interview skills that are a valuable asset to any human being. It was about the people that you would have the honor of meeting and never would've met otherwise. It was about the fun memories that would be made with your newest friends. It was about standing behind the mission statement of the pageant that you longed to represent. 

Somerset Outing

This weekend would not have been the same without the six incredible women that I had the honor of meeting and sharing a stage with. They made every moment a fun one - from our "fake" laughter on the Somerset moving walkway to the grapevine in our opening number. By Sunday, you would've never guessed that we were competing for the crown. Girls were backstage rehearsing the opening number together, complimenting each other on their amazing gowns (and yes, everyone's dress was incredibly beautiful), and keeping each other entertained backstage. It felt like we were a group of friends putting on a fashion show for our friends and family. I am honored to call these girls my friends and I am blessed to have met them through this experience.

#Vogue

There She Is... Miss Michigan Amazing

When I was a little girl, I dreamed of being a beauty queen. I wore my mom's dresses and walked around my room with building blocks in my socks - my own creative version of heels. I saw the beauty in every pageant I watched and believed that having a crown made you beautiful.

At the age of 22, I was finally brave enough to pursue one of my childhood dreams. This past weekend, I competed in my first pageant. I represented Ann Arbor in the Michigan Amazing Girl pageant. I spent weeks resisting delicious cookies (but eating chocolate instead...) and hunting down the perfect outfit for the competition. I went into it with the mindset that it would be a good experience and just one thing I can finally cross off my bucket list. Little did I know, it would be a weekend filled with life lessons and the moment that would start the next chapter of my life. 

Just like the photo below, the pageant was a complete blur. There were three parts: an opening number, my model wear, and of course, the infamous evening gown. It went by so quickly that before I knew it, I was on stage awaiting the announcement of our next Miss Michigan Amazing.

The moment when my childhood dream came true.

I was so overwhelmed with happiness and excitement when my name was called that I barely remember the crowning moment itself. I vaguely remember being surrounded by the past queens with flowers, a plaque, and of course, the crown. I took my first walk as Miss Michigan Amazing and I think I took a fairly short one, because all I wanted to do was jump up and down and squeal. The best moment was feeling the embrace of my fellow Miss queens, all of whom I admire. Needless to say, the crowning moment was truly a dream come true!

I am honored to be representing an organization dedicated to the individual development of girls and young women in public relations, public speaking, volunteerism, and community outreach. This organization proves that holding a title is more than just a crown, it's about making a difference in your community. I am ready to take on the role of Miss Michigan Amazing and be the role model that I always saw in pageant queens. I can't wait for the adventures to come and the memories I will make with my sister queens! Here's to the newest chapter of my life, and I invite you all to take this journey with me.

My Sister Queens <3