Why Mrs. International?

Why Mrs. International?  Why pageantry?  Why now?  A lot of my friends and family have asked why I'm doing this...So without further adieu...

I first heard about the International Pageant system about 6 years ago.  I was volunteering for a fundraiser for CAASA (Centers Against Abuse and Sexual Assault) with the past Mrs. titleholder.  Having always been intrigued by pageantry but never participated, I asked her about her experience.  Everything that she had to say about the system was positive.  She really emphasized that it was service-oriented and there was not a swimsuit portion.  She had really gained a lot from her time as Mrs. Iowa International and her enthusiasm struck a chord with me.  But I felt that I could never be a titleholder--I was not in shape, had no experience and it just seemed so far out of reach.

After going through a correction in my heart's electrical system (2007) and a bout of depression that left me feeling ugly and unworthy, I had made a conscious effort to get my health back on track, emotionally and physically (more about that in another post).  By the time 2014 rolled around, I was at a better point.  And International Pageants was still in the back of my mind.  Could I be a good titleholder?

That year, my daughter was set to compete in a local pageant and they just happened to open up a Mrs. category.  This was my chance to test the waters--would I sink or swim?  I had been helping with our county fair's Queen contest for a few years now and thought I had a good idea of what it might take--and it ended up being that I could swim!  I placed first and had such a wonderful time!  I was teeming with confidence and contacted the National Director, Mary Richardson.  She answered my questions and along with my uber-supportive co-worker, Rhonda, encouraged me to submit an application.  And so I did.  The rest is history.

So again, why Mrs. International?  First of all, I don't think there is an age limit on having dreams.  You can be a role model at any age!  Secondly, I love the fact that Mrs. International is based on celebrating the achievements of married women.  They fully support families and I try to include my family in as many appearances as I can.  My husband gets to escort me on stage at Nationals!

Here's what I bring to the table.  My platform, or cause, that I am promoting as Mrs. Iowa International is Volunteerism.  Being engaged in your community/state/world is something that I always have been and will continue to be whether I am named Mrs. International or not.  I firmly believe that people are our biggest assets and together we can work to strengthen the places we live.  International Pageant's National Platform is Go Red for Women (American Heart Association).  As someone who had been diagnosed with a heart condition, and have made changes to help enhance my life and heart health, I feel that I would be a good representative for the job.  I have so much to offer and I think that Mrs. International is the opportunity to promote a servant heart on a larger stage.  Being able to represent my state as Mrs. Iowa International 2015 is an honor and privilege!

To find out more about International Pageants, visit www.mrsinternational.com.

Be the Change.  Be the Light.  #ServeLoveVolunteer

Cheers!

Jill