@ The Ms. United States 2011 Nationals Competition
Ms. Maryland, Tiffany Parker 2011
Letter from Ms. Maryland, Tiffany Parker
I know many of you have been waiting to hear about my experience in Las Vegas last month. Sorry about the delay, but it wasn’t until I got home that I realized I needed a vacation from my vacation. LOL! My life has been so focused on the pageant for the past year, I needed a few weeks to put aside my “Ms. Maryland Crown”, and just be Tiffany.
Let’s Recap…
I had one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I met strong, beautiful and goal orientated women from all over the United States. I’ve formed lasting friendships with many of them.
For the first time in my life I learned a choreographed dance to Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" and Patti Labelle's "New Attitude" (1, 2, 3 Left... 1, 2,3 Right). LOL! I felt like a Las Vegas Showgirl ...and it showed when I hit the stage (Really... people in the audience came up to me later, telling me how much fun it looked like I was having. LOL! )
Every morning at 5:00 am, I woke up to hair and makeup, provided by my hair and make-artist Viette Smith. I loved getting all dolled up and ready to hit the stage (If you didn’t know... hair and make-up are my favorite pastime). There were about 2 wardrobe changes a day, and each outfit was styled from head to toe, from shoes to accessories. I was in Heaven.
I wore my Ms. Maryland sash proudly throughout The New Orleans Hotel and Casino, and took many pictures with people who were also on vacation from Maryland, and wishing me well.
What I learned…
People may have their own opinions about pageants, which everyone is entitled to, but I learned how enriching being a pageant girl truly can be, if you approach it with the right attitude. You see, pageants prepare people to put their best foot forward, and to always bring their “A” game. Whether it’s applying for a new job, moving to a new town, starting a new school, or whatever!!! Always be prepared to be the best “you” that you can be…Don't be afraid to challenge yourself, who knows what level you can excel to?
You never know who you will inspire or touch. I met so many girls throughout the hotel who were just happy to see all of us contestants gathered, and you could tell from the look in their eyes, that it inspired them. Who know what they will aspire to?
Questions…
Was the experience stressful or pressure filled? Absolutely!!! It’s a lot of pressure to have to stand up in front in a room of strangers and be judged on everything, from your looks, to your body, your posture and speech, etc. But I am so proud of myself for rising to the occasion every day, and leaving my room each morning with a sense of confidence in myself that beamed thru every pore of my body. Yes, pageants are competitive, but they are not life defining...
I say, Take what you’ve learned, use it for great things, and move on... I took the approach that no matter what happens, I am already a winner for being here. I’ve done so much as Ms. Maryland that going to the Nationals was just icing on the cake. And with that attitude, I can say that’s why my National experience was so enjoyable, and rewarding**
How did I do?
Well, I didn’t bring home the crown. That went to Ms. Virginia, Laura Eiliers and I couldn’t be prouder or happier for her. She deserved it. So did every other young woman who won for their division. The young lady who won in the “Miss” division had tried out for Miss America five times before she won Miss United States. Now that's determination. Honestly, I would have hated to have been a judge, because every one of the women who competed was nothing but TOP NOTCH. Although I haven’t received the official paperwork just yet, but speaking back stage to some officials, I was told I was in the top 10, which for it being my very first national pageant, I’m totally proud of. I took in every moment of my experience. I learned so much, and have come so far as a woman. How could I be upset?
The SKY is truly the limit, and this is only the beginning!!
Will I compete again?
I’m not sure; I’m in a place where I feel as though, “I’ve conquered it”....“What’s next”, so to speak. But who knows, the United States circuit, was phenomenal. I would be proud to compete again, and with what I’ve learned, hey, I may just be bringing that crown home next time!!
To my fans and supporters.
Thank you, so much for your support, encouragement, and praise. I couldn't have made it through without you!!!! So anything you need from "Your" Ms. Maryland, please let me know.
Please keep with Tiffany and the rest of her year as Ms. Maryland 2011, and all the exciting ventures she has coming up via her website http://www.msmarylandunitedstates2011.com/blog/
Strutting On Stage
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Tiffany With Other Contestants
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