30 years ago, I stood on stage, scared, nervous and so out of my league. After introducing myself to a panel of judges and a few hundred friends and strangers in the audience, I forgot the names of my parents, messed up three times while playing my piano piece (Ballad pour Adeline) and won my first crown, Miss Edinburg. These three pictured next to me helped mold that quiet, shy, squeaky voiced girl into a confident, goal dominating, community oriented woman who understood the value of community service. Opportunities galore were blessed upon me because of their support, guidance and encouragement. To them, my incredible sponsors and the most amazing #rhinestonemafia sister queens who became life long friends, and especially my Momma (who never became THAT pageant mom) I owe my everything to. I didn't win every title but what I think was expressed this evening at the Miss Rio Grande Valley USA pageant is that you don't have to win a title or a crown to become the Queen you were meant to be. Congratulations to all the brave young women tonight who competed. It truly is in the journey and not the destination that matters. Take a bow and go rule your kingdom! Well done tonight ladies! I wish you the same happiness and blessings I was bestowed. Well done! #alwaysabeautyqueen #missrgvusa #missrgv #pageant #hasbeen #valleyqueen #johnalbertgirl (at Debi Lou Modeling Academy)
