Why would a homeschooled girl want to be in a pageant? Read on to find out my experience of coming out of my shell . . .

Chantelle Wright

"And what do you think, Chantelle?" The red traveled up my neck and ears to the top of my head: embarrassment. My greatest fear was taking place: going to youth group – a large group of 8 teens besides myself – and two of them were my siblings – I was so afraid someone would talk to me and I’d have to try to answer. No confidence, no makeup, no words to say ...

I enjoyed being around people. I really did. I liked to hear them talk, and I would think of the things I’d like to respond. But, the words just wouldn’t come out of my mouth. They stuck somewhere in my heart, and I longed to be like the beautiful women I saw on the televised pageants, who could answer questions onstage with such grace and poise.

Eyes riveted to the television screen each year for the Miss America Pageant, mom and I cast our votes on paper or tossed them out verbally. Drifting by, dad would add, "I think Miss Tennessee will win," which he says every year, loyal to his roots. My oldest brother goes for the blondes, and I always choose talent. Other family members come in for a while, watch, vote, then move on to other things. But we’re all there for the Top Ten, Top Five, and the final countdown. And it’s Mom who always picks the winner!

But how could I become a Queen when I was almost scared of my own shadow? So, I talked with my parents, told them my problem and confusion and we prayed. Not just "Thy will be done," but I poured my troubles out to God, crying, "God, I need your help. I’m willing to give up my desires if You want me to. But I’d really just like Your help in making my dream come true.Help me not be so very shy anymore."

After that eventful night at my youth group, when my words were stuck in my throat once again, I made the decision to change. To become the girl I knew I could be. I came home determined and sat mom down to talk. "I want to be in a pageant," I said. My mother cringed. "How about debate team," she offered. "No, I want to learn to talk under pressure, to be graceful, to have poise, and to look beautiful," my voice quivered as I shared my heart, my dream. Taking a deep breath, my mother made her decision and told me, "Well, then, we need to get you a haircut and a face!" Her words to encourage me, and to tell me it was time for a makeover – a hairstyle and perhaps learn to use some makeup. My hair was long. So long that I had to move it when I sat down. And thick. And I had bangs. And I hadn’t grown into my nose yet. And we jokingly called me eyebrows "The Unibrow" because I had never before plucked them and they grew in thick. So, the makeover began, and we donated my ponytail to Locks for Love. In my eyes, my venture into the world of makeup brought out a young lady who had the potential for being pretty.

My second attempt brought me the state title of Miss Georgia Teen America 2001 and I was thrilled! Thinking about the year to come, the speeches, meeting people, having to talk. "Give me the words to speak," I silently prayed.

At my Senator’s invitation, I spoke to the Georgia State Senate on my platform "Fair and Equitable Treatment for Homeschoolers" – my first speaking engagement, ever – where I cited statistics, gave examples and asked the legislators to change the homeschooling laws in Georgia. Having homeschooled all my life, my main concerns were dual enrollment, or allowing home educated high school students to take college courses for both college and high school credit, and allowing homeschoolers equal admissions into state colleges, so they would no longer have to take more tests than required of other students.

The galley resounded with applause as Senators and all rose to their feet to show their appreciation and agreement with my requests. I was elated. Minutes after speaking at the Senate, I was whisked over to the House of Representatives. Since I was not on the speaking schedule, our Representative informed me "You won’t be able to speak. And we probably can’t have pictures taken onstage. I don’t know if they will even let us get on the floor, but let’s try." As God gave great favor to Queen Esther in the Bible, I believe He showered me with favor that day. Everyone agreed to our requests, and within minutes of arriving I was onstage telling the Representatives about homeschooling and teens. Camera lights flashed as I posed with the Speaker of the House and other State Leaders. Parents stopped in that hallowed hallway to thank me for sharing about homeschooling – and for being a role model to their children. Tears of joy glimmered in my eyes as I watched the news and saw my entire speech shown for all to see.

Later I was asked to speak at local civic organizations, teen clubs and youth groups to raise our community’s awareness of homeschooling – its successes, the effect on our area, our needs and to show that we are normal kids. "God gives us the desires of our hearts," I tell the children. "He loves us when no one else does. And He has a plan for your life." Applause lets me know my words and songs have touched hearts. I converse easily with our County Commissioner, Mayor, and other state and local politicians about the status, successes and needs of homeschoolers. Apparently God has replaced my fear of speaking with a new boldness.

After that year of reign, I focused on finishing homeschool high school and preparing for college and my career. But, I wanted more still. So, at my college – my mother’s alma mater – I became a contestant in their pageant. Again, a small turnout, but big talent. The first interview question asked, "Why would you want to be Miss Judson?" Tears sprang to my eyes and my mouth widened with a smile, "My mother attended this college, and I’ve heard about it all of my life. It would be such an honor to represent Judson and all it stands for." And I won. Miss Judson College 2005 was me!

Homeschool Day at Six Flags Over Georgia found me performing, signing autographs, shaking hands and posing for pictures with the homeschooled students. Parents and children inquired, "Have you homeschooled all your life?" "Yes." "How do you like being a Queen?" "I love it!" "Could you talk to my shy little girl?" "That’s my specialty!"

I finish reflecting on my journey as the parade begins. My heart pounds. "Here we go!" Oh, the excitement of riding and waving to the people along the parade route. "That sure is a Queen one," I overhear a little boy knowingly telling his friend. "She’s so beautiful!" quips a round-faced little girl, and I give her an extra wave and a wink. Later, poised in the wings ready to walk onto the platform and sing the National Anthem, I think back over the years. Parades, television, singing – all have been thrilling experiences, and I have savored every moment. But, the greatest gift I take from my experience is changing from a shy teen to a confident woman. From a girl with nothing to say, to someone who could speak so others would listen. God helped me crawl out of my shell, gave me the ability to talk in front of people, and helped me see the beauty that was hidden beneath my fears. He helped make my dreams come true.... and He can do the same for you!