When I meet new people, they often ask, “What do you do?” With a grin, I reply “I’m a pageant director!” That always prompts them ask follow up questions and gives me the opportunity to tell them about our organization.
One of my favorite parts of being a director are the letters that I get after the pageant from parents and contestants. I literally have a file drawer full of them! I get the sweetest letters telling me how the pageant experience has impacted their lives. They talk to me about the confidence they have gained, the friends they made, how they were shy before and now have come out of their shell. I am often told that now they aren’t scared to try new things like running for student government, trying out for a team, that through the pageant they have gained that self-esteem to be able to step out and be a leader among their peers. The letters are truly inspirational.
One letter I got about a year ago was from the sweetest little girl. As a project for school they had to write a thank you letter to someone other than a family member, and she picked me! OK, first of all, how cool is it a an educator is teaching kids not only math, science and reading, but also to be thankful and grateful, that is so cool in my opinion. But most of how, how touched do you think I was that this little girl chose me to single out and say thank you to! I don’t care how bad of a day you are having, something like that puts a smile on your face. In this letter, she simply stated that she was so thankful for all the pageant had done for her, the confidence, the self-esteem, the friends, it truly was a beautiful letter.
My joy of this job comes from knowing that I am making a difference! I think as human beings we are all searching for purpose, and I have found mine. Through this program I have the opportunity to meet the most amazing kids and their families and play a role in their future.
To all of you, thank you for giving me a chance to be part of you lives, I have truly been blessed.
Matt