Few people undergo the type of judgment that competitors in beauty pageants choose to put themselves through. But like any test of one's commitment and perseverance, pageants provide a way for people to get in touch with themselves.

"You have to really think about who you are," said 18-year-old Victoria Padilla, the reigning Miss New Mexico Teen, a senior at Santa Fe High School.

The Miss Teen USA pageant is a branch of The Miss Universe Organization, a partnership between NBC and Donald Trump. This year marks the 57th anniversary of both The Miss USA and Miss Universe competitions. The fittingly younger Miss Teen USA competition debuted in 1983.

Competitors in the Miss Teen USA pageant begin at city- and state-level pageants, the latter of which decides the state representative who will go on to compete at the national level. The Miss Teen New Mexico 2008 competition took place Dec. 16, with preparation beginning months earlier for many competitors.

"I started prepping around October," said Padilla, who entered the competition after what she explained as a less-than-long decision process.

"One of the girls that won two years ago was trying to get me into it," explained Padilla referring to Raquel Padilla (no relation), former Miss New Mexico Teen USA 2006, also from Santa Fe. "My family was a little surprised but really supportive."

The process is about more than just a crown. Some of the benefits of the title include scholarships, clothes and chances to travel and meet new people. Padilla recalls meeting many amazing girls involved in the competition, along with Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth from The Apprentice.

Padilla is looking toward the national Miss Teen USA competition that will take place in August. The location is for the nationally televised competitionn will announced in June.

"There is a lot of focus on outer appearance, but you really have to prepare yourself mentally and stay informed about current events."

The "Top 5 question" is asked live on stage and requires competitors to think on their feet, as almost any topic is fair game. The last five contestents on stage are asked in random order a question on a current event or social issue.

Addressing the stigma sometimes associated with pageantry, Padilla says, "I think a lot of people have misconceptions about pageants. You get a lot out of it and you learn a lot about yourself. I would definitely encourage any girl to try pageantry."

She explained that several years of maturation and deliberation stand before her and a possible run in the Miss USA pageants. For now, her eyes are set on September.



Eli Garduño is a senior at Santa Fe High School. You can reach him at contrast90@hotmail.com.