Congratulations to Her Campus Auburn Social Media Chair, Rachel Sprouse, for competing in the Miss Auburn pageant and winning Miss Congeniality! See what inspired her to compete and a few words about Butt Glue.
Q: What are you involved in both on and off campus?
A: I’ve been officer in my sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta, for two years, a Campus Writer for The Auburn Plainsman, Social Media Director for Her Campus, Social Media Chair for Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), a member of Gamma Beta Phi Honors Society, a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. I volunteer with Impact when I have free time!
Q: What are your career goals?
A: I love to write and hope to have a career after college that allows me to communicate with others, whether it be in print journalism or Radio/Television/Film. My ultimate goal in life is to be the first female CEO of the Walt Disney Company.
Q: What made you decide to compete for Miss Auburn?
A: Many of my friends compete in pageants, and I’ve always loved seeing how confident they are onstage. I wanted to improve my confidence and get to try out the pageant world. I’m so glad I did! I’ve made so many new friends and have learned so much! I’m especially glad that I competed in Miss Auburn University for my first pageant because I wanted to show how much I love my university.
Q: Did you experience any pageant clichés, like something you’d see on “Miss Congeniality”?
A: I don’t really know what the myths or stereotypes are! Every contestant that competed is well-rounded. These girls are sweet, highly intelligent and each brings their own talents to the table. I will say this: Butt Glue is a God send, and I have a new-found appreciation for it!
Q: What does it mean to win Miss Congeniality?
A: It means so much to me! I tied with our new Miss Auburn University, Susanna Bagwell, for Miss Congeniality. She’s so sweet, and I’m so grateful to have been recognized by my peers. They’ve all been so kind to me and made my first pageant experience so special!
Q: Are you going to continue working with your platform?
A: Absolutely! My platform, “Stand Up For Her,” is about ending sexual assault and domestic violence on our campus and in our community. Just because I didn’t win the title doesn’t mean that I should stop caring! This is an ongoing issue, one that I hope to bring awareness to and encourage students to get involved with!
Q: What was the biggest thing you learned after being in the pageant?
A: I think the biggest thing that I learned from this experience was to be confident in myself. It takes a lot of confidence to get out on stage in a swimsuit, or to answer a question that could be about anything from early education to the presidential election, or even just to try. I have a new admiration for the girls that compete and have new friends because of it! If anyone is hesitant about doing a pageant, just go out and try it! You never know what will happen!