Name: Jane Kennedy
Majors: Political Science & Communication
Year: 4th year
Follow Jane on her journey to Miss California on:
www.facebook.com/MissBayAreaOrg/
Instagram: miss_bay_area
How old were you when you started competing?
I competed my first pageant on my 17th birthday.
What inspired you to start competing in pageants?
I’ve always liked to perform and did theater growing up. I saw a girl in my high school do it, and it seemed kinda cool. Also, I’d be lying if I didn’t mention that I wasn’t inspired by Toddlers and Tiaras. So I decided to sign up, and I competed my first pageant in LA. I honestly thought that it was going to be easy. That pageant I didn’t make the semi-finals, and I remember looking at the all girls on stage and knew that if I had prepared, I could definitely see myself doing this. I then just fell in love with it because it pushes you to the best version of yourself while also meeting cool people along the way.
How long does it take for you to prepare for a pageant?
It depends. For Miss Bay Area, it took me about 8 months to prepare after I decided to compete. During that time I have to think about my talent performance, a platform statement, and which community organization I would want to help out with if you win. Also, I believe that this time is not really a preparation process, but more of a lifestyle. I just don’t believe in the importance of these habits, but actually try to live out and put them into practice throughout my daily life. I can’t just starve myself 4 months before because I believe that I should be a role model. I can’t promote others to live a healthy lifestyle without doing so myself.
How do you balance out school, extra curriculars, social life, and pageant prep?
I recognize that I’m human and I have a finite amount of time, so I definitely have to prepare the lifestyle. Like, I’m not going to spend 3 hours in they gym preparing for a pageant because that’s just ridiculous. I‘m a student first and I also have a couple jobs. I try to stay organized and rely on my icalendar and make lots of to-do lists. When it comes to the night before a pageant, I prep with a movie night with friends because it’s something that I find relaxing and enjoyable. The preparation process honestly does not feel like a chore at all because I love preparing for pageants and being involved in a community. I have a lot of friends who are supportive and help me out. They come to the gym with me or give me practice questions, so it’s really a combo of great people.
What is your favorite part about pageants?
I have two things. The first is that it forces you to get out of your comfort zone. It can get pretty scary being on stage, being vulnerable in an interview, and takes a lot of commitment. All those factors have made me braver. And through those I recognize that God has a plan in my life, and I want to do what He desires for me. In return, I’ve noticed an increase in my faithfulness to God.
My second favorite part is that pageants encourage you to be the best version of yourself. It has driven me to stay active, healthy, watch the news and be in-the-know, and practice my talent (singing). Competing in pageants brings me so much joy, and feeling confident, rested, healthy, and happy. And when I say confident, I mean that you can never rest your confidence in winning a pageant, but rest in confidence knowing that you are doing your best because each pageant experience can help you grow. And if your confidence relies on winning pageants or titles, that would not make me a very confident person. Going into pageants, everyone knows that only one person can win. So it’s important to put your worth and value in something that is beyond winning and titles.
What is the most challenging part about it?
Pageants are definitely not easy. It’s difficult to be vulnerable especially during a 10 minute interview in front of a panel. During that time, you are in front of 6 people that you have never met before, and are trying to show them who you are in a limited amount of time. Everyone is so multifaceted, so you can’t show how smart, compassionate, or funny someone is given that short amount of time. So you have to use that time wisely in sharing your heart to the judges and hoping that it comes across.
What is something you wish others knew about beauty pageants?
It can be challenging to face those stereotypes whenever I tell people that I compete in pageants. Most people think that I’m around a bunch of catty girls that aren’t very bright, and think that the whole experience is just very superficial. This is not the case at all. One personal experience that comes to mind was when one of the girls realized that the strap of her dress had broken, and within three seconds, several girls offered her their dresses and I offered her tape. I realized that this is actually a sisterhood, and that everyone wants everyone to do their best. That support is so valuable, and I wish people saw that.
Adding onto that, I would encourage people to question stereotypes when you see them. I am inspired by other women that are in it. I would hope to show people that you can compete in pageants and not fit in that stereotypical mold. Because everyone is so different, but it is through showing your true self and those unique, personal qualities that you can shine on stage.
Another thing is that pageants are actually a scholarship program. Winners can pay for school or get help with paying off loans. I want to go to grad school someday, and this can help pay for that. The $3,500 I’ve won has gone to UCSB, and my parents are grateful for that. I think pageants are great because it helps students, like myself, receive a higher education, my parents are grateful for it, and it does a lot of work for the community. So it’s a win-win across the board.
How does it feel becoming Miss Bay Area? What does being Miss Bay Area mean to you?
So exciting! I grew up there, went to school there, and performed there. The Bay Area is a huge part of my life. I feel that I am representing all the people who have shaped who I am today. I am humbled and ready to make them proud and represent the Bay Area to the best of my abilities.
To me, being Miss Bay Area means that I have opportunity to serve as a role model to those that are in the Bay Area. This also gives me a chance to leave a positive legacy in the city. I want be as visible and approachable by working at different events and programs. I’m so stoked, it’s going to be a great year!
What are your plans? What does that title entail?
As winner of Miss Bay Area, I get to compete at Miss California in Fresno. So I’m very excited to go to that, and to see some of my friends. And I am most excited to work on my platform, which is with a non-profit organization called Girls on the Run. This non-profit works with elementary school girls, and promotes body positivity, healthy lifestyles, goal setting, and confidence. We need strong models for our girls, and this non-profit teaches as girls we are limitless, and can do anything that we set our minds to. This non-profit teaches our girls how to dream big and that they can accomplish their goals, from a 5K and beyond. This prepares them for 5k run that happens during the spring season in San Francisco. I will get to serve on board this year. Also, if anyone is interested in volunteering, they can come and contact me!
Who inspires you?
My grandma, also known as Nomi, inspires me. She worked with young women in the juvenile justice system. When the world had given up on these girls, Nomi volunteered to help them. She dedicated her time, love and support, and showed the women that they have value and worth. She has inspired me to work with young women as well, and has instilled in me the desire to invest in every generation. Nomi has come to every pageant I have competed in. She is also sassy and fun. I wanna be just like her when I grow up.
What are some of the words you live by that you would like to share with your fellow Gauchos and our Her Campus readers?
“Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” -St. Catherine of Siena
I was afraid to express how much I liked competing in pageants, to sing, and doing a lot of what I love because I was afraid of what people would think of me. Who I am uniquely is enough, I need to be true to who I am. I hope and pray that everyone sees themselves for who they truly are. The things that set you apart from one another are your greatest strengths and make you most capable to make change and act.