All I remember is waking up one morning and thinking... “I don’t ever want to regret anything.... I want to experience all that I want to out of my life before some reason permits me not to.... no regrets”. So as days went by I starting writing down things I wanted to do like compete to be Miss USA! I started researching and found out all the info about the local preliminaries in my town. Now, I forgot to mention... This would be my first pageant and I had no idea how it works or what I had to do. Miss West Broward USA pageant was the closest preliminary pageant to me, so I applied. The woman in charge of the pageant was Barbara Ewald. She called me the instant I applied getting all my information and learned that I had no prior experience. Barbara instantly starting filling me in on the basics of what I need an what I need to be prepared for. I listened carefully and prepared myself for her pageant.

At first, Barbara only helped as much as she could without giving me extra help because that would have been unfair to the other contestants. Come the day of the pageant, I realized that, it may be one thing to know about whats going to happen, but it is a whole other situation when it comes to actually being apart of the pageant experience. So in short, I didn’t think I stood a chance half way through the pageant! haha, but to be honest I did not know truly what I was doing or how to walk or stand or anything! I just decided to be myself, be honest, and just have fun! Next thing I know, as if in a blink of an eye, the pageant was over. All of the contestants including myself were all standing waiting for the final results. Remember now, I thought that I needed way more experience... “And Miss Photogenic goes to Chelsea Korka!”. In shock and disbelief, and possibly a little confusion, I walked up and accepted the Miss Photogenic Award. I was very pleased and shocked because I didn't think I would win anything! Next thing I knew, I heard my name for the final 3! I was shocked again! I still didn’t think I was going to win, but next thing I know... I was hugging the former Miss and then she crowned me as the new Miss West Broward USA!!! I couldn’t believe it!!! I was so happy!!! My very first lesson involved in Pageantry was to Just Be Yourself!! I would have never learned this if I did not go through with the pageant! Being confident and staying true to who I am! I have stayed this way ever since!

 

The moment after I won I remember being brought into a room with my parents and the rest of the new team for the next year involved with Miss West Broward USA. Barbara introduced herself to the room of people and instantly began informing the room on what was going to happen now and what needs to happen for preparation for Miss Florida USA! I had only a few months to prep myself for the State Pageant, but Barbara got me ready! From my makeup and gown, to interview preparation, to my speaking and social skills, all the way back to how I walk and stand! Barbara had it covered and I was ready! I competed in Miss Florida USA and it was an experience like no other! Also for it being my second pageant ever, it was incredible! I then went on to stay involved in multiple charities and events while continuing on focusing on school.

 

I eventually crowned a new girl next year as I continued on with my dreams. I can say that everything that I have learned from my experiences to everything that Barbara prepared me for has helped me further my dreams and goals. I am currently in the Entertainment Industry living in LA and all my pageant skills come in handy everyday!! From meeting a new group of people, to posing on a red carpet! I am thankful for Barbara and Pageantry!

 

Thank You Barb!

 

Love,

 

Chelsea Korka

Miss West Broward USA 2007