October Blog

A contest was open to all 2012 Miss America Outstanding Teen contestants: The Divine Debutantes’ Divine Fashiontante Contest. Contestants were asked to submit a fun feminine back to school outfit that was also modest. I was excited to be a finalist and submitted another outfit choice that I have worn to youth group activities. Outfit choices were asked to pass a “modesty test”.

I found out last week that I had won the Grand Prize: a $100 gift certificate to Forever 21, a virtual wardrobe evaluation by StyleByVIC from Valentino Image Consultants with tips on professional closet organization and a personal profile created with fashion tips, retailer suggestions, and pictures of outfits that I and StyleByVIC will create, a free one year subscription of Divine Debutantes Magazine AND I will be featured in the next issue of Divine Debutantes Magazine!! I feel so honored to be chosen for such an award, especially since it was based on clothing that I wear on a regular basis. I was raised to believe that a lady is defined by her actions and not just the clothes that she wears. As MKOT, I am honored to represent Kansas teens in the organization that represents service, scholarship, style and success.

One of my all time favorite movies is Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice. It is not the fancy balls, beautiful homes, or shear elegance of the era that causes me to love it so much. It is the manner of the ladies. Characters like Elizabeth Bennet are strong minded, yet poised. Women knew that they were treasured and should be treated as such. Men were expected to court and win their favors. Often in today’s society it seems to be the reverse. Women seem to be doing a lot of the pursuing, taking the chance away from men. A friend of mine commented that blondes are often called “Hot” by males while brunettes are always called “Beautiful.” She voiced her discontent over this issue, puzzled as to why blondes are not treated with more respect.

The answer to this issue, I believe, is NOT found in hair color. I don’t think that the poor treatment of women by society is closed off only to blondes. Women everywhere are not given the respect they deserve. However, I believe this is because we as women do not give ourselves the respect we deserve. Society and the media have sent the message that to be considered beautiful and worthy of pursuit, a woman must dress immodestly and gain attention through whatever means. I believe differently. Women cannot be respected if they do not respect themselves. Elizabeth did not win the heart of Mr. Darcy through scandalous outfits or crude language. She won it by simply being secure in herself. Her beauty came from within and shone out.

Every woman is worth so much and deserves to be treated as such. I thought there was no better time to write about a topic like this than in the month of October. The shear strength of those who have overcome Breast Cancer and those who continue to fight against it today proves just how valuable women are. Every woman is a creation of God. They are beautiful, strong, courageous, and most importantly, worth it. Once we believe this, and act accordingly, we can be treasured just as in the early 1800’s.

Love and Blessings,

Caitlyn Webb, MKOT 2011

"Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith, and in purity" 1 Tim 4:12 NIV

Miss Kansas Outstanding Teen 2011 Blog