Sheldon Smith

Sophomore Aubrie Kate Woods shares her experience with competing in pageants.

Walking down the stage, all the bright lights are pointed at her. She takes each step with confidence and when she reaches the end of the walkway, everyone’s eyes fall on her. Sophomore Aubrie Kate Woods has been expressing her truest self through pageants since she was 13 years old. 

Unlike most, who have been competing since they were five, Woods has only been competing for three years. At times this may put her at a disadvantage when it comes to stage time, but Woods thrives with the inspiration of her mother, Kelli Woods. 

“My mother never gave me any idea that I could not do what I wanted to do or be what I wanted to be,” Woods said. “She always pushes me to be my best self and has always been my biggest supporter. My mom has always cheered so loud that I could not hear who did not. She has always done her best to give me amazing role models, yet I do not think she ever realized that the person I most wanted to be was her. My mom is caring and always shows her heart. She had a dream and went for it. I think that is the greatest lesson she has ever taught me. I do not think I could ever thank her enough.” 

Her entire life, Woods has tried to find “her thing” and has tried almost every sport in the book, but she said none of that ever stuck. Then one day while watching “Kim of Queens” on YouTube, she decided to text her mom and ask to try out pageants. Although she wanted to try out life on stage, Woods said she was not ready for how stressful it is. 

“The process of getting ready for pageant day can either take all day or just a few hours,” Woods said. “No matter what, I just try to stay positive because having a positive mindset can do wonders to the way you appear on stage, if you go up there looking scared the judges can tell so I always try to just calm my nerves and have fun because mindset is everything.” 

Woods has competed in Groves, Orange, Vidor, Nederland, Beaumont, and Houston. She will be competing in Houston this October at the Miss Texas High School Pageant. One of the hardest things for Woods when competing is putting herself in front of a group of people whose job is to judge her. 

Woods said she owes all that she has earned through pageants to her coach, Taylor Blackshear.

“She has taught me everything I know when it comes to pageants,” Woods said. “Taylor is more than just a coach; she is also one of my biggest supporters. Whether it is doing my make up at six in the morning or redoing my entire routine 30 minutes before I go on stage, she always makes time for me and my crazy ideas. Taylor shows up when I need her, and I could not be more thankful for her presence in my life.” 

Woods’ mother started a private Christian school when Woods was in the first grade, which meant that since she was six years old, she has always been under a microscope. Woods said people have always watched her every move just trying to catch the moment she would fail. Everything she did was portrayed as “just handed to her “or “because of her mom.”

Woods said that the minute she started competing in pageants, everything changed. Even though her mom could buy her the most expensive dresses and get her the best coach, at the end of the day it was what she did that got her the crown. When she goes up on that stage or into the interview room, it is all up to her. 

“Competing is always a blast,” Woods said. “I love meeting all of the girls in my division and being on stage is just one of my favorite things. I love being able to spread positivity backstage. Remember, positive is pretty!”