The Voice - Student Newspaper

Hilburn takes 'Miss Greater Phoenix USA' title

Who would have ever known that junk mail would someday lead to something so special? Glendale Community College (GCC) student Tiffany Hilburn, a nursing major, admits that for years she had ignored the large number of letters she received inviting her to participate in several different pageants.

That was, until the young age of 13 when Hilburn decided to follow through and see what it was all about. After participating in her first pageant in 2001, Hilburn discovered a unique passion.

"They [pageants] became addicting," she states. "It's so fun to be on stage and to feel the adrenaline rush of competing…"

When it comes to participating in a pageant, one must be very dedicated to put in the time and effort. An entry fee is initially issued to the contestant, usually ranging from $300 to even above $1000. The participant can pay it themselves or locate a sponsor who can make monetary donations. In addition to the fees, other responsibilities include constant rehearsing, working out at the gym, getting a tan, and completing a lot of paperwork. Also, in a typical pageant, some of the major competitions that the contestants have to be prepared for, include an interview competition, evening gown competition and depending on the age of the contestants, a swim suit competition.

Several challenges also exist for the participants.

According to Hilburn, "some of the challenges of competing are finding support, raising sponsorship fees, finding the right wardrobe, staying in perfect shape, finding the time to do everything, and still being yourself through all the hair and makeup, amazing wardrobe and training."

She also points out that contestants have only a short amount of time on stage to impress a panel of judges.

Taking part in these pageants has allowed Hilburn to grow stronger in several areas.

"When I was 13, I was shy, timid, and didn't know how to present myself to others. After about six years of pageantry, I have gained self-confidence, self-esteem, interviewing skills, and how to speak to a large audience" she quotes.

Hilburn has participated in several pageants including Miss Phoenix Jr. Teen, National American Miss Arizona Teen, Miss East Valley, Miss Tempe, and Miss Mesa. While explaining her accomplishments she is most proud of, she points out that winning the Spokesmodel competition, Casual Wear Modeling competition, Talent Competition, Best Resume, the Spirit Award, and first runner up to the Miss Arizona Teen 2007 title are among the most notable.

She advises to all those following their dreams to keep trying and to not allow anyone to tell you that it can't be done. In addition, her guiding philosophy is "Constant and Never Ending Improvement."

She explains, "Even if you improve by one percent each time you do something, think how amazing you can be over time." This can be applied to anything in life. "Also, if you aren't having fun, you aren't doing it right!" she concluded.

Tiffany Hilburn currently holds the title of Miss Greater Phoenix USA and will compete in Miss Arizona USA, Nov. 21-23 in Phoenix at the Orpheum Theater.