Taylor Mathews is a freshman political science major and was Miss South Florida 2013. Outside of school, she has found a passion for volunteering in her community. She hopes her story demonstrates that everyone is in control of their own destiny and that, with a bit of perseverance and dedication, any goal is attainable.
Little did I know that nearly one year ago today my life was going to change forever. I had no idea what was waiting for me just around the corner. When I heard my name called as the next Miss South Florida, I was momentarily stunned and felt my hands rush to my face in absolute shock. I could feel myself shaking, as I tried to wipe away the tears that kept coming, no matter how hard I tried to stop them.
The months leading up to the Miss South Florida Scholarship Pageant were a journey that ultimately made me a stronger person and put me through the rigor that is expected with any goal one wants to achieve.
I will be honest; I did not win on my first try. A few months prior, I had competed for the Miss Broward County Scholarship Pageant and placed first runner-up but I didn’t walk away with the crown. I knew I had the ability within myself to reach my dream, but I knew I would not achieve it without practice and preparation.
I’m usually asked two questions at least once during every encounter I have, whether at an event or in public: “When did you start competing in pageants?” I answer that my first pageant was when I was a young adolescent. The next question takes a little longer to answer: “So, you did ‘Toddlers & Tiaras’?” No, in fact, the pageants I competed in were the furthest thing from the media-fueled glitz pageants that dominate the airwaves.
The pageants I competed in were local competitions sponsored by the city or county as an opportunity for young women to become involved in the community, help host events that boost city pride and volunteer for local philanthropies. My first pageant was one held by the Pembroke Pines Fire Department and the winner got to ride in the Pembroke Pines Parade with the fire chief on top of a fire truck. That was not only the best parade I was ever in, but my first. Since then, I have been representing my city and community with pride.
The Miss America Organization is the largest scholarship provider for women in the world, presenting young women across the country with over $45 million in awards and scholarship assistance. To compete even at the local level, every contestant must have a platform that they promote during their year of service.
My platform was not simply chosen because I decided to compete for Miss Florida, rather, it has considerably influenced my life for the past 11 years.
At the beginning of third grade, I signed up as a BookPALS volunteer and simultaneously became Florida’s youngest volunteer. PALS stands for “Performing Artists for Literacy in Schools.” This national organization, whose objective is to spread a love of literature through storytelling, is connected to the Screen Actors Guild Foundation. My quest began and my first task was reading weekly to my school’s kindergarten class. Within the year, I was scurrying at the end of class every week to a different group of youngsters to read to.
Though I have begun my studies as a freshman, my journey is far from over, as I strive to bring BookPALS to greater heights and make it accessible to more children in need. I have already started reading to children at the Broward Partnership for the Homeless, the Miami Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. In addition, I am collaborating with the state BookPALS Organization to donate books for children residing at a homeless shelter to keep and read, in the hopes that it will help build confidence in self-esteem and learning.
Another aspect of the Miss America Organization is the talent category; my talent stems from my childhood when I was very involved in musical theater in Broward County, playing the lead in several musicals like “Oliver” and “I Think I Can.” Unfortunately, I was unable to continue my involvement and did not sing for several years. Competing for Miss Florida has helped me find my voice again, performing musical theater pieces as my talent. With an immense amount of training and preparation, I was able to sing my heart out and perform the jazz hit by Natalie Cole “Orange Colored Sky.”
Though I did not win Miss Florida, I had the chance to participate in this extraordinary event and know that I will continue working toward my dream of being Miss Florida and spreading more awareness for children’s literacy in the community. The skills I have learned during my year as Miss South Florida will aid me as I strive to attend law school, practice corporate law, and, eventually, hold public office.
My community will always be my priority, regardless of where I am or what I’m working toward. It is with great thanks to the dedicated volunteer staff of Miss South Florida, Miss Florida and Miss America that a young girl with big goals can live her dream.
