This weekend (Nov. 21-22) in Mesa, Ariz., senior psychology major Layne Alexander will participate in the Miss Arizona competition. Alexander recently took time out of her schedule to sit down with The Lumberjack.

The Lumberjack: How did you get into doing pageants?
Layne Alexander: Well, this is my first pageant. My best friend from back home suggested it to me, and I laughed at her, and then I looked in to it and reconsidered.

LJ: What’s the process of getting in the Miss Arizona pageant?
LA: You send in an application about why you want to be in the pageant and why you want to be Miss Arizona, and you get accepted and go from there.

LJ: What made you want to compete in the Miss Arizona pageant?
LA: It’s a huge challenge for me; it’s way out of my comfort zone, and it’s something I’ve never done before. I’ve taken it as a big challenge and a way to improve myself.

LJ: What kind of preparation goes into competing in a pageant?
LA: Eating right and eating healthy, working out and being physically fit, and mentally knowing where you stand on issues. You can’t really prepare because you don’t know what the judges are looking for, and every pageant is different. You’ve just got to be you.

LJ: Is the pageant expensive?
LA: It’s so expensive. I’ve been lucky and gotten a lot of really great sponsors, either monetary or services. A lot of it is about networking and who you know. I’m lucky to have such a strong support system. You’re lucky to get one person to sponsor you for every 20 you ask.

LJ: If you win, what are your duties as Miss Arizona?
LA: Your reign as Miss Arizona is what you make it. I’m sure they’ll give you certain events and charities to go to, but other than that, it’s just me making it what I want. I would probably do a lot with charity work like the Make-A-Wish Foundation — anything that benefits kids, because that’s where my heart is.

LJ: Are there pageant stereotypes you’ve found to be true?
LA: Some of the superficial stuff, like boob inserts and spray tans, I’ve found to be true to the stereotype. Overall I’ve found it to be a well-rounded organization really committed to seeing personal growth. Even though it’s a beauty pageant, they care more about growth.

LJ: What’s the best part about competing in a pageant?
LA: The personal growth. Even in just a few months, I’ve grown so much as a person. I’ve found out who I am and what I value most — that’s the most rewarding part.

LJ: Other than the pageant, what else are you involved in?
LA: I’m involved with Chi Omega, Panhellenic, Order of Omega (which is a Greek honors society), Up ‘Til Dawn, and I work on campus.

LJ: What are your plans after graduating this May?
LA: Right now I’m applying to be a national consultant for Chi Omega, but just wherever life takes me. I don’t have a set plan, but it’s exciting that way.