I'm 20, almost 21, but I want to get started in pageants. They just seem like such a fun thing and confidence booster etc. So, any advice on how to get started?

There are many pageants. My best advice is to start out with local ones. Go to see one, first, to get an idea. Honestly, at your age, you need a coach. The ones who win, have training. It's just like dance. You can't be in the running if you are not sure what to do.

My granddaughter does some pageants, but she is little. It's a little different for older people. What is your state of residence?

I live in New York.

Ah, here are a few links for you...

www.namiss.com

pageantsuniverse.com . . .

www.pageantrymagazine.com . . .

www.worldsmisstourismpageants.com

Just ask, if you need more info.

Get a coach first and foremost. Chat with the coach about why you want to compete and what your goals are, and the coach will help you determine the best pageant for YOU--for example, if you are interested in scholarships, do you know whether to go for Miss America or Miss USA? Do you even know that there's a difference to these two? (I'm not being rude; I ask because paying a coach would have saved me years of mistakes and heartache when I began competing--and I didn't know the difference between these two organizations until I'd spent thousands of dollars.)

You need a coach. I wish someone had told me this in the beginning. I personally suggest Valerie Hayes; she's the best. There are a lot of coaches out there, though. Do make sure that the coach is someone you get along with, and who is in this for YOU. That's how you know you've gotten a high-quality coach.

I wish you all the success in the world! Go get 'em!