Crowns & Gowns

By Kristina Charles

Glitz and glam is a typical first thought when it comes to pageantry but what about persistence and tenacity? Taja’ White began her journey to Miss Louisiana Collegiate after winning the title of Miss UL Lafayette on her 5th attempt. Taja, who is a proud advocate for speaking about sclerosis and invisible disabilities, created her platform, B.R.A.V.E, to enlighten what makes a person unique. She says it does not matter whether it’s their racial background, disability or anything that would make someone different, she wants to be the voice advocating for these individuals. Taja’ was recently recognized for creating her own platform B.R.A.V.E.ly Unique and creating a 5-step anti-bullying prevention program. She encourages youth to be authentic and believe in who you are early on. In the words of a true role model, ”With or without a crown, I’m the same Taja’.”

In Pursuit of Service to Others

White is a 2nd year graduate student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, pursuing a Master of Science degree in Speech Pathology. She currently holds a bachelor’s degree at UL Lafayette in Speech Pathology & Audiology with dual minors in English and Theatre. When asked to tell us a bit about who she is outside of pageants, she explained “I am the oldest of 4 girls and the proud pet mommy of my Pom-chi Bentley. I love watching scary movies, reading fantasy and science fiction novels, and playing video games when I can find spare time.”

White carefully chose her platform and advocacy. Her drive stems from her time in the Miss Junior High / High School / Collegiate America system, where she was challenged to tackle issues related to bullying. She took her passion and mission of advocating for individuals with invisible disabilities and brought it to a larger scale. “I realized that bullying primarily occurs because of the depreciation of what makes a person unique. There is also the fact that we sometimes do not accept ourselves. This was personal to me because I can admit that there were times where I chose fitting in over being who I was,” she explained. From there, B.R.A.V.E.ly Unique expanded into a mascot and a 5-step prevention program where others could explore differences between themselves.

The Journey for the Miss UL Crown

Want to talk about perseverance? White won the title of Miss UL Lafayette USA on her 5th attempt as a graduate student. “I was so ready to be a representative for my university after a long journey to the crown. Being Miss UL Lafayette 2019 gave me the experience I needed to hold a state title. I had the opportunity to read at schools, emcee at pep rallies, speak at public events, etc. I also had the opportunity to compete at the Miss Louisiana USA 2020 pageant, where I placed in the Top 15. I am forever grateful to the University Program Council for providing the opportunity. I also want to spend a special shoutout to Miss UL Lafayette USA 2020, Troie Acker, who I had the pleasure of crowning. She will be competing for the title of Miss Louisiana USA 2021 in January,” White explained about her experience.

White currently holds the title of Miss Louisiana Collegiate and we asked her what that means to her. “It’s truly the experience of a lifetime. Holding a state title gave me a larger outreach to speak about my platform. Every weekend, pre-COVID-19, there was an engagement where I was either speaking or volunteering. I loved being able to meet new people and to talk to them about my platform. The skills I’ve acquired are irreplaceable. I knew that when I spoke people listened. I competed in the Miss Collegiate America pageant early September, and although I walked away with no crown or placement, I am still so proud of myself. I walked away with a Top 5 community service award and the opportunity to say I was there! I met so many amazing girls and I am proud of what I did. It was a ‘win or learn’ experience that I wouldn’t trade for the world. I look forward to crowning the next Miss Louisiana Collegiate America in January 2021. I would also love to send a shout out to the new Miss Collegiate America, Ronelle Valera, who is already doing an amazing job and I am proud to have met,” she explained.

Taja White

Giving Up Isn’t in Her Vocabulary

This is a weird time for any program that thrives on community engagement, including pageants and all that titles entail. As a graduate school student and with the added pressure of a pandemic that we’re all feeling, White shared with us what keeps her motivated daily. “I have a supportive circle that keeps me motivated, including my boyfriend who sometimes ends up being my life coach. My circle constantly reminds me why I do the things that I do. You’ll hear my Mom telling me to remember to ‘have fun’. I’m not much of a dreamer, I’m a doer. I set goals that I have to attain. I took a year long medical leave from my graduate program and came back a state titleholder. I motivate myself by looking at the bigger picture and not just the frame. Giving up is not an option for me.”

White recently competed at the Miss Collegiate America pageant, the first pageant she competed in with COVID-19 restrictions present. The experience was definitely different. “The national director, Amanda Patterson, made sure that we were all kept safe while still enjoying our experience! We always wore masks, even before getting on stage, and we social distanced. It’s a weeklong pageant, so many events were altered for COVID-19. For instance, our red-carpet walk, and opening number were filmed because we could not all be on stage at the same time. In the end, everything turned out great and looked amazing. I am so appreciative of the experience, especially because I know that we all worked hard to make it happen.”

Each Pageant is a Learning Experience

White explained to us that every time she didn’t win or place, she still appreciated the experience. “Those experiences have humbled me and have taught me that I enjoy the ride. I have learned perseverance and insight on who I want to be. There are so many opinionated people in pageantry who would love to tell you what you did wrong, etc. I focus more on what I am proud of and I use that to grow. I’d love a crown, but I love being able to say I am proud of myself even more. The joy you feel after is priceless.” Younger kids look up to White because of her strong will and her genuine spirit. She explained to us the ad

What the Future Holds

When asked about what White sees in her future, she answered assuredly, “A master’s degree for sure! I graduate May 2021 and cannot wait to begin my career. In 5 years, I hope to either have or be actively working toward a Ph.D. I want to focus on enjoying the ride and not planning as much. As far as pageantry, you’ll just have to wait and see.”

Kristina Charles is a senior at Loyola University in New Orleans studying Mass Communications and Journalism. She’s worked in print journalism for the past year and a half and is known for stories that pertain to fashion, lifestyle, and recognizing youth work in the community. She was formally the Director of Education for a modeling and acting school for 4 years and worked in several cities in the U.S. teaching teens how to use self-confidence in order to reach their goals. Kristina loves to work, and loves interior design, fashion and art.

Kristina Charles