The Road to Miss New Jersey’s Outstanding Teen – Miss South Jersey’s Outstanding Teen, Taylor Veigel
We are excited to share with our readers, a new series with you called, "The Road to Miss New Jersey's Outstanding Teen." The next young contestant to be featured in our series is, Miss South Jersey’s Outstanding Teen, Taylor Veigel!
Tell us your name, title, and the platform you’re representing.
My name is Taylor Veigel, and I am the current Miss South Jersey’s Outstanding Teen; My platform is: 4 Paws 1 Cause.
Why did you choose this platform as you competed in the Outstanding Teen program?
When my family and I adopted our dog, Rocky, I learned that the volunteers/workers at the animal shelter struggle with the lack of supplies they have to take care of the animals awaiting adoption. Learning about this has inspired me to help and make a difference. I started with collecting donations for shelters and as my platform grew bigger, I started to expand and talk about other subjects that involve animals. I knew this is something I am passionate about, so when I started competing in the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Organization, I chose my platform to be all about animals.
Is this your first pageant, or have you competed in pageants before?
I have competed in six pageants on the local level. I have never competed in a state level pageant, so I am super excited to be competing in January!
What have you learned thus far from our current Miss NJ, Brenna Weick, that can help you be a better Outstanding Teen?
Brenna is someone I immensely look up to and one thing I have learned from her is to have determination at all times. No matter how long it is going to take to reach your goal, always put 100% into everything you do and have that sense of determination to do so.
If you were to win the title of Miss New Jersey’s Outstanding Teen, what is the biggest challenge you think you will face? How do you hope to overcome it?
My biggest challenge that I would face is not being able to accomplish everything I would like to do because there are not enough hours in the day. I would try to overcome that by working very closely with my director to effectively manage my time and try to take every opportunity that is given to me.
If you were to win the title of Miss NJO Teen, how do you hope to better educate your generation about your platform and the importance it holds?
I feel that having a state title verses a local title will bring more opportunities for me to reach a larger audience. I know I will educate my generation about what my platform is and why it is so important. Social media is a huge asset with my generation today and I believe if I use it to my advantage, I will reach my generation easier. I will also speak at schools, different organizations and spread the word about my platform. The best thing that can happen with this is a chain reaction and more people, at any age, can get educated about my platform every day.
What advice do you have for those who want to compete for a local title?
My advice would be to never give up. I know that sounds a little cliché, but if you keep going and stay determined, you will eventually reach your goal. It took me six attempts, over the course of two years, to win my title I am holding now. It took a lot of determination and looking at what I am gaining from the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Organization to keep me going. I realized that it’s not just about the end point, it’s about how you get there, what you learn, and how to grow as a person.
I was one with a preconceived notion. I was asked for three years to join the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Organization before I did. I believed pageantry was as it is portrayed on tv. Being someone who is not into the “glitz and glam” I really didn’t feel pageantry was for me, however, after attending the Miss New Jersey’s Outstanding Teen pageant two years ago, asking questions, and really researching the organization thoroughly, I realized the preconceived notions are false. The Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Organization is not like any other pageant system. I have actually been able to share my story and educate people that I meet all the time about what the Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Organization can truly offer to young girls throughout America.
Bravura is an artistic word for exceptional. Tell our readers what makes you “bravura.”
One of my role models, Christina Grimmie, told me to “always be true to myself, never change for anyone, and to not care what others think of you.” I have lived by these words and when faced with different situations where it would have been easier to follow the crowds, I always did what I thought was right and I think that makes me “bravura.”
Where can fans follow you on social media?
Facebook: Miss South Jerseys Outstanding Teen 4 Paws 1 Cause Instagram: 4 Paws 1 Cause
Do you have any final words for the readers of Bravura Magazine?
Bravura Magazine has given a wonderful opportunity to the Miss New Jersey’s Outstanding Teen contestants by giving them a chance to shed some insight on what drives them. I’m so thankful for this opportunity! The Miss America and Miss America’s Outstanding Teen Organizations have taught me to keep pursuing what is important to me and share that with everyone. No matter how many speed bumps there may be on your path, if you keep moving forward you will always be successful. Thank you, Bravura Magazine!
To purchase tickets for the Miss NJ Outstanding Teen pageant, click here! See who gets crowned on January 21, 2017! You can also support the Miss New Jersey Education Foundation with an in-kind donation!
See more images from Taylor’s exclusive photoshoot with Bravura Magazine and P.G. Photography!
