Miss Greater San Diego 2013 sees sisterhood as secret to success in pageantry

Miss Greater San Diego USA 2013, Sierra Billock of Santee, believes that the sisterhood inherent in pageantry is what marks her success. Most people assume that the girls competing are catty and superficial. But the best women Billock knows are the ones she has met—and even competed against—in pageants.

Pageantry is certainly not for the weak-hearted woman, however. Billock believes that it takes a certain type of confidence and determination for a woman to put herself in such a vulnerable situation in which she is judged on who she is.

Miss Greater San Diego USA 2013, Sierra Billock of Santee, believes that the sisterhood inherent in pageantry is what marks her success. Most people assume that the girls competing are catty and superficial. But the best women Billock knows are the ones she has met—and even competed against—in pageants.

Pageantry is certainly not for the weak-hearted woman, however. Billock believes that it takes a certain type of confidence and determination for a woman to put herself in such a vulnerable situation in which she is judged on who she is.

“I think that the women who compete in pageants have an understanding and respect for each other, which brings them closer and creates a bonding friendship,” she said.

A young woman thrives under the watch of a mentor. This is particularly true in pageants, as Billock has experienced in her own leader and mentor, Pam Wilson, the pageant director.

“Wilson is a strong woman with a natural talent for helping women become the best version of themselves,” Billock said.

One of the major portions in pageantry with which Wilson has helped Billock is the interview. Over the past ten years, which is how long Billock has been involved in pageantry, she has learned valuable interview and public speaking skills.

“I will use [these skills] throughout the course of my life. [These skills have] given me a competitive advantage in the workforce,” she said.

Billock began her journey in pageantry when she was a sophomore in high school. She had received a letter in the mail that stated she had been selected to compete based on her GPA.

But winning pageants was not something that came easily to her. She competed five times before winning the title of Miss Santee and four times before winning Miss Greater San Diego USA.

In 2009, she did become Miss Santee 2009, which started her official path to winning pageants. The year 2012 was her fourth one competing for the title of Miss Greater San Diego, after being 3rd, 2nd and 1st Runner-Up in the three previous years. Then on September 10, 2011 when she was called as 1st Runner-Up, she knew that she would be coming back this year to compete again for the title.

“I prepared myself mentally by educating myself on current events as well as knowing what I wanted to tell the judges about myself and why I was the person for the job.
“Despite being sick on the day of competition, I think my passion and determination shined through and is what set me apart from the other contestants,” she said.

Billock is looking forward to competing at Miss California USA next year. In addition to the skills she gains in public speaking, Billock has learned a lot about herself and how she stands up under pressure.
“Pageants test you. They challenge your knowledge, your confidence, determination, and values. The women who are most successful in pageants are those that truly know themselves and what they stand for,” said Billock, who graduated from SDSU with a BA in Marketing.

When she was younger, Billock had so many ideas of what she wanted to be when she grew up that she did not really have one career in mind when she entered college. She chose to study business with the belief that no matter what she decided to do, it would be useful.
It did prove useful, particularly at her job at Bath and Body Works.

“I constantly found myself thinking about how I could better market the products and appeal to consumers in a more powerful way. This led me to choosing my major in marketing,” said Billock.

Her current career goal is to obtain a position working as a media planner and buyer where she can learn more about targeting consumers in the digital space. She also intends to help young women interested in pageant competing.

“There have been so many people who have helped me along the way, that I enjoy being able to do that for someone else,” she said.

As a result, Billock has become a director of the Miss Santee and Miss La Mesa pageants.
“I admire Pam Wilson’s heart and desire to help better the lives of young women across the state of California.

My hope is that I can follow in her footsteps and one day become just as great of a role model and mentor to young women,” Billock said.