Caroline Pettey, junior in media studies, was crowned Miss Panhellenic 2015 on Oct. 28.
Pettey said that the pageant was something she was interested in.
“I actually nominated myself,” Pettey said. “The two girls who were originally nominated for it weren't interested in doing it, and it seemed like something really fun and right up my alley, so I stood up and was just like, 'Uh, can I nominate myself?'"
Pettey then won the nomination in her sorority, Chi Omega, and was motivated to win.
“Then we voted and I won the nomination, so I literally put it in my head that I had to try to win so I didn't look dumb for nominating myself,” Pettey said.
Pettey said she wasn’t just preparing for Miss Panhellenic when she began preparations for the pageant.
“I've been preparing myself for Miss Alabama USA, which is next weekend, so basically I've been practicing walking and interviewing and working out every day,” Pettey said.
She also said her mother's support has been a big help.
“My mom was such a huge help to me this week, also," Pettey said. "She came down on Tuesday and helped me pick out my outfit for game-day wear and calmed my nerves."
One of the benefits of being in this pageant and now holding the title is getting to know the girls in the other sororities, according to Pettey.
“I'm pumped to get to know all of the other sororities better,” Pettey said. “I have friends in every sorority on campus, but haven't really gotten to know each sorority as a whole since my freshman year of rush.”
She looks forward to creating deeper relationships with these girls.
“It'll be really great to get to know them deeper than surface level,” Pettey said.
Even though she has been preparing for two pageants at once, Pettey said she is not overlooking how great her win is and the opportunity it has presented her.
“I feel really, really, really honored to have been selected to represent all of Auburn's sororities with this title,” Pettey said.
Pettey also thanked the judges for seeing positive qualities in her that the former Miss Panhellenic titleholders have shared in common.
“When I think about Auburn Panhellenic, I envision a smart, fun, well-rounded, congenial girl, because that's what I've encountered in my two years here,” Pettey said. “So the fact the judges saw that in me makes my heart swell.”
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