Story by Rachael Boon, NTU

This year, Hall of Residence 6 (NTU), welcomes the new batch of pageant contestants, all of whom seem to see themselves as accidental beauty kings and queens. It wasn't hard to get them to reveal their thoughts and feelings about having the spotlight on them and the challenges they face as they prepare for this annual social soiree of the year. Just like how celebrities schedule interviews, we managed to get them to sit down, take a break and just talk.

The answer to the most common question, "Did you expect to be chosen as a pageant contestant?" was somewhat unanimous. Everyone was modest and said they were nervous and a bit shocked as well that they were chosen. Some, like the enigmatic and slightly shy Teo Kai Yang, were exposed to the gruelling selections in their faculty orientation camps, thus they were less surprised. Resident funny boy of the lot, Kasster Soh, said, "I thought being in the pageant was normally reserved for the good-looking and I never saw myself in the pageant, well, not until now at least!" Small but spunky Zaiton Seah thought she would be limited by her height, but was delighted that she was given a chance to be in a pageant.

Being in a beauty pageant, we just had to ask them what their idea of beauty was. Samantha Soh, the girl full of sunshine, put it best. She said, "I think the way Dove presents it is really good. They hold a campaign featuring women of different shapes and sizes and that really shows how everyone is beautiful in their own way."

Each year, the pageant contestants not only have to look their best but are also put to the test-with the mind-boggling dance routine choreographed by Hall 6's finest dancer. Wang ZhiHong, the lanky one, expressed his worries as dance segment would be a challenge to him, seeing as to how he's never learnt dance before and he bluntly admits that he has psycho-motor problems. "Hopefully, I won't flop in the dance," the most sporty contestant, Ang Weizhe, shared with us. "I'll just be myself and have fun. Oh and I will definitely be taking more dance lessons from the experts."

To the Hall 6 contestants, the pageant is all part of chalking up and soaking in the ultimate university experience. All agreed it was a once in a lifetime opportunity and most importantly, they had the support of their newfound friends. Like what Amy, who carries a model-like air, said, "It was my orientation group that told me to have fun and that they'd be supporting me all the way." It is also a chance to fulfill those schoolgirl dreams, and as oriental beauty Amanda Lee puts it, "every girl dreamt of a crown on her head I believe!"

And as the interview drew to an end, we asked "who do you think is most likely to be crowned the pageant king and queen?" Responses varied and gave little insight to who had the most potential. Ang Jie Yu, the entertainer of the group, felt that it would be Amy because of her daring and spontaneous personality. Unassuming and sweet Phuah Mei Fang excitedly shared her support for Samantha (Soh), whom she felt had charisma, and (Ang) Weizhe, because "he has the cute, shy boy factor" and not forgetting, a pretty good body.

Unfazed by all the attention that has been given to these contestants, they are certainly a lot to look out for. It will be their time to shine, on the 30th of August at dbl O, so if you wish you see more of them, join us on this exciting adventure!