My childhood was far away from anything like beauty pageant competition. Even if it existed, it had nothing to do with my life. Beauty pageant competition was only something I heard about or accidentally watched on TV. Nothing more than that.

Hence, it came to me as a big surprise when I received an invitation as one of the judges in the Sleman Regency Beauty Pageant Competition. The competition is also known as Dimas Diajeng Sleman. It is something like Mr and Ms Sleman, the regency where I am currently residing.

I hesitated at first but the committee then managed to convince me that my participation is something positive and acceptable. I was asked to assess the level o understanding and familiarity of the candidates on international insight. I guess it was something that I could take part. Hence, I accepted the request.

It was exciting to see those young people showing their knowledges and talents. Each was asked to answer questions we, the judges, previously submitted to the committee. It was heartwarming to see how they demonstrated high level of intellectuality. Most could answer questions directed to them with aplomb, while some other seemed to need more practice.

It was an honor to be able to take part in such an important event of competition. The competition was clearly not only about physical appearance. It was a serious event about intellectuality. I congrats all the participants for their courage. Being a winner is certainly only a bonus.