Two years ago, at age 16, freshman Emily Suttle won her first beauty pageant competition. Simultaneously, she became Miss Tennessee Teen USA.

“It was a dream of mine to win Miss Teen USA ever since I watched the Miss USA pageant as a little girl,” said Suttle.

And after winning the state title, Suttle spent the next year training for the Miss Teen USA competition in August 2013.

“Not only was it an honor to represent my state on the Miss Teen USA stage, I was able to be a role model and make an impact in my community as Miss Tennessee Teen USA,” she said.

The experience was a “once in a lifetime opportunity,” affording Suttle the chance to travel, meet “incredible” people and gain modeling experience. Suttle didn’t win the 2013 pageant. Today, though, she is following another dream: a degree from UT in food science, following the pre-pharmacy track.

“I absolutely love the campus and the atmosphere. Plus, I am a third-generation Vol.”

While in college, she plans to continue her background in community service. In high school, Suttle was involved with The Movement Club which allowed her to work with the Department of Children’s Services, Show Hope and Tennessee Baptist Children’s Home, a foster care home in Brentwood, Tennessee.

“This cause is something very close to my heart, and I will without a doubt continue to volunteer for this cause in college,” Suttle said.

Suttle is looking forward to her time in college, and all that it will entail: pledging a sorority, getting involved with campus ministries, joining student organizations and, of course, attending football games. Someday, though, Suttle may return to the pageant circuit.

“In today’s society, many women lack self-confidence due to the unrealistic portrayal of women in magazines and on TV,” she said. “Competing in pageants allows women to truly love themselves for who they are and to embrace their confidence.”