I became the first active-duty member of the military to win Miss America. I realized that one of the most liberating things one can do is to stop doing things for the sake of other people’s opinions.
Madison Marsh: Fighter pilot, Harvard student, and 2024’s Miss America
Meet Madison Marsh, a Harvard student and potential Top Gun fighter pilot who became 2024’s Miss America.
When I became the first active-duty member of the military to win Miss America, I thought it was just a flashy headline. Sure, it sounded exclusive, but I didn’t view it as groundbreaking. I was not the first woman to join the military or graduate from the U.S. Air Force Academy. I was simply doing what I loved. I thought it would be “fun.”
I entered the pageant, first for Miss Colorado, while attending the academy, so part of my motivation was to practice my public speaking in a real-world environment, and another part of my motivation was to give myself temporary breaks from my rigid military lifestyle. Then … I won.
From my point of view, I did not rewrite history or alter the course of military culture as many news sources reported. But in reflecting on my year as it comes to an end, I think I did something simpler, yet maybe more meaningful: I provided hope to a generation of young people. I provided hope for those who have lofty goals but feel limited by their perception of what “type” of person they are. I showed people that the only limitation to your goals is the amount of work you put in.
Serving in the military doesn’t mean losing yourself
When I think back on the year, which ends Sunday when a new Miss America is crowned, one moment in particular sticks with me: I was back at the Air Force Academy, visiting for Parents’ Weekend to support my sister-in-law, who is now a cadet. As I walked through the library, a freshman approached me with her mother. She asked if I was Miss America, and I said yes.
The cadet shared that, earlier this year, she had been on the fence about accepting her appointment to the academy. She was not sure if she could bring her whole self into the military, unsure if she would have to sacrifice parts of her identity to succeed. Then she saw me win Miss America. That moment convinced her she could do it too – that she could serve without losing herself.
For her, seeing someone thrive in the military and in the world of pageants showed her that she would not have to give up her personal identity. She could be herself and still find success by focusing on hard work over mere assimilation into the military culture.
As much as this year has been filled with inspiring moments, it has also brought back difficult memories. My mom’s battle with pancreatic cancer – one she lost in 2018 after months of treatment – taught me how fragile and fleeting life can be. Watching her fight for her life changed my perspective in ways I did not fully grasp until now.
It’s easy to get caught up in chasing the next accomplishment, climbing the ladder or worrying about what others think. But when I think about my mom and the lessons she taught me, I’m reminded that life is too short to waste on things that do not fulfill us.
We spend so much energy on the “rat race” that we sometimes miss what’s truly important – the people and moments right in front of us.
Life is too short for shallow goals
This year, I have realized that one of the most liberating things one can do is to stop doing things for the sake of other people’s opinions. Quit what does not fulfill you. Let go of what does not matter. I did not compete for Miss America to prove anything to anyone. I did it because I loved the process. I loved the challenge. I loved how it pushed me to grow in unexpected ways.
There is freedom in choosing what you want to pursue and giving yourself permission to quit what you don’t. When my mom was sick, she was not thinking about the accolades she hadn’t achieved or wishing she had clocked in one extra hour at work. She was praying for more time with her loved ones and the chance to make more memories with them.
That clarity of purpose is what I strive to hold on to, even when life feels overwhelming.
I have come to realize that the true significance of being “the first” is not found in breaking records or collecting accolades. It is about creating hope for others, often in ways we might not even see ourselves.
You do not need to hold a prestigious title to make an impact. Every one of us has the power to open doors and shift perspectives.
This year has also reminded me that real success is not defined by headlines or applause – it is about living a life that reflects your values and about staying true to what matters.
To anyone reading this: Stop chasing approval, accolades or external validation.
Instead, focus on what fulfills you. Whether that means showing up to work, pursuing your passions or simply being present for the people you love, these are the moments that truly matter and will bring real success.
I love the quote attributed to Nelson Henderson: “The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.” I thought about Henderson’s words many times throughout the year.
When I think about my mom’s strength and the freshman cadet’s courage, or about the countless people who have shared their stories with me this year, I’m reminded that life is too short to waste on shallow goals.
Dedicate yourself to working hard on the things you enjoy alongside the people you love, and success and happiness will follow.
U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Madison Marsh was crowned Miss America in 2024. She is pursuing her Master’s degree in public policy at Harvard University.
