Q&A with Miss Auburn-Opelika USA 2021
Meet Bayley Albinger: the Miss Alabama USA contestant representing Auburn-Opelika!
Auburn-Opelika is the proud home of the Miss Alabama USA pageant coming up on January 9-10, 2021.
Tell us a little about your background. Where are you from?
I am originally from Mobile, Alabama. I grew up a tomboy and loved nothing more than being in a barn taking care of and riding horses. I actually come from a family of dancers. My grandmother owned a dance studio for 66 years and my mother was a teacher there. My mother brought me to work with her as a child and I spent most afternoons after school in the waiting room of the studio. I was put in dance as soon as I was old enough, but horses were where my heart was.
What was your first pageant experience like?
My first pageant experience was Miss Alabama Teen USA 2014. A dance student of my Mom’s suggested I try getting into pageants so I thought about it for a few weeks. I decided I wanted to experience something out of my comfort zone and I signed up. I knew absolutely nothing about pageants; however, I was blessed to be put into contact with a group who guided me through all my pageants and are my mentors. They helped me to prepare in the months leading up to the pageant, teaching me how to speak with confidence and how to not walk like a lumberjack. I was excited when I went on stage, remember that it was not about winning, but growing. My goal was to do something I'd never experienced before and just enjoy it. I met so many wonderful people and had a good time. I ended up placing 4th runner-up and was so excited.
What brought you to Auburn?
I grew up an Auburn fan because my grandfather graduated from Auburn University in the 1950s. I visited Auburn in high school and loved it. The campus and town are so warm and inviting. The Auburn Family is a real thing. I decided to attend Auburn University and have enjoyed every minute of living here.
Other than pageants, what other activities/groups have you been involved in?
I began riding horses when I was 6-years-old and rode competitively until my horse was hurt in the pasture when I was 18. I still love horses and currently ride for fun! I also started drawing as soon as I could hold a pencil, and am now a commissioned artist, working in acrylics and colored pencils. I love creating portraits and wildlife pieces. I do some modeling for my agent Barefoot Models as well. Lastly, I am a member of a Mardi Gras organization in Mobile called the Order of Polka Dots. OOP is the oldest parading women’s organization in the world. We have a parade and ball every year!
What are your goals/hope for the future?
My goal for the future is to graduate from Auburn with my bachelor's in business administration. I then hope to expand my art business.
Any advice to young girls interested in pageants?
Do it! I understand that you might not be a “pageant girl.” I wasn’t either! Even if you don’t win, you gain so much from the experience. You will meet so many great girls who love to cheer each other on. You will be more confident in who you are and learn how to present yourself to others as well as talk to people you don’t know. It will aid you in all future endeavors.
What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time?
I can think of many things! One of my favorite things to do is go see my horse Apollo and ride trails with him and my dog, Taaji.
What are some of your favorite spots in Auburn-Opelika?
As far as food, The Depot, Niffer’s, and Irish Bred Pub are three places I can always go! I also enjoy relaxing on Samford Lawn, going to Chewacla State Park, and walking around downtown Opelika. There are so many parks in Auburn-Opelika, there’s always somewhere beautiful to go.
How can we get in touch with you?
My Instagram is @bayleyalbinger. I can be messaged there or emailed at albingerbayley@gmail.com.
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