What lies beneath the polished exterior of a beauty queen’s success story? How can one person’s journey shed light on the critical conversation about mental health in today’s achievement-driven world?
In By the Time You Read This, Cheslie Kryst and April Simpkins reveal the hidden struggles behind a Miss USA crown. The memoir chronicles Cheslie’s path from childhood bullying to pageant triumph while exposing her private battle with depression that ultimately led to her tragic death.
Read more to discover a powerful story of success, struggle, and a mother’s mission to honor her daughter’s legacy through mental health advocacy.
Overview of By the Time You Read This (Cheslie Kryst & April Simpkins)
In By the Time You Read This, Cheslie Kryst and April Simpkins tell the harrowing story of Cheslie’s rise to fame as Miss USA 2019. On the surface, her success in beauty competitions and subsequent transition into entertainment journalism seemed like the dream. Yet, beneath the glamor, Cheslie fought a long battle with depression and suicidal ideation—a struggle that regrettably concluded in her tragic passing.
This unflinching memoir provides raw insights into Cheslie’s journey, from overcoming childhood bullying to her national pageant triumphs. It offers a poignant glimpse into her family’s efforts to support her mental health challenges, ultimately advocating for greater awareness and open conversation about these issues affecting so many young people today.
Pageant Competitions
Cheslie Kryst’s journey to becoming Miss USA 2019 and competing in the Miss Universe pageant was marked by personal growth, resilience, and the ability to overcome numerous challenges. Her path began during her formative years, shaped by experiences that would ultimately drive her participation in competitive beauty events.
During middle school, Cheslie faced significant challenges with bullying and feeling overlooked due to her appearance. She was often ridiculed for her unibrow and perceived lack of style, experiences that deeply affected her self-image. A move to a new neighborhood before eighth grade presented Cheslie with an opportunity to reinvent herself.
Her participation in beauty pageants became a way to seek validation, a need that stemmed from her early experiences. These competitions offered her a platform to prove her worth and gain recognition.
Cheslie’s journey to Miss USA was gradual and deliberate. Beginning with a victory in her high school pageant, she went on to compete in multiple beauty contests. Each competition, whether a victory or a challenge, provided valuable lessons that strengthened her self-confidence while teaching her discipline and patience.
Her mother, who won the Mrs. North Carolina US competition in 2002, served as an inspiring role model, demonstrating that Black women could achieve success in these events.
The Journey to Miss USA
Her extensive pageant experience proved invaluable in her preparations for larger competitions. She developed exceptional skills in both personal interviews and stage presentations, establishing herself as a knowledgeable, engaging, and compassionate competitor.
Cheslie’s diligent preparation and unwavering dedication culminated in her crowning achievement at the 2019 Miss USA competition. Her journey required more than just a polished exterior; it demanded comprehensive intellectual and strategic preparation. Each day began at sunrise with workout sessions, while she simultaneously balanced the demands of her legal career, honed her public speaking abilities, and maintained a fashion blog.
The period leading up to the Miss USA pageant proved especially demanding. Cheslie had to master multiple skills, from preparing for the competition’s various events to anticipating potential interview questions. She approached each contest with determination, focusing on personal growth and learning from every step of her journey.
Her crowning as Miss North Carolina marked her entrance into the national spotlight, ultimately leading to her achievement of the Miss USA title and the opportunity to represent the nation at Miss Universe. Cheslie’s rise to Miss USA validated her unwavering commitment and self-confidence. Her victory became a symbol of diversity and perseverance, marking a historic moment when three Black women simultaneously held the top beauty titles in the United States, challenging traditional beauty standards and breaking long-standing barriers.
Miss Universe Competition
As the United States’ representative at the 2019 Miss Universe Competition, Cheslie secured a position among the contestants. Her participation in Miss Universe was characterized by intense competition, the challenge to distinguish herself, and the desire to represent her country with excellence. Through focused dedication and careful preparation, she navigated the demanding ten-day schedule of pageant events.
During the competition, Cheslie encountered significant challenges with her evening wear selection, including disagreements over gown style and concerns about audience reception. Despite reaching the top ten, her spirits fell when she didn’t advance past the evening gown round.
Although the Miss Universe crown eluded her, Cheslie maintained her poise and grace. She understood that her role extended beyond competition, demonstrating her maturity and positive perspective. Her sense of accomplishment came from personal growth and the opportunity to advocate for important causes during her time as Miss USA.
Mental Health Struggles & Death
Cheslie battled significant mental health challenges, particularly depression and suicidal thoughts. Her struggle with depression was long-term and deeply rooted, affecting many aspects of her life.
Though her professional life appeared to be thriving, Cheslie’s personal life was in turmoil. Despite putting her career aspirations on hold and dedicating most of her free time to her relationship, it ultimately ended. When she began writing about her experiences in pageantry, law, and media, she found herself instead documenting her intense struggle with mental health.
The severity of Cheslie’s condition became apparent when she first attempted to take her own life. Her mother learned of this through an unexpected hospital call, though Cheslie was hesitant to involve her mother further, despite the serious nature of her condition. Faced with the possibility of liver and kidney damage, her mother had to make the difficult decision to hospitalize Cheslie against her wishes, driven by the fear of losing her daughter.
Throughout her struggle, Cheslie frequently battled feelings of loneliness, depression, and thoughts of self-harm. She desperately wanted to break free from depression’s grip. She often described feeling alone, experienced chronic headaches, and struggled with feelings of worthlessness. Life felt meaningless to her, filled with a grief-like sadness, and she felt abandoned by any higher power.
Cheslie’s Death
In her final communication with her mother, Cheslie sent a heartfelt text message expressing her deep remorse and final thoughts. The message acknowledged her mother’s constant support, conveyed Cheslie’s profound love, and revealed the overwhelming loneliness that influenced her decision. She also validated her mother’s past choices and expressed her deep affection one last time.
The sudden loss of Cheslie devastated her family, particularly her mother, who experienced severe emotional and physical trauma. Her mother suffered from panic attacks and significant disruptions to her daily routine. The profound grief manifested in serious health issues, substantial weight loss, and a diminished sense of joy.
Overwhelmed by their loss, the family sought help from multiple sources: a psychologist, their religious leader, and a grief counselor. Despite finding occasional comfort in social interactions, their physical and mental health notably declined. Cheslie’s mother channeled her grief into advocacy, working to help others struggling with mental health issues and sharing her daughter’s story to highlight the importance of mental health awareness.
Professional Life Outside of Pageants
Beginning her legal career with unwavering commitment and determination, Cheslie was well-equipped with degrees in both law and business. She demonstrated remarkable dedication by working as a full-time attorney, participating in legal arguments while simultaneously preparing for the Miss USA contest.
Her transition into television journalism began when a producer from Extra reached out, offering her a position as a New York-based correspondent. In this new role, Cheslie applied her legal expertise, particularly the skills she had developed in witness examination and quick analytical thinking, to craft questions and engage in conversations with prominent figures such as artist Lizzo and actress Zendaya.
As Cheslie developed her expertise in entertainment journalism, she faced the challenge of managing an ever-changing schedule. Her dedication and talent in this new field earned her recognition, including an Emmy nomination. Her prominence in entertainment journalism was further highlighted by her role presenting at prestigious events, including the American teenage girls’ pageant.
