After being crowned Miss Teenage 91原创 in what would be her very first pageant, winner Jesseca Mah felt her dreams were swiftly coming true.
The 18-year-old Murrayville resident earned the title earlier this year, after spending much of her childhood wishing she could one day take part.
鈥淓ver since I was little, these women looked so beautiful and elegant 鈥� so poised. They were real role models to me,鈥� Mah said.
Mah recounted being involved in many rehearsals for the competition, which included swimsuit and evening gown segments. The pageant was held on March 17 at the Executive Airport Plaza Hotel.
鈥淵ou forget in the moment what鈥檚 all happening,鈥� Mah added, 鈥渂ut my whole family was there for support.鈥�
Now, after winning the regional competition, she is on her way to Toronto to take part in the Miss Teenage Canada pageant and attempt to earn the country鈥檚 top title.
Read more: 91原创 student crowned Miss Teen Canada
鈥淚鈥檓 prepping a lot 鈥� learning how to wave and practising my answers for the Q & A,鈥� Mah explained.
Held from July 9 to 14, The Miss Teenage Canada pageant welcomes over 60 contestants from across the country. Judged on a personal interview, charitable contributions, public speaking skills, community engagement, and photogenic appeal, $20,000 in cash and scholarships are handed out to winners each year.
Though the experience has been exciting for Mah, she says the chance to help out and use the platform to give back to her community is what鈥檚 really important.
鈥淢y platform is affordable and accessible education opportunities,鈥� Mah explained. 鈥淭hroughout my high school years, I was a peer tutor and have seen the need for more affordable tutors. I believe that education should not be limited by a family鈥檚 financial situation.鈥�
Miss Teenage Canada raises funds for a non-profit organization the called WE Charity (formally Free the Children) which advocates education and health for youth around the world.
鈥淭he pageant helps children with life threatening illnesses,鈥� Mah said. 鈥淎nd I鈥檝e always wanted to help fufil a child鈥檚 wish. It鈥檚 a very special thing because every child should be able to be what they want to be.鈥�
After Miss Teen wraps, Mah will be heading into post-secondary school this fall, studying dermatology at UBC. 鈥淚鈥檓 nervous, but I know it鈥檚 going to be one of the best time of my life.鈥�
As for the upcoming pageant, even if she doesn鈥檛 win, Mah said she is already coming out ahead with all of the people skills she has developed through the experience.
鈥淚鈥檝e learned how to communicate and portray myself in job interviews and make eye contact. You just got to put your best foot forward,鈥� said Mah.
People can follow Mah and the rest of the country鈥檚 contestants at .
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