The reason I joined pageantry was to help share my story. Because of the wonderful platform pageantry provides for you to be able to tell others what you are passionate about to help your communities and make a difference in the world.
I faced many obstacles and barriers throughout life, that have challenged my mental health started as early as being a child in foster care and adopted. I also was involved in a traumatic bicycle accident that left permanent scars on my face that started self-esteem issues at the young age of six years old.
Struggling with feelings of not being good enough, self-esteem issues lead to anxiety and depression that led to me trying to take my life at the start of eighth grade. I had found faith to be an ultimate support during this time but still struggled. My lack of understanding of my emotions lead to risky behaviors and bad choices that ended in me being Placed back into foster care in high school. During this time I unfortunately was sexually assaulted by my foster brother that continued for over a year. The overwhelming feelings of unworthiness, anxiety and depression worsened due to trauma. To deal with feeling that I had no control over anything in my life developed a eating disorder that lead to permanent damage to my body. It took a lot of soul-searching, self development and understanding to really start the healing process. Trauma therapy was key for me. Finding a loving husband who supported me and did not judge me as well as finding my purpose in life. I never want others to walk alone in life or feel that the world would be a better place without them because it wouldn’t.
still she rose initiative it’s about bringing together the pageant community, uplifting women, educating and bringing awareness for Mental Health and wellness. We all have a story that is powerful and you never know who it may help. Never give up.
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Still She Rose is a wellness program for leaders, women and teens in the pageant industry. Funded by the B4ACUSA Foundation, wellness program initiatives are open to all pageant community members.
The ROSE is symbolic of the spirit that grows within each of us when proper care and attention is applied.
Together, we can encourage wellness through self care, positive body image, renewed self esteem and affirmation of one's identity beyond pageantry. We aim to engage in a conversation of support, honesty, reflection and awareness, in order to promote wellness as the foundation of the pageant industry.
Because each of us can say, She Struggled; and Still She Rose.
