My place in the semi-final was awarded after interview with the judges after which I was a ‘Wild Card’ place. Then only 15, I am the youngest competitor. Since then I have set my standards high in what I want to achieve.
Photo by David Dresser
Left: Grand Harold aka The Royal Butler,
Right: Matt Hancock MP
I feel quite undaunted by the challenges the competition offers, seeing them all as opportunities for self growth. I now enter the final with the title of Miss Inspiration; a title which I am both flattered by and one I hope to continue to deserve. My aim is inspire each and every person who reads my story.
As a dyslexic as is my brother, I appreciate first hand how challenging life can be for the neuro diverse. My message is one of optimism, education and enlightenment. Having set out to highlight the lack of teacher training and knowledge surrounding dyslexia, my mission has taken me into Westminster Political circles where I interviewed Matt Hancock MP to discuss his Neurodiversity Screening and Teacher Training Bill having only weeks before interviewed Grant Harrold AKA The Royal Butler. I aim to prove no mountain too high nor any situation too daunting when it comes to advocating for those who need someone to speak for them and that I am prepared to do that at local, national and even international level.
I don’t hide my ambition, my desire is to not simply to obtain the Miss England title but to bring back to England the Miss World title. With a greater platform I would look to take my dyslexia campaign across the English Speaking world creating the greatest impact for as many people as possible. By educating people about simple interventions, changes in teaching methods and changing the language surrounding the way dyslexia is discussed my aim is to empower the neuro-diverse to focus on their positives, look for opportunities where their unique thinking powers are highly prized. Further interviews in the pipeline are with some unexpected organisations, but for now those are top secret.
Photo of Alexandria by David Dresser
I refuse to let anything hold me back, I am determined to be a role model for all, my message is simple ‘If I can do it at my age whilst juggling life and exams anyone can find their own route and create their own journey, you just need to have purpose, conviction and be determined to overcome obstacles that get in your way’. There is good reason for my dyslexia campaign, stark official figures indicate around 57% of the prison population is dyslexic with no official data for the number of homeless neuro-diverse individuals; with the right support social issues can be address, talent can be unlocked in the sciences, engineering, computing and the arts. For me better awareness of how to unlock those educational and employment opportunities will support so many other good causes, promote career routes and change perceptions.
I relish the opportunity to help, advocate and support other good causes in the same way I have thrown myself into the competition. I’m ready for the next set of challenges so I can highlight that you don’t need to have any experience to make a difference you simply need to start and not put it off for another day or until the time is right because you’ll probably put it off indefinitely.
Being a competitor has taught me so much about myself, I’m a campaigner, I’m an advocate, I’m a fundraiser, I’m an events organiser, I’m talented. Most importantly I’m part of a sorority who all have their own stories and journeys, their own causes close to their hearts and all wanting to be the difference the world needs; I’m part of the Miss England family and will forever cherish my opportunity and everything it has given me. Our sisterhood is not just a group of pretty faces, we are true beauties with a purpose, each and everyone of us beautiful in our own unique way both inside and out. Whilst I am telling you my story I have to speak up and say every woman in the final has earned their place and I am proud to be a part of that.
What cannot be side-lined however is the reality of being one of the youngest ever finalists which means over the next few weeks I am also sitting my GCSE’s!”
Image by David Dresser
