Jasmine Herrera is vying for a crown and a first national title for her community at the Miss Teen Canada-World competition in Toronto on July 13.
“Wellington County hasn’t really been represented nationally,” Herrera said. She’s hoping to change that.
At 18, the recent Our Lady of Lourdes graduate has earned her spot by taking home the prize for Miss Teen Wellington County-World 2013, in January, as one of the top finalists in the province of Ontario.
“It was my very first pageant,” she said, noting the competition put her up against 50 contestants, many of whom had previous pageant experience.
Herrera admits that she never had the desire to compete in pageants as a young child.
“The way I started, I was actually hesitant…” she said of her confidence. But her determination paid off and that is a message she hopes to share with other young girls.
“I’d like to inspire girls to really follow their goals. It may sound cliche, but I want them to know they really can do whatever they want if they put a little hard work into it,” she said.
At the national pageant, Herrera will compete against 80 contestants from across Canada.
“We will spend two weeks in Toronto preparing,” Herrera said. “We get to go on Breakfast Television, and we’ll have media with us. It’s going to be a crazy week,” she said. I’m really excited, but I am nervous too.”
There is much to do, from shopping for unique attire to practicing her routines, speaking to the media and preparing for interview questions.
To prepare, Herrera has done her homework.
“I’ve been watching other pageants, looking at the girls who won this year,” she said, which she admits is helpful.
“I have to stay positive and focus on my goals,” she added.
At the national level, the contest will include an interview before a panel of 10 judges, plus an on-stage competition of poise and presentation in both swimwear and evening gown attire.
Staying current on important topics is important. Contestants are judged on their ability to speak publicly with respect to a current topic that will not be given to them until competition time.
Herrera said the talent portion of the competition is optional. In her first national setting, she has chosen not to perform, but is planning for future opportunities to work on her Salsa dance.
An important part of competing is volunteer work, and Herrera has enjoyed that.
“As a titleholder, I have been making appearances, fundraising for Free The Children and volunteering,” she said, noting another important cause for her work is raising awareness on mental health in teenagers.
“We must each raise $400 for Free The Children,” Herrera said of her fellow Miss Teen Canada World competitors.
“I raised the money by hosting a barbecue at school, and the rest with the support of family and friends.”
The winner of the national title will have the opportunity to speak at the We Day event, a fundraiser for youth that has gained international attention, and that is something Herrera would like to do.
“I want to show everyone how this competition has changed my life,” she said.
Herrera is proud to represent her city and the surrounding Wellington County.
“I want people to know how great the city of Guelph is and Wellington County too, so they can see why I love to live here.”
Seeking sponsorship
Herrera is looking for sponsorship to help her win a title at the national level. To support her or for more information, visit competitionfacebook.com/MissTeenWellingtonCounty or her blog at http://missteenwellingtoncounty.com.
