Did you face any moment of disappointment with yourself during the pageant journey, and how did you overcome it?
My first experience in pageantry was in fact Miss Universe Malta 2016. Numerous contestants were already well established models, some did already compete in Miss World, Miss Grand International, Miss Supranational and Miss Earth ! I felt like an underdog but I turned that energy into determination. Not winning was a disappointment. However, I learned that I should be proud of placing 3rd runner up and receiving the title of Miss Photomodel. Giving up was not an option for me! In fact, a couple of months later I competed for the title of Best Model of the World which I won. And a year later, I stand proud of my achievements whilst preparing to fly to London to walk during London Fashion Week followed by Miss Intercontinental 2017 !
What's the best one word to describe Malta ? What is your favorite thing to do in your island ?
Magnificent - our tiny island is considered as one of the best gateways in the Mediterranean Sea. We are very proud of our rich and intensive history. We are a nation known for historic sites thanks to the succession of our rulers such as the Romans, the Knights of st John, the French and the British. One may not opt to not mention our beloved Mdina, a walled medevial city built strategically on top of a hill in the middle of the island, in order to seek enemies from the distance. My favourite thing to do in Malta is definitely swimming. Being an island, it is decorated with numerous beaches and lagoons which freshen you up during the hot summer months. I most certainly would not want to live anywhere else, I simply love it here !
What do you expect to gain by competing in pageantry?
From pageantry I feel that I have matured alot and will continue to mature along the way. The experiences gained will guide you to similar events in your life, it may not include wearing a pretty dress and a tiara, but most definitely be useful when it comes to self presentation, communication skills, culture appreciation, deadlines and public speaking.
What does it feel like to be a beauty queen and wear a crown?
Althought the ultimate goal of a pageant contestant is wearing a crown, I believe that the best crown that a person can wear is a heart filled with love and compassion. A deserving crown will not sit on the head of a pretty girl who walks elegantly in a sparkling dress across the stage while glaring at the judges with the hope of being declared the most beautiful, but it will deservingly sit on that girl who helps another through her struggles and pave a better path. As Mr John Holmes once said; "there is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up".
Who is your ideal beauty queen and how has she helped you to evolve as a beauty queen?
My ideal beauty queen would be someone who can inspire others to strive for success by her own limitaions. Somone who is talented but yet giving. Someone who made the impossible possible. For me that person is Jessica Cox. She was born without arms but she achieved things which even the "ordinary human" may find difficulty achieving. In fact she is the first armless licensed pilot and even have a black belt in Taekwondo. To me she is a true beauty queen and she continues to inspire me every single day.
