(17, NJ, USA) Rosepreet - Teen Miss New York Earth

Rosepreet Virdi, “Teen Miss New York Earth”. As I walked towards the center of the stage, I vividly recall the overwhelming feeling younger me would have felt at such an inconceivable feat- claiming victory in a statewide pageant. As a young girl, I never expected myself to be a “pageant girl”. Growing up Sikh, the center of my life was family, selfless service, friends, and school. One day while scrolling upon Instagram, I saw an ad to compete in the Teen Miss New York Earth competition. I was immediately intrigued. With no past experience in the world of pageantry, I delved into this opportunity at the chance to challenge myself and take on a new endeavor. I embarked on a transformative journey, diving into the world of pageantry and embracing the challenge of statewide beauty competitions. The Teen Miss Earth pageant unveiled itself as a singular opportunity, championing not only beauty that meets the eye but also one’s devotion to a meaningful cause. Within this context especially, beauty took on a multifaceted essence. I continued to work with my non-profit, “Love To Help Inc.” and its ambassador program,  working on beach cleanups, food drives, and more. Months of unwavering dedication followed—sculpting a physically resilient version of myself through a blend of balanced nutrition and relentless treadmill sessions, all while donning high heels. Gradually, a newfound, self-assured version of myself emerged, as I learned to grace a stage before hundreds of spectators. My determination stretched far beyond personal aspirations: it was a quest to illuminate a path for every young girl who, like me, bore the weight of their own uniqueness. The world of pageantry bestowed upon me more than a crown and sash; it gave me a platform to showcase outward confidence. It offered a canvas upon which to render my authentic self—beauty infused with a purpose. Without pageantry, I would have never found self-confidence, countless friends, and been able to spread my platform. The pinnacle of this profound journey stood as an indisputable testament, a reflection that the measure of one's true worth is defined by the gaze that meets them in the mirror.