Jasmine Grant, a student at Broward College in Fort Lauderdale, is a contestant for Miss Earth United States. She is wearing an ethnic wedding dress created with recycled materials. that promotes “Beauties For A Cause.”
The pageant prides itself on setting a corporate example of how everyone can contribute to a greener planet.
For Miss Earth United States delegates and titleholders, “Beauties for a Cause” is more than just a slogan. It provides them with an opportunity to go into their communities and around the world to promote the causes of Mother Earth.
It also helps promote recycling and energy preservation through a number of events and products. Pageant participants are active in cleaning up their neighborhoods, helping with a Live Earth concert, planting trees, and making television appearances to promote a greener Earth.
Contestants from all over the world participate in the international Miss Earth pageant. Although she’s “green’’ to the pageant world, Grant wanted to capitalize on her recent win as Miss Sunshine State, a pageant in which she represents Hollywood. A student at Broward College in Fort Lauderdale, Grant is studying geography and plans to eventually pursue a master’s degree in urban affairs and planning or environmental science.
A natural on issues about environmental
The student, a graduate of Miami’s Killian High School, has long been a proponent of environmental issues.
“Our society is very wasteful and we need to change,” Grant told the Florida Courier. Her goal is to make people more aware of how much energy they’re utilizing and about the effects of global warming.
Jana Murrell of Nebraska is Miss Earth United States 2008. Participating for four years in mentoring programs fueled her passion for the environment and helping the community. She is a member of the Association of Geoscientists, art editor for Broward College’s literary/ arts magazine P’an Ku, and a contributing writer for The Observer, the college’s official newspaper.
She plans to become a hydrologist, meteorologist or city planner. She also wants to use her talents as an artist to further her career.
Grant has worked or volunteered in a variety of green areas, including taking water samples at the City of Hollywood’s wastewater treatment plant and working with the Department of Housing and Community Development office in South Florida and with a cleanup project on Hollywood Beach.
A contestant explores the beauty of nature. She also has worked retail positions in the area, gaining customer service skills, something that is sure to come in handy in the pageant. Along with the environment, she wants to be an advocate for children. During summers, she has worked as a summer camp counselor and has volunteered at a church day care.
Weighs consequences
The oldest in a large family, Grant admits there are certain responsibilities but shies away from the term role model.
“They know I am looking out for them. I have their back if something happens. … I don’t know if I’m a role model because I don’t want to be put on a pedestal,” she said.
“Family keeps you focused by saying ‘You know what you need to do.’ If I get sidetracked, I motivate myself to do what I have to do. I’m always constantly comparing consequences. If I make this choice, what will happen? I learned from mistakes I’ve made in the past. Now I think before I do.”
Environmental awareness is a key component for contestants. Studying geography, Grant says, is just an extension of her interest in how people use space and grow within it.
“It encompasses how people live. What we do to our environment with our big SUV’s, traffic and no green space. I watched the documentary ‘Who Murdered the Electric Car?’ Instead of instant gratification or over-consumption, we can look at preserving what we have and making it better. It is something we can all do together,” she said.
Beauty, talent not the main focus
Grant considers winning this year’s crown of Miss Earth United States a s another way for her to boost a worthy cause. The July 19-22 pageant will be held at Primm Valley Resort and Conference Center in Nevada.
“I am very determined and competitive and always reaching for something. Entering this pageant will be my second one, and it caught my eye because it is different. I love that the environment is the main issue of importance – not beauty and talent.
The contest does, however, include a swimsuit and evening gown portion. Environmental awareness is a major focus; a performing arts talent is optional.
Contestants are responsible for much of the expense – their own round trip fare, pageant wear for special appearances, seminars and official outings, hair and makeup. Grant is seeking sponsors to help her with expenses.
The U.S. winner will go on to participate in the international Miss Earth pageant.
“Really I’m not the pageant type. As a little girl, it was something that really interested me because I see it as a competition. I think the Miss Earth pageant I am entering will be my last pageant because this is an expensive hobby. I happen to be looking for sponsors and 2009 just felt like a good year to step out of my comfort zone. I wanted to do it before, put if off, but finally said I might as well try it.”
To support Grant in her Miss Earth quest, contact her via e-mail at Jazzy2603@aol.com.
http://www.flcourier.com
Nenhum comentário:
Postar um comentário