PHOTO:

Winnie Muiru, far right, a Kenyan girl from Worcester awarded winner

By:

Harrison Maina

Posted:

Apr,27-2015 10:44:16

BOSTON--11 year old Winnie Muiru, a Kenyan American 6^th grader from Worcester has won the Massachusetts Pre-Teen Beauty contest, and is now advancing for the Miss USA contest to be held at the rosen Center Hotel in Orlando,Florida later this year.

If Winnie wins the national contest, will scoop $7,500 in cash scholarship award in addition a one week cruise to a special destination of choice, not counting the doors that will be unlocked in the media and advertising industry.

"This is absolutely shocking to me. I never in my life thought that my daughter would win something of this nature especially here in the US where there are many more deserving girls," said Grace Muiru Winnie's mother during an interview with AjabuAfrica.

According to Muiru, a single mother of one, the opportunity that saw her daughter suddenly enter to compete, and eventually win in the Miss Massachusetts contest came by plain luck.

She said that an invitation letter sent to many girls of her daughter's age in the area to go and try their luck had been lying on her kitchen table unopened for more than a month.

But in what sounded like an unbelievable twist of luck,Muiru came home bone tired one day at around 11.30 pm and just slumped on the couch nearby.

The somehow, her eyes fell on the letter just because of it's maroon colored return address. She decided to open it, fearing it could be a long forgotten bill or some other scary message.

But alas!, as soon as she started reading the letter, she could not believe the good sounding invitation to appear the next day at 11am for trials at the Marriott Hotel in Cambridge.

"I did not hesitate once. I summoned up my daughter immediately and showed her the letter. We instantly agreed to get ready and head out for the trials in a few hours when the day breaks," she said.

"I chose a dress for my daughter and took a few pictures ourselves as we thought she looked stunning. We then appeared for the trials in Cambridge where she was given a few tips and tricks related to beauty contests. My daughter was then accepted to come back for their main Pre-teen contest where she ended up the winner in her category. It was absolutely unplanned," said the proud mother, adding that she will never ignore mail sent to her house again.

Recounting the sudden journey into the world of fashion and beauty,the young Kenyan said that it was a surprise for her as well to be declared a winner out of over 300 girls in her category.

She credited her mother for the opportunity that almost slipped between her fingers.

"If she never opened that mail on that day, I would not be here holding this award," Winnie told Ajabu Africa.

Undeniably beautiful with an ever present smile, Winnie said that she looks forward to competing in the Miss USA contest in Orlando, which could open a door for her to compete in the real Miss USA beauty contest then on to the ultimate prize- the Miss Universe trophy.

She said that she hopes to inspire other young girls out there to try and become what they want to be and be self confident in their own capabilities.

She added that she felt empowered by the experience that has taught her to believe more in herself.

As for the mother, everything still seems to be a dream comes true.

She will be accompanying her daughter for the national competitions in Orlando, with the sponsoring company paying most of the 1 week living and hotel fees for all contestants.

She has also learnt a lot on the tricks of posing and beauty consciousness during the many trips she took to bring her daughter to various training classes in Cambridge in preparation for the Miss Massachusetts Pre-teen contest.

"I also get a few lessons for me.The trainers teach parents accompanying their daughters a few tricks. I am also looking forward to spending whole week in Orlando when my daughter goes to compete."

However,Muiru’s great take away from the experience is to never ignore mail sent in the house, and to never shy away from giving her only daughter a chance to try out whatever interests her.

"These days, I open all mail that comes to my house without hesitation. It looks like many people have lost a lot of money or opportunities by ignoring mail," she advice.

As for her daughter, she cannot thank her enough for taking chances and believing in her. She said that she will continue to take school seriously as she has always did, earning her honors as she moves from one grade to the other, and compete in the beauty contests during her extra time.

"My mother is my hero for all she has done for me. I will continue shooting for the best and make her happy while I explore the world of opportunities," she stated confidently.

Source:

Ajabu Africa News