Lauren Pederson remembers the moment she was crowned Miss British Columbia as 香蕉视频直播渢hrilling.香蕉视频直播�

A week after the pageant in Vancouver, the University of Victoria student reflected on her journey, saying she entered the competition with one clear goal: to aim high and secure the provincial title after coming close a few years earlier at Miss Canada.

香蕉视频直播淚 was really focused on just shooting for the stars,香蕉视频直播� Pederson said. 香蕉视频直播淚t was definitely a shock, but it was wonderful.香蕉视频直播�

The Miss BC competition is a two-day event, beginning with interviews, preliminary judging, and fitness assessments on Saturday (April 12), followed by performances, more interviews, and the final crowning on Sunday (April 13).

While the event may not be widely discussed in Canada, Pederson explained it香蕉视频直播檚 a rigorous and rewarding process with real-world impact.

香蕉视频直播淭he number one most important [element] is your interview,香蕉视频直播� she noted, emphasizing that it accounts for about 30% of the judging criteria. 香蕉视频直播淚t香蕉视频直播檚 also about your initiatives, your beauty with a purpose project, your mission, and what you do regarding philanthropy.香蕉视频直播� Other factors include stage presence, sportsmanship, and connection with others.

Pederson first moved to British Columbia from Ottawa after visiting a friend on Vancouver Island, instantly feeling a deep connection to the area.

香蕉视频直播淪piritually, I was like, OK, this is a stunning place to be,香蕉视频直播� Pederson said. She transferred to UVic to complete her bachelor香蕉视频直播檚 in child and youth care and is set to graduate this summer before beginning her master香蕉视频直播檚 in counselling psychology.

Alongside her academic journey, Pederson is launching her nonprofit 香蕉视频直播� the Inspire Initiative 香蕉视频直播� which focuses on supporting the mental health and confidence of disadvantaged youth.

香蕉视频直播淚t香蕉视频直播檚 my heart, it香蕉视频直播檚 my soul,香蕉视频直播� she said. The idea emerged from her volunteer work with youth in Victoria, where she saw how a lack of access to basic opportunities, like sports or training programs, could limit young people香蕉视频直播檚 growth.

香蕉视频直播淭hey want to try out boxing or take a babysitting course, but just can香蕉视频直播檛 afford it,香蕉视频直播� she said. 香蕉视频直播淭hat香蕉视频直播檚 where the Inspire Initiative came from 香蕉视频直播� to inspire confidence and abilities in disadvantaged youth.香蕉视频直播�

Pederson香蕉视频直播檚 passion for children香蕉视频直播檚 mental health also led her into pageantry.

While in Kingston, she was talking to a photographer about her dream for free, government-funded therapy for children.

香蕉视频直播淗e said, you need to get into Canadian pageantry,香蕉视频直播� she recalled. That same week, she applied for Miss Ontario. With no prior experience, she packed her car, drove to Toronto, and finished sixth, earning the title of Miss Ottawa.

Since then, her journey has continued to grow, supported by a small team she describes as 香蕉视频直播渨holesome香蕉视频直播� and mission-driven.

香蕉视频直播淚t was always me, myself, and I,香蕉视频直播� she said. 香蕉视频直播淣ow I have a manager, a hair stylist, someone who helps with PR and emails, and my makeup artist.香蕉视频直播�

Pederson is also a model and actress in Victoria with Coultish Management, which has aligned its support with her pageant pursuits and charitable mission.

Next up is Miss Canada, set to take place Aug. 12 to 17 in Toronto.

Before then, Pederson plans to expand the Inspire Initiative internationally, with a trip to either Guatemala or Africa. Drawing on her background in missionary work, she hopes to make a global impact.

Pederson acknowledges that pageantry is often misunderstood.

香蕉视频直播淧eople think it香蕉视频直播檚 about vanity,香蕉视频直播� she said. 香蕉视频直播淏ut if you sit down with any of the Canadian queens and ask them questions, their stories are phenomenal 香蕉视频直播� some grew up in homelessness, others worked multiple jobs. The level of hard work, determination, and authenticity in these women is nothing short of phenomenal.香蕉视频直播�