Greenwood Park beauty eyes Miss SA crown

AS a teenager Julia Petersen was mercilessly teased for being ungainly. “I remember people saying how awkward I looked, or that I was gangly. One guy even called me Oxy because I had bad skin,” she said.

Julia though, didn’t give in to the constant teasing and is now in line to being crowned South Africa’s most beautiful woman. The Greenwood Park resident was recently voted into the top 12 of the competition and believes one of the biggest lessons in life is to never give up.

“You have to remember where you came from and be true to yourself. Never underestimate yourself and no matter what obstacles you face, if you believe in yourself you can achieve it. Being teased at school was really tough but I overcame that obstacle with a positive attitude,” she said.

The former Northlands Girls’ High School pupil, who likes nothing better than a hot bunny chow, said it’s been a lifelong dream for her to be part of Miss SA. “Two years ago I was voted out at the top 16 stage and though I was devastated, I picked myself up and was more committed to reaching my dream.

“The Miss South Africa brand is the perfect platform as an agent for change. It also feels good to be representing the province and Greenwood Park on a national scale,” she enthused.

Julia said she’s been overwhelmed by the support of the local community. “There was a lady who spoke to me the other day and just encouraged me to ‘show dem, show dem’,” she laughed. Because of her early years of constant teasing, Julia said one of her passions is to empower young women.

“I have been through the same challenges growing up as young women are facing today, such as low self-esteem and a lack of identity, and I believe I can use my testimony to empower them to become confident and secure in who they are. I feel I can motivate them to realise their purpose and help release the great potential hidden inside each and every one of them,” she said.

Her younger sister, Carla, said the Peterson family is 100 per cent behind Julia. “She has always been the perfect role model to me. Her perseverance and positive attitude has helped inspire me while growing up. Jules doesn’t know this but we were thinking of carrying a banner up to Sun City with a message of support for her on 30 March,” Carla said.

Like Julia’s Facebook Page: Miss SA Julia Petersen or follow her on twitter #MissSAjulia