Shy girl competes in World Miss University
From a shy little girl to competing on world stages with models from all over the world, Marissa van der Walt (21) a BSc Physics and Math’s student at North-West University’s Potchefstroom Campus recently competed in the 27th World Miss University (WMU) 2016 edition China. She represented South Africa against 57 other countries. “What …
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From a shy little girl to competing on world stages with models from all over the world, Marissa van der Walt (21) a BSc Physics and Math’s student at North-West University’s Potchefstroom Campus recently competed in the 27th World Miss University (WMU) 2016 edition China.
She represented South Africa against 57 other countries.
“What a journey it was. I have grown immensely as a person through all the wonderful experiences and everything I have seen,” she says.
“This pageant has given me the opportunity to meet amazing and inspirational people from all around the world and also learn from them.”
During Marissa’s trip to China, they visited several cities and stayed in the most beautiful hotels. The final night was held at the famous Birds Nest in Beijing.
“I know my campus supported me throughout my journey and I was blessed with amazing sponsors, like Eulogeo Zeloo who made all my dresses.
I felt like a princess in their gowns! My whole journey has been a blessing,” she says.
Marissa, who sketches and is a freelance make-up artist, says she was extremely shy as a young girl and never competed in pageants. She says her sister was the one for pretty dresses, make-up and stages.
“But, now, I run to my sister for advice, I ask her for her opinion when I am entering a pageant and that is actually great,” she says.
Through her modeling and pageant experiences, she has gained confidence.
She says one of the most important lessons she has learned is that it is okay for a woman to feel beautiful and confident in her own skin and that it is important for you to embrace your imperfections.
“In essence, none of this would have been possible if it weren’t for Eulogeo Zeloo Couture, the official sponsors of all my gorgeous custom-designed dresses, my campus Z NWU Pukke and Model Management SA for all the support. I am also so grateful to my family and friends for standing by me through this chapter in my life.”
“My sister and mother are, hands-down, the strongest and most admirable people in my life. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. They are my biggest fans and I’m theirs.
“So, just thank you,” she concluded.
Marissa in of her Eulogeo Zeloo Couture dresses.
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