PEPPS learner on her time in Cambodia for Miss Teen International
The 18-year-old Washu Masindi Hlabioa holds the Miss Teen International South Africa title and recently travelled to Cambodia to represent the country at the global showpiece.
POLOKWANE – Washu Masindi Hlabioa represented South Africa at the Miss Teen International pageant, which was recently held in Cambodia.
The 18-year-old PEPPS College learner is Miss Teen International South Africa and in the same contest, made the top 15 in the Africa continental title as well as won the top model award.
As a child she was quite shy, and her parents urged her to take up modelling to help her gain confidence, she told Review.
“Through modelling, I have learnt that being authentic is what makes a person stand out. Not trying to fit in, is the best favour you can do yourself, instead, staying true to your own beliefs no matter what.”
Speaking on her experience in Cambodia, highlights include the warmth, loving nature, and youthfulness of the people of Cambodia.
“I am also a sucker for ice-cream and I must say that Cambodia has the best ice-cream I have ever tasted. I was not excited to come back home and I wish the journey lasted longer,” she said.
Washu has been a learner at PEPPS since Gr 2 and says she firmly supports the school’s strict stance against bullying.
“Bullying should not be tolerated under any circumstances. Sometimes bullying is the cause of deeper problems such as depression, low self-esteem and mental health issues and this also needs to be addressed,” she said.
She has mastered the art of balancing modelling and school. “I prioritise both these parts of my life and I pray about it as much as I can and God sees me through; never leaving my side.”
The Gr 12 learner plans to go to flight school next year, as her aspirations are to become a captain pilot, which she describes as a pilot in command of a flight.
“This ideal was inspired by my desire of travelling the world and learning about the various cultures. I’ve also been looking at becoming an aerospace engineer which is still in the same field, so basically anything that involves aircraft or flying objects, is where my heart lies,” she concluded.
