On the world stage with beauty pageants

The Burnaby NOW spent time chatting with Trinity Stanley, who at 13 is one of the youngest contestants in the Miss Teen Canada World beauty pageant.

Trinity is a Grade 8 student at Burnaby Central, who is hoping to inspire other young girls to develop a healthy self-image.

Jennifer: Please tell us a bit about yourself:

Trinity: Hi, my name is Trinity.

I'm 13 years young and currently a Grade 8 student attending Burnaby Central. I love photography, whether I'm behind or in front of the camera, it's always the main thing I do in my spare time.

I am very social, and I love hanging out with my friends.

Jennifer: Why are you entering the Miss Teen Canada World beauty pageant?

Trinity: I decided to enter because I feel there is a whole Toddlers and Tiaras perspective of pageants these days, and I honestly believe it's a leading role that can influence girls all across the country.

Jennifer: What made you want to get into modelling?

Trinity: After watching shows, and seeing the Victoria's Secret fashion show, I got interested in the whole fashion industry. I love flipping through magazines and seeing modelling advertisements. I hope to be in that inspiring position one day.

Jennifer: Where do you stand in the contest now?

Trinity: I am a finalist going on to compete for one of the few B.C. representatives for the nationals.

Jennifer: What's the next step in the cont?

Trinity: My next step is to help get people involved for the Cardiac Kids charity and raise money to help donate. I would like to get support from my community.

Jennifer: Can you tell us about the fundraising you are doing for Cardiac Kids?

Trinity: Well, I'm fundraising for the Cardiac Kids, which is basically a volunteer group established in 2000 to raise much-needed funds for children who are suffering from congenital heart disease.

I've baked goods and sold them from door to door, and collected donations from my family and friends.

Jennifer: What's it like being one of the youngest contestants?

Trinity: It's definitely a lot to think about, but it sure is a privilege. I hope that in a way, I won't feel threatened at any point, because of any older girl's experience.

Jennifer: I understand you are trying to encourage other girls to have a healthy self-image. How do you do that when the early teens can be a difficult time for some?

Trinity: I can understand that many girls do worry about their image and other people's opinions, but I feel at this age girl's shouldn't invest so much of their time worrying about their breakouts, or messy hair days.

At this age we are changing and still growing. Making the right food choices and getting exercise makes them feel good inside and out. If all girls could do this and feel confident in themselves, it would make them feel good about themselves and be happier in general.

Jennifer: What do you think is the biggest issue facing young teen girls today?

Trinity: I think the top issues that teenage girls face are mainly their position in social grouping and appearance acceptance. Girls worry about how people think of them and accept them. I know for a fact that when girls go to school or a social outing they feel the need to please everyone around them, whether it's acting more mature or dressing up differently. I hope that we could break that barrier sooner than later. jmoreau@ burnabynow.com