One on one with Miss Universe Canada 2016
BY NICK WESTOLL, TORONTO SUN
TORONTO - After competing against finalists from across the country, 23-year-old Siera Bearchell was crowned Miss Universe Canada 2016 on Saturday at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts.
Bearchell, a law student from Moose Jaw, Sask., visited the Toronto Sun on Tuesday to discuss her win, the competition and pageant contests.
How did you prepare for Miss Universe Canada?
“I have to say I’ve kind of spent my whole life getting ready for it because for me, it’s the experience that I bring that makes me stand out from others. I have a passion for being on stage. I was a dancer for 13 years, so the stage presence comes naturally. You don’t have to train and train to fit what a titleholder should be — you have to be the best version of yourself.”
Describe the Miss Universe Canada 2016 competition.
“There are a lot of rehearsals throughout the week. But, as well, we got to tour Toronto. We got to go speak at a school, which was a wonderful experience. Being able to inspire some of those young women to chase after their dreams ... that was my favourite experience of the week. There’s video interviews, photo shoots (and) interviews with the judges.”
How do you respond to the stereotypes of pageant contestants?
“A lot of people when they think of beauty pageants they think of world peace or all those typical stereotypes, which you can kind of laugh it off. Some of the opportunities that I have had (are) because of pageantry. I have been able to grow as an individual (as well as) gain speaking skills (and) networking skills.”
What would you say to critics who argue these types of competitions are sexist or outdated?
“If we didn’t feel comfortable with being on stage, we wouldn’t do it. I mean, it gives you the sense of confidence that ‘here I am, I’m having a great time’ and as much some people may not agree with it, nobody’s ever going to agree on everything.”
You are involved with various charities. What drives your interest in community service?
“My family and I lost our home to a house fire in 2009, so we were helped a lot by the Red Cross. I started volunteering with the Red Cross and from there that’s actually when I got involved in pageantry. I wanted a bigger platform to stand upon to give back. So from there I started volunteering with Ronald McDonald House, Big Brothers Big Sisters.”
(This interview has been condensed)
http://www.torontosun.com/2016/06/14/one-on-one-with-miss-universe-canada-2016
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