Jeneene Guerrero Miss Canada Charity 2013/2014
Many people say they have problems in their life, but what they do not realize is behind all challenges is opportunity and it only takes the courage to take the first step to make your dreams come true.
I come from a Latino background; my father, Leonardo Guerrero is Uruguayan and my mother, Lucia Escalante is Ecuadorian. Since I was three, I have participated in beauty competitions. With the support of my family, and especially my mother, I have won titles like Miss Princess, Miss Photogenic, Miss Hawaiian Tropic and many more. My life was not solely about pageants; I participated in dance competitions, events in my school and I would help out in my community through the Ecuadorian Association.
There is a saying that “not everything that glitters is gold”. This reality struck hard when, at age 14, I was diagnosed with Epilepsy and thought it might be the end of my modeling career. It was a hard adjustment for me, and my whole family, because we not only had to learn how to deal with my treatments, but all the social problems that came with my condition. I started to get bullied, both at school and by the different professionals my family sought for help. At first, my parents didn’t understand my condition. They thought I was trying to get attention. I was sent to psychologists but got so nervous it would trigger my seizures. During one of my seizures a psychologist yelled at me to “wake up” thinking I was faking it. Everybody thought I had a mental health problem. I had trouble keeping friendships and would get teased at school. Eventually, all of this chaos drove my mother to turn to Epilepsy Toronto for help; I am so glad she did.
Miss Canada Charity at the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon
Despite having Epilepsy, I have stayed strong and I want to help others who have gone through the same experience to help turn their lives around, just as I did. I have now returned to modelling and over the past two years have participated in the Toronto Miss Canada Globe Productions Pageant, directed by Mias Pilar. I was crowned “Miss Petite Greater Toronto Area” in 2012 and am currently “Miss Canada Charity 2013/2014.” These achievements have opened many doors for me in the Latino community and have provided many great opportunities both nationally and internationally. Soon I will be competing internationally with other girls representing Canada and my Latino community. My title has allowed me to share my story and encourage others to follow their dreams, despite the challenges they face. I want other girls to understand that beauty comes from within and we do not have to be perfect to be beautiful; it is the way we act and the things we do for others that define who we are.
Because of all the support I have received, I have started to produce my own events. This will be the second year for my event ¨La Causa,¨ since I have always believed that charity begins with one’s self and within the home. I also began a toy donation campaign with Euphoria Nutrition Club, 360FM.CA and Ella Bella Styles for a women, and also a children’s shelter called “The Yellow Brick House.” This campaign runs from December 3rd, to December 20th. If you would like to donate and participate in this event or any of the other events that I will have, you can find all the information on my facebook page (Jeneene Guerrero Miss Canada Charity 2013/2014).
Each one of us is unique and beautiful in our own way and it is the challenges we overcome that make us who we are. There will always be people that don’t like us and want to hurt us, but we can show every one of them that they are wrong for placing judgement. Some people may say that I participate in these beauty contests to earn crowns and attract attention; in fact, that’s exactly what I want! I want to capture the attention of each and every person, to share my story, and help people understand that no one deserves to be oppressed. Never let anyone tell you that you can’t accomplish your dreams. In whatever challenges you may face just remember that there is a purpose for each of us in this world and if you are passionate and believe in yourself, you will always come out the winner.
Written By: Jeneene Guerrero
