Interview with Teen Universe US Guatemala – Keyri Galicia

Firstly thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions about your pageant journey for my pageant lockdown blog it’s lovely getting to know fellow pageant queens and more about the systems that they represent.

What made you enter pageants ?

When I was very young I remember seeing Miss Universe and Nuestra Belleza Latina and on TV and I would take my moms heels and copy them and when the opportunity presented itself to compete for Miss Juventud a Latin pageant I couldn’t have been more excited ever since then I’ve loved competing

Can you tell us about your pageant journey so far ?

At first I competed for small pageants I have the title of Miss Juventud , Miss Guatemala Illinois and now Miss Teen Universe US Guatemala I worked my way up I didn’t always win but that made me work harder every time and it’s a big bonus being able to represent my heritage

What made you decide to compete in your current system ?

Well I wanted to compete in my last Teen Pageant since I am 18 and one of my friends had competed last year and I completely fell in love with the organization and I couldn’t be happier

What have pageants taught you ?

Pageants have taught me you won’t always win the crown but the crown isn’t what makes you a queen it’s your heart and what you accomplish without the crown who I think really defines you and another big lesson it has taught me is that your personality speaks volumes your beauty alone won’t take you far because beauty really does come from within.

What’s your pageant platform and why ?

My platform is Mental Health as a person who struggles with anxiety and I tend to overthink everything I think it’s important to take care of ourselves in every aspect mental health is important especially at times like this I can’t stress enough how much people should check on the people around them I’m a big advocate for this and have a very special campaign coming up to raise awareness.

What’s your dream title ?

Of course my dream title is Miss Universe it’s something I strive for it’s my ultimate dream!

If you were to win the National Pageant what would it mean to you ?

Well if I were to win the national pageant I think my heart will explode I have thought out that moment in my head so many times and the excitement of when you win there’s 100 different emotions going. Through your head .. you’re smiling but crying but you’re speechless and all the adrenaline is in your body it’s one of the most beautiful experiences ever so we’re aiming to bring that crown home with us.

What’s the best piece of advice you have for fellow pageant queens ?

My best piece of advice is be humble , I believe the best queen is the queen who actually cares about representing her people because without there support you’re just a girl with a crown it’s so beautiful when you get to be a role model to so many young girls so just remember be relatable Be the best version of YOURSELF !

What have you been doing in the run up to the National final ?

Well so far I have been working on myself practicing and preparing myself to give the best of myself but I have also been working on my platform and starting my own health business my biggest thing is my upcoming mental health project and I’m excited to announce it very soon !

What’s your favourite appearance so far ?

My favorite ever appearance by far has to be when I got to travel to Guatemala and I got to visit and orphanage in a very small town in Guatemala . Being able to bring joy to all the kids the way they ran up to me with a light of hope in there eyes was just so eye opening to me and i was so blessed to have gotten that opportunity

How has lockdown due to COVID19 affected your pageant journey ?

Definitely Covid-19 affected my reign we haven’t been able to do photo shoots and go to our agency and practice with our director but it also gave us the opportunity to engage with everyone all over the world through social media and I’m making the best out of it

Had your reign been extended ?

I do believe my reign has been extended since the national pageant has been pushed back

What makes a good pageant role model ?

I think what makes a good pageant role model is being selfless I believe that being a role model you should show kindness and love to everyone you meet because you never know how that act of kindness can affect that person.

What’s your favourite pageant round ?

My favorite pageant round has to be interviews with the judges because as nerve wrecking as it is they get to see who you really one on one and it’s your moment to shine

How do you deal with pageant nerves ?

You know your body can’t tell the difference between nerves and excitement so when I start feeling nervous I think to myself it’s just excited and turn it into a positive feeling!

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions about your pageant journey it’s been lovely getting to know you and your platform. I wish you all the best at the final. Much Love Charlotte, Ms Diamond South Yorkshire 2020.