You will never speak like everyone else! This is something that doctors, teachers and the public alike have told me and my parents for years.

Speaking does not come easy to me because of my Apraxia of speech, a speech/communication disorder that only affects 1 in every 1000 children born.  I did not make an age-appropriate understandable sentence until my late teens. So when I started pageantry when I was just 16 years old, I think it was safe to say Interview was not my strong spot.

When starting preparation for Miss Royalty International 2020 pageant, I had let Wendi Russo, my coach know of my struggles and my fears of losing points because I “sound different”. She taught me how to approach this in interview and use it to my advantage.

And…..not only did I win Interview in my category (Miss) but it was my highest score this year. I earned my self 49.1 out of a possible 50 points, which is crazy!! That is a crazy high score for an Apraxia child to get. This win in an interview is not just a win for me, but a WIN for all children with Apraxia feeling like you will never speak,  for the parents of children diagnosed being told “your child may never speak like everyone else”, for the speech therapists who work tirelessly to help change lives, to everyone who knows someones who struggles with speech. This win is proof that no matter how bad it is, you can overcome it and make it your strength!

Photos by: Dazzelshot Images

Hair: Jelly Sosa

Makeup: Nicole Christine Styling