Tell us about yourself.

My name is Elena S. I am 12 years old and I live in the small town of

Brightwaters, located on the south side of Long Island in New York. I attend a public Middle School

and will be going into the 7 th ., grade in the Fall. I am currently in High Honors and my favorite

subject in school is Math. I also attend Greek School where I am currently learning the Greek

language. My family is originally from Greece and I would like to be able to communicate with

them when I visit. I am also involved in the National American Miss Pageantry. I have been

competing in pageants for 6 years. Recently, I competed in the Miss New York Jr Preteen State

pageant. I won 1 st ., place in the best actress competition, 1 st ., place for best spokesmodel

competition, 2 nd ., place in the top model competition, National American Miss Spirit of America

award, and overall placed Queens Court in the NAM State Pageant. This qualified me in competing

for the National Competition which will be held in the Fall. I also love to sing and dance and perform

in Musical Theater. I love playing volleyball and I am part of a volleyball team in my middle school. I

love to swim and do gymnastics and l love traveling and visiting new places.

What is your biggest dream?

My biggest dream is to become a Professional Fashion Model and Runway Model. I always had an

interest in fashion, because it’s about reflecting your personality through the clothes you wear.

There’s something about the right pair of pants or a great pair of shoes that can bring out a

confidence in you. I also grew up in Pageantry, so I developed a taste of posing in front of a camera

and wearing great clothes.

What does it mean to be your own kind of beautiful?

For me, be your own kind of beautiful simply means just to be “Yourself Daily.” You must appreciate

how unique you are and not to imitate others. To understand yourself and find the inner beauty in

you. To be humble enough to know that you are not better than anybody and wise enough to know

that you are different from the rest.

Tell us about your Modeling experience?

I am fairly new to the Modeling Industry. I have been doing National American Miss Pageants for

six years, and entered N.Y. State Top Model competitions. In each of those years, I have won and

qualified to go to Nationals to compete. I have also, entered the N.Y. State SpokesModel

competition, and won first place. In addition, I was selected by The NY Kids Fashion Democracy to

walk the runway during their Summer 2019 show, which was held this past July. I am also happy to

say, that I am selected to walk the runway during NYFW, which will be held this September, 2019.

What is your dream brand to Model for?

My dream brand to Model for would be for Oscar de la Renta. He is known for designing timeless

wedding dresses and beautiful formal evening attire. His designs are known for flattering the

female form. He uses bright colors and vivid patterns and glamorous details such as embroidery,

beading and ruffles.

How would you describe your fashion style?

I love wearing all types of fashion styles. Such as formal wear, active/sport wear, casual wear, artsy,

preppy, urban chic, etc. My fashion style would be more urban chic and active/sports wear. I love

urban chic clothing. They’re very hip and cool. It’s a style that I can include a torn denim pants with

fun fashion accessories such as scarves, belts, hats, etc., as well as “funky" items such as boots. I

also love active/sports wear. It’s a style that is very casual and comfortable and the fabric is very

soft and stretchy.

How important is self-awareness and confidence to you in your everyday life?

Self awareness is very important because we have a better understanding of ourselves and what we

do in our everyday lives. By improving our self awareness it helps to build up our confidence. You’ll

be able to better handle most challenges and problems that come your way.

What makes you beautiful?

Beauty is associated mostly with your physical characteristics. Like your face, your eyes, your smile,

your curves and so on. However, I believe what makes me beautiful is by being kind and

compassionate, by being an excellent student in school, by being friendly and helping others…things

that will matter in the long run.

Some examples of what makes me beautiful is, when I am volunteering at my Church and at Soup

Kitchens by preparing meals and care packages and help serve food for people in need. Another

example is, by going to Senior Centers and performing Traditional Greek dances and sing songs to

the Seniors. Also, by going to Children’s Hospitals with my Sunday School class to donate toys to the

kids.

What would you say to another guy/girl your age who is struggling with their confidence?

I think the first thing you have to do is be a GOOD FRIEND by really listening to the person and

speaking to them from the heart. Second, make an effort to spend time with them and encourage

them to help others or have them try to help you. Third, challenge them to set a goal that is

achievable that you can both work on together.

Theodor Roosevelt once said, “Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and

confidence in the doing.”

To my friend, I would say, don’t let your fears hold you back. You must do the thing which you think

you cannot do. Don’t deny yourself new opportunities, because those opportunities may lead you to

the most amazing places.