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Subject: Trinidad Guardian (20th April 2008)
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Author:
Trini77
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Date Posted: Saturday, April 19, 08:54:03pm
Author Host/IP: cpe-66-65-2-158.nyc.res.rr.com/66.65.2.158
Teishan Dixonher dimpled smile and short, curly hair are the physical attributes that stand out in model Katrina Geetooah.
It was a rainy afternoon in Port-of-Spain and carrying an umbrella to ward off the light rain, the reigning Miss Caricom International sat down in the amphitheatre of the National Library for a chat with WomanWise.
“It was a relief, actually,” was her unexpected answer to the question on her pageant achievement. “I put a lot into it in terms of training and preparation. I didn’t want to disappoint anyone, especially not myself.”
Geetooah admitted that one of the challenging things she had to overcome was her weight.
“Every pageant has its standard. I am naturally athletic, because I play sports. The goal was to look less muscular and more feminine, so I had to come down with the weight a bit.”
Geetooah was placed on a strict diet and exercise regimen, which included daily cardio-vascular exercises with local fitness trainer, Joanne Pantin.
This may have proven difficult for some, but not for the disciplined 20-year-old.
“Knowing it was going to help my progress in the pageant kept me motivated. It did get hard, especially on Sundays when Mummy cooked Sunday lunch, but I also wanted to prove all the people who did not believe in me wrong.”
Geetooah eventually lost ten pounds.
Raised in Paradise Heights, Morvant, an area known for its high level of crime, Geetooah described her home town as a troubled one.
Still, she said that fact never deterred her from going after her dreams.
“There are the people who shun me as soon as they hear where I’m from, and then there are the people who openly express doubt about me coming from there.
“Some even tell me I’m ‘too pretty’ to be from Morvant. Most who are where I come from are generally looked down upon, but I ignore the stigma,” she said.
Higher learning was also something Geeootah used to break the stigma.
A bio-chemistry/environmental resources major at the University of the West Indies, she was so committed to her academic work she found time to study for her exams even while doing the pageant.
“I didn’t have a choice,” she said, laughing. “I had an exam (to prepare for) while in Montserrat.” It was really difficult to study and do the pageant at the same time, but I knew I had to get it done.”
Apart from winning the crown, she also succeeded in her examination.
“Winning the crown was just a small part of it (the experience). I have gained so much knowledge, and I have matured in so many ways,” she said.
Geeootah has also had the privilege of representing T&T in Cuba at the opening of the Cuban Trading Centre and is expected to visit the UN in June of this year to act as a spokesperson for HIV/Aids awareness.
“Overall,” she said, “being at the pageant was a great achievement, a great success. I feel as if I am one step closer to achieving my goal of making my community and my country proud.”
Her advice to other young women who come from stigmatised areas in the country?
“Just have faith in yourself. Don’t let anyone inside or outside your community cage you in and tell you that you can’t do something positive. And above all, let God guide you. He has always guided me.”
END ARTICLE
I am really looking forward to seeing Katrina in MT&T2009 (I hope she enters). She could do well at both Miss World and Miss Universe.
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perfect
Good Luck
Shame on You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
TnT Rules
MISS EARTH JAMAICA MESSAGE BOARD
A Good laugh indeed!!!!
Trini77 do not be afraid
What band?????
Hi Guys
