As a child, Selana Bishop has participated in just about every beauty pageant there is. At age 12, the Junior Miss Universe T&T is also a survivor, a goal chaser and a go-getter.
Selana's dream to represent T&T on the world stage will become a reality when she takes part in the Little Miss Universe pageant in Georgia, USA, in July 2017.When it comes to pageants, Selana is no stranger to the spotlight.
She has various pageant titles to her name, including five-time winner of Gulf City Mall's Easter Princess and other Easter princess titles around T&T for the past five years. Selana is determined to one day become Miss Universe.Selana, who attends Cunupia Government Primary School, has had many setbacks in her life.
She was born premature and diagnosed with cerebral palsy, with little chance of survival and not knowing if she'll ever walk again after four reconstructive surgeries on her legs between the ages of two to ten.
After years of crying in pain, having to wear casts, steel braces, and doing strenuous therapy, Selana believes she's alive today by the grace of God and because she has a mission to accomplish.She enjoys making pancakes and cookies, drawing, painting, arts and craft, reading and playing the national instrument of T&T, the steelpan.
While she loves to sees herself as a pageant on the world stage, Selana has a broader vision for herself.She also aspires to achieve a PhD in Child Psychology.She said she wants to encourage other children with disabilities to become ambitious, hardworking, and to know that they can achieve anything they put their mind to. But most importantly, they must never give up.
For now, she is happy for the opportunity to represent T&T in one of the biggest pageants she has ever entered.
"This is the biggest pageant for me, so I can't wait to represent Trinidad and Tobago. When I heard about The Little Miss Universe pageant I told my uncle Kevin (Steeple) that I wanted to enter and he helped me.
"Uncle Kevin is a designer, so he makes all my pageant gowns and helps prepare me for all my pageants. My parents, Alana and Lyndon Bishop, also support me," Selana said.
Selana's uncle, Kevin Steeple is a world-famous doll artist designer who makes replica dolls for Miss Universe Organization and for the 51 Miss USA State pageants winners.He has also made dolls for US first lady Michelle Obama and the Queen of England, which are exhibited at the White House and Buckingham Palace.He said he continues to be floored by his little niece's confidence and determination.
He said she created history by becoming the first-ever Junior Miss T&T. Selana stole the spotlight in her design "The Blossoms of The Pink Poui," an elegant pink gown fashioned after the pink poui tree in Trinidad, in support of the fight against cancer, and to pay tribute to her grandmother and other brave women who died in the battle against the terrible disease.
For the cultural costume she pulled out a showstopper, the "Beauty of the Buccoo," a dazzling and magnificent blue gown with embelishments that depicted the beauty of the Nylon Pool and Buccoo Reef in Tobago. Both gowns were designed by Steeple.
Selana sealed the deal when she confidently answered the final question–"What does T&T culture mean to you?"
She responded that the rich multi-cultural diversity of T&T was the essence of her existence, that her mixed ethnicity and heritage are the blessings of the love and unity among the people of this great nation, and that she is proud to be a citizen of a country where every creed and race has an equal place. Steeple said Selana continues to overcome obstacles in her life and the opportunity to represent T&T shows that she has triumphed.
Selana is involved in a lot of other activities. She juggles school and charity work. She is also Youth Ambassador for Health. She was featured in videos for the Ministry of Health's website and talk shows, as well as took part in a national drive around Trinidad for the Ministry of Health National Day of Play.
She was also appointed Youth Ambassador by the Ministry of Arts and Multiculturalism under the last administration. She also made appearances at various cultural events including the Miss La Reine Riviere 2015 show, telling her story and inspiring people.
She continues her work as a youth ambassador with the office of the Prime Minister which places emphasis on youth-centered initiatives.
Recently, she met 22 delegates from around the world at the Miss Global International pageant.She will be working with Miss Australia, the winner of the pageant, to help bring awareness and help with charities for children with cancer and disabilities globally.
This month, Selana will participate in the Miss Universe show in Las Vegas, where she will have an opportunity to distribute national gifts and promotional items for T&T to each delegate, and help her uncle present dolls to the top ten winners of the Miss Universe 2015 pageant in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.