For Stephanie Solem, entering the is an opportunity to inspire others who struggle with anxiety and push past her own challenges in life.

This Canada Day weekend, the Surrey resident will take a second shot at winning the pageant.

B次元官网网址淚 entered Miss BC when I was younger and unfortunately I had to drop out because my mom was diagnosed with cancer,B次元官网网址� said Solem. B次元官网网址淪o this is kind of like a second chance for me, and when I got accepted I was over the moon.B次元官网网址�

ItB次元官网网址檚 particularly meaningful since the charity pageant involves raising funds for Cops for Cancer, and supporting children who have the disease.

B次元官网网址淚 know how much it can change your life,B次元官网网址� she said of the disease that took her motherB次元官网网址檚 life. B次元官网网址淗onestly IB次元官网网址檝e always had a drive to make a difference. To live a meaningful life. Losing my mom at such a young age I learned how short life can be. I want to make a difference while IB次元官网网址檓 here.B次元官网网址�

See also:

See also:

See also:

The pageant is also an opportunity for Solem to face her anxiety, which she says is the result of childhood sexual abuse.

B次元官网网址淚 have suffered from anxiety most of my life and it does stem from the abuse I suffered when I was a child,B次元官网网址� said Solem. B次元官网网址淏ut IB次元官网网址檓 a survivor.B次元官网网址�

Talking about it helps, she added.

B次元官网网址淭he reason I shared that about myself in my biography was to raise awareness and inspire other women who have been abused,B次元官网网址� said Solem. B次元官网网址淚t doesnB次元官网网址檛 encompass who you are, and thereB次元官网网址檚 no need to bottle it up.B次元官网网址�

But she acknowledged the anxiety she battles with makes it hard to put herself out there.

B次元官网网址淏eing a part of this pageant I really had to push myself,B次元官网网址� she said, B次元官网网址渁nd become comfortable in situations I normally wouldnB次元官网网址檛 be.B次元官网网址�

In addition to inspiring others who have anxiety and are overcoming abuse, she hopes to inspire her two children, ages two and five.

B次元官网网址淚 just want them to see itB次元官网网址檚 important to have a voice and be active in shaping the future,B次元官网网址� Solem said, B次元官网网址渁nd what you can do if you put your mind to it.B次元官网网址�

Solem, now a wife and stay-at-home mom, was a trained nurse for five years before having children.

She herself grew up with foster parents, and 10 siblings, in Tsawwassen.

B次元官网网址淚t was absolutely a wonderful experience,B次元官网网址� she recalled. B次元官网网址淚 learned so much from my parents and the children in my life. To love unconditionally. I really learned compassion.B次元官网网址�

Solem said sheB次元官网网址檚 grateful for her main sponsor, Lucy Clothing in Langley, which is providing her pageant attire.

B次元官网网址淭hey have clothing for the curvy plus-size woman, which I am and proud to be,B次元官网网址� she said.

The Miss, Miss Teen, Jr. Miss and Mrs. BC Pageant will run from June 30 to July 2 in Fort Langley, with the pageant finale set for 6:30 p.m. at the Chief Sepass Theatre (9096 Trattle St., Langley) on July 2.

Visit for more information and to see a complete list of contestants across the province.

amy.reid@surreynowleader.com
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