A GRADUATE from Harrow hopes to win a UK-wide pageant at the first attempt, writes Amani Hughes.
Serena Shah, of Sandringham Crescent, South Harrow, is participating as Miss Middlesex in the final of the Miss International and Miss Intercontinental combined competition in which four crowns are up for grabs.
She is one of two north- west London girls competing in beauty pageants.
The 22-year-old, who used to attend Park High School in Thistlecroft Gardens, Stanmore, was given a place in the final by the organisers after submitting a written application and professional pictures taken two years ago at a photoshoot.
Ms Shah said: “I am really excited but nervous. It is the first time I am doing something like this but I am really glad I have this opportunity.”
The participants will have to show the judges their fashion style in swimwear, fashion wear and evening wear modelling rounds at a hotel Manchester as well being interviewed so the judges can find out more about the contestants.
“I have the support of all my friends and family,” Ms Shah said.
“I am not the most confident person but they have motivated me to do better.”
The winners of Miss International UK and of the three Miss Intercontinental titles for England, Scotland and Wales have the chance of going on to the Miss International final taking place in November in Tokyo in Japan.
Ms Shah said: “It would be absolutely amazing to win the competition and a hopefully a great chance to travel to another country.”
She has just finished the final exams of her business management and accounting and finance degree in Nottingham.
She said she is glad to be back in Harrow after three years of study and is working part-time as a receptionist at Harrow Leisure Centre in Christchurch Avenue, Wealdstone.
The 22-year-old said she would like to take a year out and go travelling in South America and hopes to get a job in business when she returns.
Ms Shah is one of the estimated 1,300 women taking part in St Luke’s Hospice’s Midnight Walk tomorrow (Friday) that starts and finishes at the leisure centre where she works.
Pageant director Holly Ikin said: “She has got a gorgeous, exotic, natural look and a great smile.”
