Miss Rebecca Rath : The Light to Empowering Youths
Rebecca Rath : The Light to Empowering Youths
1.1
October 09, 2024
A pageant is more than just who wins the crown. It’s a
opportune for the young women of Belize to display their voice,
intelligence, and inner strength take center stage. On August 25,
2016 Rebecca Rath was crowned as Miss Universe Belize. Since
then, she reined under this title until 2017. During her reign,
although never once meeting her at the pageant, I became a day
one supporter ever since. Her words and spirits shown during
the pageant, left childhood me speechless. In 2016 I had the
wonderful opportunity to meet her when my school, St.Andrew's
Anglican School invited her as a guest. We were all called up in
"Rebecca takes the crown" (iTravel Belize) the middle of the afternoon under the pavilion lined up to meet
her. From the moment I saw her, I knew the name "Miss Belize" was more than suited for her.
She carried herself with elegance and humbleness. She walked down the isle wearing the brightest smile and a
beautiful red gown. At the sight of us, she greeted everyone with a welcoming wave. I personally, took this chance
to ask her one question. That question being "How can I be as beautiful as you?" She smiled and grabbed the mic.
She told us that although many of us are young and may not understand, that beauty is something that comes
from within. We all may look different and shouldn't compare ourselves, mestizo, Mayan, Garifuna, Mennonite,
white or black, our souls are unique. Beauty is to have empathy, kindness and love. She then began to introduce
herself to us.
Up Close: Miss Univ…
Univ…
Miss Rebecca Rath is no stranger to embracing her cultural ties. Born and raised in Dangriga, Rath’s upbringing was
deeply rooted in Belizean culture. Her Garifuna and Creole heritage, gave her a deep appreciation for Belize's
traditions. In her teenage years, she was deeply in love with volleyball, despite the trifling gender stereotypes. At
time of her reign, she promoted herself in hosting sport programs, in order to empower girls to step up into the
sports world of Belize. She upholds these cultural values and her individuality from her interviews to her choice of
attire. When I met her, I saw no difference in the fact we were both Belizeans, and like her, many of us can become
someone phenomenal in Belizean History. She surely proved that fact to be true, with her story.
Rebecca Rath at Miss Universe 2016 (Taken by Tony Rath)
She brought Belize to the global stage and reminded the world that even small nations have voices that deserve to
be heard. Representing Belize at the Miss Universe 2017 competition forever became a memorable moment,
even myself included. For the first time in over a decade, Belize would be making itself back on the Miss
Universe stage. Although Rath wasn't plaaced on the Top 15 finalists in the Miss Universe 2017 competition, her
performance and conduct left mark for many Belizeans. She told For me, I felt immense excitement as I watched
her on my TV screen on the day Miss Universe was on the air. Without a boubt, she was one the most supported
queens as her time under Miss Belize.
Mrs. Rebecca Rath continues to be an influential figure in Belize, engaging in philanthropic activities, promoting
cultural awareness, gaining the title as Belize's Sports Ambassador, and Tourism Ambassador.
On the day she visited us, we had no idea what impact she would have on Belize. Nevertheless, me and countless
other kids were in awe in hopes to see her on national television. And just that is what she did. Her story is a
reminder that true beauty lies in authenticity and that representing one’s country is not merely about wearing a
crown but about the hard work and persistence that pays off.
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1.1 Can you please submit the regular PDF document here. This one seems to be the blog post.
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