Black Press Media is a proud partner of the Miss BC pageants, with this year鈥檚 event taking place June 29 - July 1inFort Langley. As part of the People鈥檚 Choice Award, we are posting contestants鈥� biographies online for readers to learn more about the women and girls from their communities and to put in their vote.

Submitted by Gurleen K. from Surrey:

Entering this program was a way to challenge myself by trying something out of my comfort zone. Stepping out of my comfort zone has always been a problem for me as I struggled with having the motivation. I hope to, make new memories and friendships during this program. It makes me glad to know that this pageant is not about outer beauty but, inner beauty.

Although I don鈥檛 have confidence in myself, I was able to find the good in others. I have noticed myself helping people with my advice but failed to take it myself. I love encouraging other girls to follow their dreams no matter if it鈥檚 a friend or not. It makes me glad to know that others can look to me as a way of feeling better.

鈥淲hat makes a child gifted and talented May not always be good grades in school but a different way of looking at life and learning鈥�- I believe that having the highest grades doesn鈥檛 determine who you are or who you will be in the future. I have never gotten straight A鈥檚 but I have been one of the brightest minds.