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

Submitted by Hajaratu J. of Coquitlam:

I entered Miss BC because I want to be more involved in volunteer work. Working and going to school full time can get busy. I usually end up coming home and using social media as a relaxer. I rather spend my time being a part of an organization that is helping people instead of scrolling through social media. I also entered because I want to teach young girls that they don鈥檛 have to be a label or fit into any category or stereotype.

I am unique because of the way I view the world; even though our world isn鈥檛 perfect I always find ways to think more positive instead of negative.

A quote that inspires me is: 鈥淓verything happens for a reason鈥�. I think everything in my life such as breakups, parents divorcing, moving schools etc. all happened to me so that I can be the person I am today.