‘2nd place not a failure’ - Miss BVI 1st Runner Up Doneisha Maduro-Findlay
Ms Maduro-Findlay was an invited guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Road Town last evening at the Moorings, Wickhams Cay II, Tortola at which event she sought to dispelled myths and misconceptions as it relates to her being the 1st runner up in this year’s Miss BVI pageant.
There has been and continues to exist loud public cries and public speculation as to who should have won the pageant and the legitimacy of the Territorial status of Miss BVI 2014 Jaynene Jno-Lewis. For most Maduro-Findlay was more deserving of the crown.
But while Ms Maduro-Findlay has said and continues to say that she accepts the position of the judges, at the Rotary meeting last night she and others present, heard from Attorney at Law, book author and writer of the Territorial Song Ms Ayana S. Hull who said that statistics have shown that the First runners up for most pageants have emerged more successful in their career and in other respects than the 1st place winner.
Ms Hull herself was a typical example as she was a 1st runner of a previous pageant and so the famous TV talk show personality Tyra Banks.
In her address Ms. Maduro-Findlay told the club that her journey began two years prior to the August 3 showdown, as she was just an overweight 18 year old with a dream of running for the national title. The power of this dream motivated her to reevaluate priorities and take the necessary steps to begin the preparation phase.
“The actuality of pageantry is that; image plays an important role and thus I needed to work intently to lose some 50 pounds in order to be ready. I got to work, and quickly learned the difference between dieting and changing my diet, along with the importance of exercise. This has resulted in one of my self-titled creed, the HLBIO Lifestyle - Healthy Living Both Inside Out,” she said.
“Look at the evolution of one dream now taking form into destiny…what was just a desire to enter a beauty pageant has now metamorphosed into a lifestyle shift,” she further added.
For her health became the central focus as now she is driven to promote a more healthy way of life for her family, Territory and herself. She said that the journey rewarded her with lasting relationships where she and the other contestants have established a strong bond or a mini sisterhood.
Further she said that she has developed a habit of keeping up with local, regional and world issues, gained a renewed affection for the rich culture of the Virgin Islands and is now charged with a mission to change lives through fitness and cosmetology.
“Unselfishly, I give credit to the pageant for helping me to realize my purpose…as I strongly believe that a part of my mission in life is to help others believe in self and lead a more healthy lifestyle. I exited the competition as a young woman with a plan to give back…This is why I have accepted a position as Cosmetology teacher at the Virgin Islands technical school for studies and I continue with vigor as a fitness and Zumba instructor at the Save The Seed Energy Centre…where I remind people, that beauty is not only in the eyes of the beholder but also beauty is HLBIO,” she said.
Technically, she said that she thinks her experience has indirectly prepared her to become a Rotarian – since she now embodies the mission of Rotary International by providing service to others, promoting integrity, and advancing world understanding, goodwill, and peace through her business, and community involvements.
“If I’m so lucky, I would hope that my experience serves as a three part lesson – lesson1. is to approach each challenge with an open mind…as your desire may only be the bait God uses to introduce you to destiny. 2. focus on the positives while accepting each moment as an opportunity to grow as an individual and 3. Do not employ external accolades as your measure for success - the moment you do, you would’ve significantly devalued God's work through you,” said Maduro-Findlay.
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45 Responses to “‘2nd place not a failure’ - Miss BVI 1st Runner Up Doneisha Maduro-Findlay”
Negative people have negative views and will attract negative experiences.
Young lady keep your head up and continue to do you.
at least she is a natural beauty and do not look a drag queen you go girl nuff respect
continue to shine they will always continue to envy you because what
"Second Place is just the first looser....." Always remember that!
Keep up the good work darling!!!