(Seychelles News Agency) - After repeatedly being encouraged to take part in a beauty pageant since the early age of 15, Gillian Come decided to take a leap this year and overcome her fears by joining the 2015 Miss Seychelles...Another World beauty contest.

Gilian who hails from Anse Boileau, a district in the western region of the main Seychelles island of Mahe is hoping to gain more confidence through this once in a lifetime opportunity.

After completing her studies at the Seychelles Tourism Academy to become a receptionist, the 20-year-old worked in a hotel for one year before securing a job at the SACOS insurance company.

“I enjoyed working in hotels because I had the chance to mingle a lot, but there were many times where I would have to work consecutive evening and day shifts which were really tough. I now have more stability with SACOS, which is something I like," Come told SNA in an interview. 

Her short spell in the tourism industry has nevertheless added to her experience including allowing her to learn to speak Italian.

Having entered the annual Miss Seychelles beauty contest, Gillian hopes to direct the spotlight on the children of Seychelles, especially those in early childhood up to the age of nine.

Speaking to SNA, Gillian says she wants to find the reasons why some children either miss school or are late to class and by doing so, try to address such issues.

She has already started working with La Rosiere School (a primary school located on the periphery of the capital of Victoria) and visited the Ministry of Education to view the statistics involving children within this age group.

“If we find out the reasons behind such behaviours we can find ways to help, be it financial aid, extra classes or even counselling.”

Despite her shyness, Gillian’s hobbies include singing and dancing and she describes a performance at her parents wedding as her "bravest moment on stage".

“I surprised them on stage after my siblings had given their speeches where I sang 'The Power of Love' by Celine Dion. They were so pleased that it brought tears to their eyes...,” she told SNA.

One of the singers she admires the most is American singer, Beyonce, whom she describes as being "proud to be who she is which is what I aspire.”

Asked about her future plans, Gillian hopes to use her new found confidence to join the school of dance, something she had been longing for.

Apart from dancing, Gillian enjoys making new friends, reading romantic novels and watching comedies featuring her favourite actor, American, Kevin Hart. As for her dislikes, Gillian says the feeling of not being on good terms with important people in her life causes her the most stress.

The hardest part of being in the competition for this young lady is that she lives very far from Victoria making it harder to juggle work and the pageant. Nonetheless, she told SNA that this was what she wanted to do it and will remain committed to the end.

In ten years time, Gillian foresees a good job that provides a stable financial situation for her family.

Gillian's advice to all the other contestants competing in this year’s Miss Seychelles beauty pageant is short but strong.

“Know who you are and be proud of it..,” she says.

The contestant number 7 says she is looking forward to pageant night and will leave it all in God’s hands and that she will be happy with whatever he gives her.