(Seychelles News Agency) - Taking part in the Miss Seychelles beauty pageant has been her dream since a very young age and now that she is turning 25 this year Stephanie Duval is not going to miss her last chance to do so.

Duval is not new to pageantry though as she was crowned Miss Regatta in 2007. The Seychelles Regatta is an annual event held usually in August on the beach at Beau Vallon, northern district of the main island of Mahe. 

The 24 year old resident of Mont Fleuri, a central Mahe district studied telecommunications and proudly holds a diploma in the field after completing her studies at the Seychelles Institute of Technology.

Grasping at every opportunity that would give her a chance to move forward in life, Stephanie completed a course in advanced sports management offered by the Olympic Solidarity programme, earning herself a diploma and is today working for the Seychelles National Sports Council.

Proving to be an ambitious young lady, Duval’s dream in five years’ time is to have completed her studies at degree level and be able to set up her own charity organization as her life ambition is to lead one of the world’s biggest charity organization.

Having travelled to Mauritius, a few times to South Africa and once to Greece, the first words that comes to her mind when promoting Seychelles as a tourist destination would be: “Seychelles has undoubtedly the most beautiful beaches on the planet” adding that 'paradise' does not even begin to describe the beauty of the Seychelles islands.

Apart from spending time with loved ones, the Miss Seychelles contestant enjoys swimming and loves the unique dishes of Seychellois Creole cuisine while she dislikes spiders and drinking alcohol.

Having the opportunity to participate in various activities in preparation for the pageant together with other contestants, Duval told SNA that so far they have been extremely busy, although she stressed that it has been an interesting journey.

“It has been a great learning process,” she said, noting that she always keeps an open mind.

“I love the fact that we have all had the chance to work on a project; it has allowed us to showcase our abilities to do something great,” she added.

Participating in the pageant has certainly brought an extent of popularity, how do the girls cope?

For contestant Number 3 Stephanie Duval, she believes that she is doing fine adding that she always keeps away from any negativity.

Over the years it’s been obvious that some Seychellois girls struggle to find the courage to take part in a beauty pageant but Duval had these few words of encouragement for young ladies who may hesitate to take on such a challenge: “Life is what you make of it; dare to go after your dreams no matter how scary it may seem. Trust in yourself and believe that you can do it because people who have the courage to be different will always be remembered.”

For the fellow contestants who have embarked on this ride, her words of advice is to “keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions,” quoting the author Mark Twain.

“On a personal note be active and be extremely happy” she concluded, 10 days ahead of the Miss Seychelles….Another World beauty pageant 2014.