Meet Miss West Indies International Esther Lande! A student at Florida Atlantic University, Esther hopes to become a medical doctor. There’s no reason to believe that she won’t achieve a goal. To begin, she’s very service-driven. She loves to volunteer to assist others, and has been volunteering since she was nine years old. Even now, she says she’s convinced that she can improve our society through volunteerism. In fact, she’s an ambassador for the volunteering organization Dosomething.Org. As she prepares to compete at the Miss International pageant in Jacksonville late this summer, she took the time to give me some us a glimpse into her life as a pageant princess.
Kreyolicious: What made you enter the Miss West Indies International pageant?
The International system is based on platform. It encourages young women to fight for something in our community. I entered it because I believe in my platform and being Miss West Indies International helps me to reach more people.
Kreyolicious: When do you feel the prettiest?
I feel pretty every second in my life. I am grateful that God grants me life every day and with God by my side I feel beautiful each second. But I must say I feel prettiest when I am volunteering in my community. Giving back to my community shows my true inside beauty.
Kreyolicious: What would you say to someone who wants to enter a pageant, but has the jitters about it?
It is not only about gorgeous gown and glam; it takes hard work to be a pageant queen. If you truly want to enter in the pageantry world, you must be willing to be dedicated to your cause. There are things that you will need to give up to succeed into your new journey. Don’t forget have fun in the process, stay confidant and give it your all. I advise anyone to enter a pageant that forces you to fight for a cause.
Kreyolicious: What are the most inspiring and character-building books you’ve ever read, and would you mind sharing the titles with us?
I would say Oprah by Katherine Krohn because this book describes the struggles of her life and how she overcomes it. That really inspires me that even in my darkest day I still can overcome anything I undertake. I also love Peace from Broken Pieces: How to Get Through What You’re Going Through by Iyanla Vanzant. This book helped me to go on with my life even after I had gone through a lot and to be at peace with all that had happened.
Kreyolicious: Who’s the most inspiring person in your life?
The most inspiring person of my life is Toussaint Louverture because he has led us to our revolution. He was truly a courageous and intelligent man. I learned from him that it doesn’t matter if people think you can make it, if you believe it in it and are bold enough to take the first step then you will mostly likely succeed.
Kreyolicious: Have you been to Haiti?
Yes! I was born in Haiti and raised there until I moved to Chicago, Illinois. I recently went back in Haiti. I organized a toy distribution for the kids of Bizoton 51, Carrefour where I grew up back in December last year.
Kreyolicious: What advice do you have for those out there who are having a hard time being happy for others when they experience some form of success?
We should be happy when others succeed. It takes hard work and dedication to succeed. Be happy for whoever succeeds because it shows they have been working hard toward their goals. Your time will soon come if you stay focused on your goals. Don’t give up. We all have our own time to shine.
