Cultural plurality broadens the mind
If you think that swimming in the sea, while posing for photographs is no big task, you had better have another think coming. Both are different and challenging, unless you are Valentine Fernandes, our Model of the Fortnight.
This New Plymouth beauty must have been the cynosure of all eyes as the photographer put her through the lens; not that it mattered, for Valentine is a confident model, with a number of titles to her credit.
And we could not have found a more appropriate candidate to feature in this issue, just a day after Valentine’s Day, that brings love and goodwill around the world.
Noble as a Nurse
Born in Dubai, Valentine is a student pursuing her graduate degree in Nursing at the Western Institute of Technology in Taranaki.
She moonlights three jobs besides being a spirited volunteer.
“I look forward to be in the medical profession. Nursing is a noble vocation. I will constantly seek a good balance between my passion for acting and serving the community as a nurse. I am confident and committed,” she said.
Valentine was crowned Miss Indianz at the 15th Annual Contest held on September 16, 2017 at Auckland’s Town Hall. She also won Miss Popular and Miss Talent.
She is the fourth of five nominees for the 2017 ‘Taranaki Daily News Person of the Year.’
Among the titles that she has won in 2016 were ‘Miss Taranaki,’ ‘Miss Exotic Beauty’ and ‘Miss Global Beauty Queen.’
From shadow to limelight
From her tomboy antics in her formative years, Valentine has come a long way to become a responsible member of the community.
“When I was young, my parents had to force me into a dress at Christmas time. Even two years ago, I would have never thought of entering a pageant, since I was a very shy person. People do not believe me, but I used to be the girl trying to blend into the wall,” she said.
-Venkat Raman
If you wish to be featured as our Model of the Fortnight, please write to editor@indiannewslink.co.nz
