‘Always be distinct’- Miss UN Soyini Fraser

Describing herself as enthusiastic, daring, determined, ingenious and radiant, crowned Miss UN Soyini Asanti Fraser believes it is more important to “stand out than to fit in.” She sat down with Guyana Times Sunday Magazine to relay her experience at winning an international pageant.

Sunday Magazine: Tell us about Soyini Fraser.
Soyini Fraser: Well I was born on May 8, 1990 to Lynden and Deborah Fraser in Georgetown. Over the years I have grown into a spirited dancer, an aspiring Christian Child Psychologist, role model, and a true Guyanese. I attended the West Ruimveldt Primary School then on to Queens College. In an endeavour to continue and broaden my scope of academic enhancement and elevation, I am currently in my fourth and final year at the Life Christian University reading for a bachelor’s degree in theology. Upon the conclusion of this degree programme, I plan to continue the journey of academic pursuit by studying Christian Psychology. This will bring me one step closer to accomplishing my career objective of becoming a Christian Child Psychologist. I love to dance which I have done since I was a child and I play various musical instruments. I love being athletic, something I developed since attending school. I also view myself as a tomboy.
Sunday Magazine: Why theology?
Soyini Fraser: I want to be a Christian Child Psychologist and it requires a first degree in theology. I love children and I believe in Guyana there is a need for such psychologists to understand how a child thinks and learns. I believe there are quite a few autistic children here; they might not necessarily look different from others but [they] learn and interpret things differently. Right now I believe that we don’t necessarily understand them and we tend to classify them as “dunce” or “slow learners”. What is needed is finding methods to reach them and way to teach them effectively. This [stereotyping of children’s abilities] is one of the things I want to curb in Guyana.
Sunday Magazine: How did you get into pageantry?
Soyini Fraser: I was never a big fan of pageants. I was always one who said it was an easy task and that anyone could get up on stage and deliver. Then one of my friends dared me to enter one and I readily accepted, viewing it as a brush over. It turned out to be the hardest thing I have done thus far! What made it difficult too is that I was a tomboy growing up and had no clue how to walk in heels. I wasn’t tactful too and would just say what came to mind. In pageantry it’s different because you have to get over what you want to say in a diplomatic manner. Then there was the difficulty with public speaking; I’m terrified of crowds. However, I eventually learnt how to overcome these challenges.
Sunday Magazine: How many pageants have you entered?
Soyini Fraser: I was Miss Guyana Earth 2010 and went to Vietnam to represent Guyana. I didn’t place in Vietnam but Guyana received much recognition for our culture, which they were fascinated by. I placed first runner up last year in the Miss Guyana World pageant and I also represented Guyana in Czech Republic at the Miss Princess of the World pageant. I placed in the top five of that pageant. Earlier this year, I gained first runner-up in the Guyana Model Search and soon after that I left for Miami where I entered the UN pageant and eventually won.
Sunday Magazine: How were you able to cop the Miss UN title?
Soyini Fraser: The one thing they said that stood out, and ultimately made me win, is the interview segment, which carries the most points. The morning of the interview we were given a 6-page questionnaire, which took us by surprise because we weren’t told of this. It was very detailed about humanitarian work in your home country and if you won how you will use the crown. There were questions on importance of education and also on domestic violence. Then there was a separate set of questions they ask when you’re interviewed face-to-face. I left no blanks and answered the questions to the best of my ability. They said overall I came out on top.
Sunday Magazine: What was your response when you won the Miss UN pageant?
Soyini Fraser: On the day of the pageant, they were calling out winners for various prizes and I was standing there thinking these people aren’t going to give me anything. Then they started calling out the runners-up and I was puzzled because I thought I won’t win anything. Then I heard they said Miss Guyana won and I thought, “Oh Miss Guyana won…Wait I’m Miss Guyana!” I stood there for five long seconds, took everything in and then got excited. It’s a very different feeling winning an international pageant than winning a local one. Right now I’m preparing to go to the US for their Labour Day celebrations. It will start with a fashion show called “Caribbean Extravaganza” and I was invited.
Sunday Magazine: What’s your beauty regimen like?
Soyini Fraser: I do so many things on a daily basis – I don’t get my 8 hours sleep; however I take care of my skin by cleaning, toning and moisturizing twice a day. I try to keep out the sun. I try to eat well- at least five fruits a day, and drink lots of water, keeping away from the sweet drinks. I also keep away from fast food although now and then you break your own rules because I’m a big pizza fan. I could eat it every day. I ensure I walk and exercise; keeping fit. I go to the gym and also dance.
Sunday Magazine: How have you dealt with personal insecurities?
Soyini Fraser: I have my insecurities especially with my body. I also like short hair but the industry prefers you having long locks so I would use weave. But after all that is done, I just take it off because short hair is me. Last year I had a Mohawk and loved it! It’s ideal to be outside the crowd than in because you stand out and not blend in with the others. There are things about me I wish I can fix but can’t and I have learnt to accept that; I am me. What I appreciate now too is that the international pageants aren’t looking for the anorexic look which is good. These international pageants don’t just focus on the beauty, they are keen on intelligence. As far as appearance goes I’m just me.
Sunday Magazine: What is your advice for other young girls?
Soyini Fraser: Don’t change you to fit anyone. Be you. Make sure your educational background is strong. Also have a spiritual side because you need the faith to endure the pressures of life. I’m thankful to the Miss Guyana World committee headed by Mr and Mrs Carwyn Holland for their advice and helping me to develop into a winner. I’m thankful for my mother’s guidance because accepting guidance goes a long way. Make sure you’re comfortable in your own skin. The industry is always changing what beauty is and so on. Never lose your identity. I was invited to crown other international pageant winners in different countries and I’m very excited about this. My goal is to continue to represent Guyana and make it known. My advice to young girls who want to get into pageantry is to always represent your country; it’s your identity – something you should never lose sight of. (Taken from Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)