Alexandra Klock considers moving to the Comox Valley 10 years ago one of the best moves of her life.
Klock is the only Valley finalist in the upcoming Miss BC competition – a competition that recognizes young ladies from across the province for their personal accomplishments and community involvement while enhancing the self-esteem and personal development of women.
On a snowy day in April, Klock and her family moved from Washington State to the Comox Valley – and it was here where Klock found an outlet to deal with years of bullying.
“Bullying (in school) was awful – I remember coming home in tears,” said the 20-year-old. “It was difficult to handle.”
It’s her experience growing up, combined with a passion for helping other people with mental health problems, that propelled her to apply to the Miss BC competition.
Once she settled in the Valley, Klock joined Youth Unlimited – an organization that helps young people discover their full potential.
“I met some friends .. and ended up loving it. I would love to do more with youth – I didn’t really realize it, but I seem to have a thing for kids who sit in the corner,” she added, and while she is taking some time off from school between high school and university, she is considering a career in psychology with the goal of being a counsellor.
“I have dealt with anxiety and the stigma around it. I want people to receive assistance but it’s so expensive; teens who need (help) don’t often get it.”
Klock felt she wanted to make a meaningful contribution based on her experience growing up, and wanted to share that with others.
“I had anxiety so bad, I could barely speak; it’s not an overnight (change), but if I can offer that and give people the courage to try, that’s what I want to do. Whatever we’re going through, we think it will last forever – fear can drive people to suicide. I was lucky to have friends that I could reach out to.”
As a Miss BC finalist, Klock noted the competition is “not about a crown and a sash. It’s a way to do good things for good causes … it’s a beauty pageant, but it’s not about external beauty. Intelligence is a beauty that lives beyond us.
“The idea of what is healthy is very standardized. Healthy looks very different to different people.”
The competition – which includes Miss, Miss Teen, Jr. Miss and Mrs BC Pageant – is set for June 30 to July 2 in Fort Langley.
There is no height or weight requirement, and throughout the weekend women will be trained in various genres to face the panel of judges, receive life skills training, participate in the grand finale showcase as well as a group fundraiser for Cops for Cancer.
Individuals can vote in the People’s Choice Award; to vote visit missbc.ca
