Alyssa Rose was 15 when she took home the title of Miss Teen Bermuda in 2008.

These days she’s in the running for an even more desirable sash and crown.

The 22-year-old is one of six young women set to compete in the Miss Bermuda Pageant on July 5.

If she wins she’ll be going on to represent the Island at Miss World in Sanya, China. It’s long been an dream of hers.

“Since I was 15 years old, entering the Miss Bermuda Pageant has always been as aspiration of mine,” Miss Rose said.

“Gina Swainson, who was not only Miss Bermuda but also crowned Miss World in 1979, inspired me to believe that although Bermuda is small, no dream is too big.”

She said she entered the contest to develop her skills, but also to challenge herself.

“I also want to have the opportunity to be a positive influence and a voice in our community,” she said. “I would like to be able to help others and encourage people to chase their dreams.

“And I desire to be an ambassador for Bermuda and help showcase our Island’s talent and capabilities on an international scale.”

Two of the traits she’s looking to showcase on stage next month? Her outgoing and personable nature.

Both qualities were encouraged by her grandmother, Mary Voytus — her “biggest motivation”.

“My grandmother has dedicated her life to helping other people and at 92 years old she’s still driving, exercising and has never stopped being my number one supporter,” she said.

“She has encouraged me to get up on stage since I was a young girl and her drive and determination even at her age is something I admire very much. Her motto is, ‘You can either give up, give it a go, or give it everything you’ve got’, and that is something I will continue to live by.”

Miss Rose expects to graduate later this year with a master’s in marketing and brand management from Kingston University in the UK. She plans to take some time off to travel — then maybe find work in the tourism industry.

She said she not only wants to develop Bermuda as a desirable tourist destination, but also “manage it as a brand”.

The pageant process has been really exciting for her so far.

She’s been able to put some of her past modelling experience to use for the photo shoots and has also been practising what it will be like in front of an audience on the competition stage.

“I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the other contestants,” she said. “Everyone is extremely friendly and it makes practice even more interesting and fun.

“I also found the money management seminar given by the [Butterfield Bank] to be very useful and it encouraged me to start thinking about preparing financially for the future.”

Miss Rose said she’s learnt a lot about herself — most importantly how much she’s capable of.

“The more I take risks and apply myself the more I surprise myself of what I am able to achieve,” she said.

Visit www.missbermuda.bm