PINATUNAYAN ni reigning Miss Philippine Youth International Rikki Mae Abuel Dela Peña na puwedeng pagsabayin ang pageantry at school.

Ito ay kasunod ng pagtatapos ni Rikki Mae ng kurson Business Administration Major in Management sa University of Asia and the Pacific sa Pasig City kamakailan.

“Finally, I made it! I remember back in January during my press conference, I was asked ‘Wouldn’t this pageant be a distraction for me as a graduating student?’ I believe this is a normal question to those beauty queens who are still studying) I honestly answered no because being a beauty queen serves as my inspiration to do better in school and being a student serves as my motivation in pursuing my dream which is to a role model,” lahad ng young beauty queen.

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Sabi pa ni Rikki, ang pinakaimportanteng lesson na natutunan niya bilang isang university student ay kung paano makakaimpluwensiya sa tao.

“The most important thing that I have learned as a university student is how to have the confidence to influence people without trying to control them,” sabi niya. “They are interrelated. Never doubt yourself and always strive for the best.”

Ibinahagi rin ni Rikki Mae ang ilang personal tips sa mga batang kababaihan kung paano nila mapagtatagumpayan ang kanilang mga pangarap, na una niyang ibinahagi sa mga estudaynte ng Abellana high school during her trip sa Cebu.

“Stay focused, discipline yourself, have a positive mind set and always be thankful for everything” sabi ng beauty queen.

Nang tanungin tungkol sa kanyang mga plano pagkatapos ng graduation, sabi ni Rikki Mae: “I still have so many plans in my remaining months as Miss Philippine Youth International and before moving unto the next level. These include promoting my advocacy even more, being involved in significant events such as charity works and fashion show for a cause and fulfilling my duties as the new president-elect and ambassadress of the Rotaracts in Rotary Club of Manila.”

“Volunteering has always been my passion. I really feel honoured and I can’t wait to get involve in civic affairs that benefit the community,” dagdag pa niya.

Dagdag pa ni Rikki Mae, isa siya sa mga napiling maging ambassador ng Filipino Fashion Designers and Organizers Association.

Plano rin niyang makipagkumpetensiya sa isang pang pageant after her reign as Miss Philippine Youth International.