Miss Grand Netherlands 2018 took a rocking start with twelve finalists. However, due to an unfortunate turn of events, one of the finalists, Deborah Van Hemert, had to back off. Now, only 11 finalists remain as the coronation night nears us.

The 11 finalists are enjoying every bit of the pageant and are working hard to get closer to the crown. The reigning queen Miss Grand Netherlands 2017, Kelly Van Den Dungen is also spending time with the delegates, giving them tips and sharing her own experience with the girls. The candidates of Miss Grand Netherlands 2018 also had a chance to enjoy an official photo shoot with the reigning queen.

But, it’s time we get to know each and every one of them personally. So here is Miss Grand Netherlands 2018 finalist Lisan Weidgraaf’s future plans, and past struggles.

Q. How does it feel to be a delegate of Miss Grand Netherlands 2018?

To be a delegate of Miss Grand Netherlands 2018 feels amazing. It feels like a dream coming true and to be honest, I don’t want this dream to end. Miss Grand Netherlands is already such a beautiful experience. All the girls are so sweet and we have the best organization. And I am really proud to be part of something bigger.

Q. What is the best lesson you’ve learnt that has shaped your life?

The best lesson that I have learnt in live is to be always true to who you are. When you change who you are for someone else, you will never find happiness. And that is why I will always do my best to be myself in the best way possible.

Q. What is the one thing that keeps you going and inspires you to be the best version of yourself?

When I see people I love reach their goals and dreams gives me so much happiness. It makes me believe in myself even more because of their successes. It gives me strength to reach my goals and inspiration to just keep going. It shows me that as long as you believe in yourself, the sky is really the limit.

Q. Other than the Miss Grand Netherlands crown, what do you want to achieve from this competition?

I know for a fact that the Miss Grand Netherlands pageant will give me so much. It already gave me the best pageant-sisters. But it will also give me so much personal growth in the greatest way possible.

Q. We’re sure that this competition is just another milestone in your life. What is that one thing that you consider your life goal?

The main goal I have in life is that my family, my friends and I are healthy and happy. That we can enjoy every part of all wonderful things in life. I hope that I can make the world better for everyone, even when it is just a little bit.

Q. How would you like to represent yourself at the national stage at Miss Grand Netherlands 2018?

I would like to represent myself at the national stage at Miss Grand Netherlands 2018 as the real me. I am a happy woman who loves to achieve her goals and dreams, which is eager to learn and wants to show everyone to always be the best version of yourself. And I hope I can show this on the finale.

Q. Who is your ideal, and what values of theirs do you wish you could inculcate in your own life, and teach the next generation?

My ideal is my mother. I have so much respect for how strong and independent she is. When there is a setback she turns the situation around and makes the best out of it, in a way that life is even better after. This positive look on life is so inspirational, I try to live by this and share this with others.

Q. If you could be invisible for a day, how would you like to spend it?

I love this question, but it is also a really hard one. If I could be invisible for a day I would love to swim in the sea next to all the sea life or go in to nature and watch all the animals. Normally they would swim or run away from people but because I am invisible they will just act how they always do. I think it is very interesting to see them in their natural habitat.

Q. Would you like to share your most special childhood memory with us?

My most special childhood memory is a very specific one. When I was in elementary school I always biked by my grandparents’ house. They always put a little candy in their mailbox for me to find and they were standing in front of the window to wave at me when I passed by on my bike. I loved it so much to be able to see them every single day, it showed me that they loved me and it is still the best memory I have.

Q. What is your advocacy; can you tell us more about it?

My advocacy is to help other people in every way you can. If you feel like that you need to help refugees, do it. If you can only miss a little bit of money, donate it. If you see someone on the street that needs help, help them. If you give and help people wherever you can, you will make live a little bit better by every action.

Q. What is the one thing you can label as your guilty pleasure?

My guilty pleasure is that I sometimes can get so much joy out of doing absolutely nothing, just sitting on the couch with my animals and with a candy bar. Relaxing and thinking about life.

Q. If you are granted 3 wishes right now, what would you ask for?

If I have 3 wishes, my first wish would be to be able to travel everywhere in the world in just one minute time forever, to zap myself everywhere in the world. This would give me the chance to see everything in the world. My second wish is to be able to speak every language in the world, so I can communicate with everyone where I have zapped myself. And of course, my third wish would be that there is no more war and violence in the world. That everyone can enjoy their lives and be happy.

Q. Lastly, is there any message that you would like to give to your fans at Angelopedia?

The message that I would like to give to everyone is to just be yourself, in the best way possible. If you believe in yourself and go for it. Be positive and never let anybody else tell you that you are not good enough or that something is not possible.