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 Safina Barsatie’s future plans, and past struggles.

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

Being one of the contestants of Miss Grand Netherlands makes me feel really honored and glad. My participation with this pageant is one of the items of my bucket list. It’s a chance to fulfill one of my dreams so I am really grateful to have this opportunity.

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

The best lesson I’ve have learnt and that has shaped my life is not to take anything for granted. We often don’t appreciate what we have until it’s gone: that includes your health, your family and friends and your job. Nothing in your life is guaranteed to be there tomorrow, including those you love. Be conscious of the value of every single day and make every day count. This is a hard life lesson to learn, but for me it’s the most important of all: Life can change in an instant. Make sure you appreciate what you have, while you still have it.

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

The one thing that keeps me going and inspires me to be the best version of myself is to stay positive and have faith. We can only have faith in the future if we have faith in ourselves. If you have faith in your abilities, with a humble but reasonable confidence in your powers you can be happy and successful.

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

The most important thing I want to achieve from this competition is to win the people’s hearts. Their support is important for me to achieve my goals. Besides that, I want to gain experience and have a wonderful time with my pageant sisters. But what I mostly look forward is to go international and proudly represent my country.

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?

One thing that I consider as my life goal is to pursue your dreams, whatever they may be. You only life once. We keeping waiting for that amazing thing to happen in the future that will be the key to our happiness. But this is it. Right now. So follow your dreams before it's to late!

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

I would like to represent myself as a confident woman who works hard to succeed. Someone with a mission and a great personality.  A representative woman with a powerful appearance combined with beauty and brains. A great hearted woman who can be a good example for others.

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

My mom has always been my role model. As a single woman, she showed me how strong a woman can be and has taught me to be an independent woman. She has made me who I am today: “An independent woman who works hard to achieve her goals". Just like her I want to inspire young people by showing them that it doesn’t matter where you come from and what you have been through. Everything is possible if you believe in yourself!

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

I would sneak into a chocolate factory for a day, and swipe tastes of EVERYTHING! Or maybe get into a bank vault, take lots of money, and scatter it around some poor areas to make a whole bunch of people’s days.

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

I cannot mention a very special moment in my childhood years, because every moment in my life is something that I treasure. Childhood days are a moment where in we are so much secured by our parents. The moment where in the attention is all yours and gave whatever you wished for.

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

My advocacy is to speak and stand up for people that might not be heard. Especially for those who are victim of war. We often don't realize what impact it has on their lives. They have lost their family, friends, everything that they have built up and love. If I have the chance to help them I would support them at any possible way.

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

One thing that I can label as my guilty pleasure is to eat fast food after I went to the gym. I’m always hungry after training so on that moment I love to have a fast and tasty meal.

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

I would wish everyone to have perfect health at all times, excluding the natural aging process. My second wish would be for everyone to have free education because wisdom is power. And my last wish would be to fill our hearts and mind only with love so there would be no hate and violence anymore.

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

Hi fans! Thank you for reading our interviews. I hope you got to know us better. Keep following us and take care of yourselves!