Meet Laureline, our new Miss Guyana. She tells us all about her journey from student to Miss French Guiana. Meet a student who has seen her dream come true.
Introduce yourself - your background.
My name is Laureline Decocq, I'm 18 and I'm currently studying for a DUT in Marketing Techniques (TC) at the IUT in Kourou on the Troubiran campus.
I got my scientific baccalauréat with honours and I'm now studying in the TC department. I chose this stream because there were several subjects that attracted me, particularly Marketing. I'm aiming to become a Marketing Director in the future. This course allows me to combine my passion for modelling (which I've been doing since I was 14) with my career plans.
Ideally, I'd like to work in the fashion or luxury sector. I know that it's not easy to acquire these skills, so I have to give it my best shot and work hard to get there. My life as a student is very important to me and I'm glad I made the choice to stay in French Guiana to start my higher education.
Why take part in Miss Guyana?
It was a challenge for me, because I'm a very stressed and rather reserved person. I had to really work on myself, particularly in terms of stress management, in order to come out of my shell. I was also encouraged by the people around me, and in particular by certain friends who dreamed of taking part in this competition, but who didn't meet the required criteria. It was also for them that I took the plunge. It was a unique experience that allowed me to grow and gain in confidence.
What are your ambitions as Miss Guyana?
As Miss French Guiana, I want to do my bit for young people. It is often said that they are the future of French Guiana. To achieve this, I think that every young person should start by learning about their culture and their roots. I want our young people to know where they come from so that they know where to go.
Over time, I've come to realise that we know more about foreign countries and France (for those of us lucky enough to travel) than we do about our own region. French Guiana is an area full of wealth and potential, and we need to make the most of it. Getting to know it better will give us energy, and we can then draw on its resources to move forward.
During the holidays, I wanted to play tour guide for my family who were on holiday. Very quickly, I found myself limited because I don't know enough about French Guiana; worse still, at 18, I was discovering certain places at the same time as them. As Miss French Guiana, I'd like to use my mission and my role as ambassador for French Guiana to remind people of the importance of getting to know our department better, and in particular the communes in the interior. I'd like to set up schemes, tourist circuits and holiday camps in the country. I have many very ambitious projects. French Guiana richly deserves it.
Are there any associations you'd like to highlight? Any projects you'd like to set up?
Yes, I've got lots of ideas. We've talked about it with my head of department because we have a lot of tutored projects where we have to set up or help associations. The idea would be to use my role as Miss Guyana as part of my studies. I've been lucky enough to take part in challenges such as Act In Space (an international competition on space technology applications). We were able to showcase the department's talent. As part of our Territorial Marketing course at the University, my class is preparing a trip to the commune of Ouanary to look at the development potential of remote communes. The aim will be to design projects to boost our region.
And if you become Miss France tomorrow, what are your plans? What causes are close to your heart?
If I'm lucky enough to become Miss France 2019, I'd love to do a lot for children's education. In my opinion, an educated population is the guarantee of a serene and fulfilled society. I'd also like to develop girls' education, both nationally and internationally. Girls have proved to be just as competent as men, and it's not uncommon to find them in scientific and technical careers that used to be the preserve of men. With the title of Miss France, I hope to rally as many people as possible to this cause.
What is the process of working with the Miss Guyana Committee?
The Miss Guyana Committee has a number of partners who, as well as giving us lots of gifts, give us invaluable advice to help us go further. For all the cosmetics and aesthetics, the Committee has a partnership with the Gardenia Beauty Institute, which offers us treatments. I've also had make-up training from a member of the Committee who is a professional make-up artist. This is important because a Miss must always look her best and be able to prepare herself independently. Of course, all the support doesn't just concern her looks. Today's Misses must also have a well-shaped head. In terms of elocution, we have a coach who advises us and gives us the keys. I'm very well looked after by the committee, in particular by the committee chairman, Mr SEBAS. At the same time, I mustn't neglect my studies. So I'm going to classes like an ordinary student. I'll be joining the Miss France Committee, which will be taking over from 16 November.
A word of advice for young girls who are still hesitating or want to run.
I'd say don't hesitate, just go for it. My motto is "seize the opportunities and give it your best shot so you don't regret not doing it". That's the spirit in which I entered the Miss Guyana election. You have to look at this election as an experience that helps you grow while allowing you to remain yourself. Above all, it's a very positive adventure and everyone has a chance, as long as they meet the required criteria.
French Guiana is made up of a multitude of ethnic groups and, as a result, a wealth of beauty. To these young girls, I would say: "Try your luck, because you will never regret this unique adventure".
