Kadejah Bodden ready for the next chapter
(CNS Local Life): When Kadejah Bodden heard her name called, it didn’t register right away she was the new Miss Cayman Islands Universe. “I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “I was very happy and at the same time I was just in awe that the journey was over already.”
A week later, the reality of the 2019 crown has settled in and she spoke about her plans for the rest of this year and beyond. For the next few months, her focus will be on the Miss Universe pageant, taking place in Seoul, South Korea, 19 December. Her preparation “means body wellness, so eating right and remaining active and in shape. Also, runway training and probably more public speaking training as well,” she told CNS.
Longer term, she is going to use the $70,000 scholarship that came with her crown to continue her education. Already holding a master’s degree in regenerative medicine from Queen Mary University, London, she wants to work towards getting a PhD in her field, noting a doctorate is especially beneficial in the scientific research community.
“Having the opportunity (to further my education) is a privilege that a lot of people around the world still don’t have, and to have the financial support is an added luxury I don’t think anyone can afford to throw away,” Bodden explained.
She plans to use her advanced degree right here at home, she added. “Ultimately, I want to be involved in stem cell therapy research, specifically here in Cayman. I would love to see more academic and clinical research in our hospitals in particular.”
Bodden sees herself helping the community in other ways as well. “I plan to be involved in as many local events as I can manage. I think it’s important as Miss Cayman for me to lend my time and support to the community,” she said.
More specifically, Bodden says she would like to assist the Alex Panton Foundation, which was the platform chosen for the Miss Cayman Islands Universe pageant. The goal of the foundation is to raise awareness of mental illnesses affecting children and young adults in the Cayman Islands in particular anxiety and depression.
In addition, she explained, she wants to “do some of my own work as it relates to advocating about climate change and what we can do to help”.
Fresh off all the time and effort Bodden put in to win the crown, she is quick to encourage other young women to follow in her footsteps, pointing out the benefits of the journey, regardless of the result. “I say just do it. It’s an experience that is really all about personal development,” she said.
“Your biggest competition is yourself. As long as you’re focused on becoming the best version of you, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain, whether you get the crown or not. And you’ll be very proud of yourself that you did.”
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Category: Local News, Pageants
