AN A level student is hoping to smash the glass ceiling after qualifying for a national beauty pageant.

Chauni Cameron, 19, studies maths, politics and sociology at Bartholomew School in Eynsham, and is seeking to make a big impression at the Miss Galaxy UK finals in November.

Miss Cameron first entered a beauty pageant in 2019, making the finals of Miss Teen Great Britain.

Bicester Advertiser: Chauni Cameron with her mum at the finals of Miss Teen Great BritainChauni Cameron with her mum at the finals of Miss Teen Great Britain

“I didn’t have much self-confidence and I didn’t expect to enjoy it or that it would be my thing, but I went and it was all about fundraising, meeting new people and having a good time,” she said.

“After that, I was offered a place at the Miss Galaxy pageant, and I wanted to do another, but I wanted to do it properly.

“I waited and entered Miss Galaxy Oxfordshire at the back end of last year, and when I found out I’d made it, I was so excited and grateful to be accepted.

“I’m really excited to meet the girls, and I’ve been talking to some of them already.

“I’ve got so many ideas on fundraising and helping The Christie Charity, which provides services for people with cancer that the NHS doesn’t fund.

“All these charities do amazing work but have been hit hard by Covid.”

Bicester Advertiser: Chauni Cameron has made the Miss Galaxy UK finals. Picture: Brian Hayes PhotographyChauni Cameron has made the Miss Galaxy UK finals. Picture: Brian Hayes Photography

Miss Cameron, who is hoping to go to university in September, to study International Business Management, said stigmas are still attached to beauty pageants but the contests are in fact wholly different to the general perception.

She said: “It’s a great way to get to know yourself and find yourself.

“I’ve always been an extrovert but things like going on stage and being surrounded by a big group of girls isn’t something in my comfort zone.

“Pageants are such a good platform to meet other people, you learn about self-love and you encourage the other girls.

“There’s a stigma that it’s competition between us but we’re supportive of each other and it’s a sisterhood.

“Your inner beauty and personality shine through – it’s not about conventional beauty.”

Bicester Advertiser: Chauni Cameron has made the Miss Galaxy UK finalsChauni Cameron has made the Miss Galaxy UK finals

The Bicester born and bred student added: “Between now and November, the two biggest things are to raise money for the charity and push my platform for the empowerment of women.

“I want people to be informed about inequality and changes that are happening, and to spread awareness.

“The key to girls progressing is the glass ceiling, so it’s about removing the masculine label in areas such as science, politics and maths.

“Even though things are changing, people can’t think ‘we’re here’.

“Women are still invisible at the top of businesses and in politics.”