Jessica Gagen, an aerospace engineering student, has made history by becoming the first redhead to win the prestigious Miss England competition. Her victory, achieved after enduring years of bullying due to her hair color, marks a significant milestone not only in her life but also for redheads everywhere.
On Monday night, the 26-year-old aerospace engineering student secured the coveted title, surpassing 30 other beauty queens in the final round. Jessica’s remarkable journey to the crown is a testament to her resilience and determination to rise above adversity.
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Bullying was a painful part of Jessica’s school years, with her red hair making her a target for cruel classmates. She faced name-calling, physical abuse, and isolation, which took a toll on her self-esteem. However, Jessica’s story took a positive turn after her A-Levels when she joined a modeling agency, a decision that allowed her to step onto catwalks worldwide and build her confidence.
Though she was a runner-up in the Miss England competition last year, losing only fueled her determination to make a difference. This year, she clinched the title, a significant achievement considering the absence of red-haired Miss England winners in the pageant’s history.
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Jessica’s triumph goes beyond her personal achievement; it’s an opportunity to shed light on the challenges redheads face in school and society. She is determined to empower children who endure similar bullying experiences. Jessica shared her own painful memories of bullying, including being physically assaulted, spat at, and even burned due to her hair color.
In her own words, she recounted the difficult days of school, saying, “I was hit, spat at and had things thrown at my head quite a few times, but worst was when a girl burned me for having ginger hair.” Despite the torment, Jessica’s resilience and determination never wavered.
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Jessica’s journey serves as an inspiration for young girls who face similar challenges, showing them that adversity can be turned into strength. Her campaign to encourage girls to pursue STEM subjects has amplified her impact. Jessica recognizes the importance of having diverse role models, and as the first red-haired Miss England, she aims to be a beacon of empowerment for those who have faced bullying and discrimination.
Photo Credit: jessicaashley_/Instagram
She expressed her desire to use her platform to uplift others, saying, “I thought if I could win this, I could empower kids who are being bullied due to their appearance and hair color. Make it your superpower.” Jessica’s remarkable victory is not just about winning a pageant; it’s about breaking barriers and changing perceptions, one red-haired girl at a time.