About Me

Hello!

I am Nina Yu, a junior at Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Though in about 10 years I hope to be living in a penthouse in the middle of New York City. For me, living is the city that never sleeps is the most exciting adventure to take on. To be able to see Broadway shows, shop at the best stores on 5th Ave, encounter all different types of people, and having it all under your fingertips is like a dream come true. Fun fact, I was actually born in Troy, New York and my initials spell out to be NY, and if that doesn't say I need to live in New York, I don't know what is!

But for now, I'm happy to live in the smack dab of the Midwest where the people are great, but the corn is greater. I happy to be an avid participant in Happiness Inc. Show Choir, a member of Kennedy Speech Team, a student One Act Director, and a Thespian Officer for the Kennedy drama department. Outside of school activities, I am an Asian American Fellow for a non profit organization called Diversity Focus (visit my blog here: http://www.diversityfocus.org/category/fellows-blogs/asian-american-blog/) , I play piano (10 years now!), participate in Theatre Cedar Rapids shows, and volunteer at Soup Kitchen on Sundays. But I also do something that may be a bit different from other teens my age. I compete in pageants and have been for about 6 years now. But this isn’t your usual Toddler and Tiara pageant where I need spray tans, fake lashes, and fake teeth. I compete in the Miss America Organization. The Miss America Organization is unlike any other pageant system because it is a scholarship program for young women. Fun fact, last year they gave out $45 million in scholarship money for college fees! For the pageant, you must have a platform or organization you promote; my platform is Diversity Advocacy: Embracing the Unique in Everyone, where I reach out to teens to bring about the importance of diversity awareness. I am proud to say that I won the Miss Muscatine Outstanding Teen title this past January and competed in Miss Iowa’s Outstanding Teen in June and received 2nd runner up and the academic achievement award! But aside from my occasion pageants now and then, I am your usual teenager that loves to watch Netflix, have bonfires with friends, and have “shop till you drop” shopping sprees.

My interest in makeup and fashion sparked when I discovered beauty and fashion videos on Youtube. In 6th grade, I was in dire need of help with my hair for when I compete in pageants. I went online and looked up some hair tutorials on Youtube and found a vast range of different kinds of videos on beauty, fashion, and hair tips and tricks. I became instantly hooked and developed an interest in all things beauty and fashion. My makeup collection went from a mere lipstick and eyeliner to a whole desk dedicated to my makeup and hair products. For me, doing my makeup and hair is almost like an art. I'm transforming myself into something new and enhanced. I love how different makeup products can instantly change your facial structure and how hair products can completely transform your hair. While many argue that you should be confident in how you look on the outside, I believe that you can feel and look beautiful on the inside and outside. Nothing boosts your self-confidence than feeling beautiful and yet still comfortable with your outer appearance!

I hope you all enjoy my blog and learn something new, but always remember: "Nothing makes a woman more beautiful, than the belief that she is beautiful." -Sophia Loren

Nina Yu