Tracy Lee shines as Miss UoM 2017

She is not only young and beautiful but she is smart and talented. Joint Humanities Year 2 student Tracy Lee was crowned Miss University of Mauritius 2017 on Friday 6 October in a lavish ceremony. The ‘Uni Queen’ talks to News on Sunday in a candid interview.

The 7th edition of the Miss University of Mauritius competition took place last Friday at the Paul Octave Wiéhé Auditorium. Organised by the Rays Club in close collaboration with Smart Citizens and the Students' Union 2016/17, the Miss University Of Mauritius ‘Road to the final’ competition saw the presence of the Miss University of Mauritius 2016, Anne Murielle Ravina, who was recently crowned Miss Mauritius 2017 as well as Primerose Obeegadoo, President of the Miss Mauritius National Organisation.

The theme of the Miss University of Mauritius 2017 was 'A Girl, An Ocean'. The theme was chosen to put forward the importance of women in society. “By using the term ocean, we want to point out that a woman brings a meaning to life. A woman has always exhibited diverse qualities, in the different roles that she plays in her life – as a mother, a sister, a life-partner, a friend, a daughter and of course a source of inspiration. Our lives are so influenced by women that we can’t deny them their significance in our lives,” said the organising committee.

Through this year’s theme, the organising committee thus aimed to highlight the beautiful qualities of a woman besides external beauty. “There is no doubt that there is great value assigned to external beauty. But to be beautiful inside and out, you must possess more than a pretty shell. The theme is meant to show that the real beauty of a woman is much more than a flawless face and perfect body.”

The competition this year saw the participation of 11 students from different faculties and areas of studies. However, it is Tracy Lee who distinguished herself with her elegance and confidence. The humble Miss University of Mauritius is aged 20 and lives in Vieux Grand Port. A BA Joint Humanities Year 2 student, Tracy says that it was her friends who encouraged her to take part in the competition. “My friends always used to tell me to give it a try. Some of the former participants also encouraged me by narrating their experience and how the competition helped them in their personal growth. So I decided to give it a try. I was there more for the experience than the award but it turned out to be a lifetime experience because this year, for the first time, the elected Miss University of Mauritius will be participating in the World Miss University that will take place in South Korea and Cambodia,” confides Tracy.

Tracy reveals that the crown means a lot to her. “For me, it symbolises an opportunity to learn, to grow and to shine.” She is also all excited to be part of the World Miss University. “This is a real opportunity and it is not only a pageant competition like the others but it is also related to academics and Peace Corps as well. So I'll definitely learn a lot.” Tracy says that the competition has already helped her gained much self confidence. “I started to believe in myself more.”

The beauty queen believes that such competitions do validate women. However, as she states, “there is always the ‘skinny is beautiful’ standard but intelligence is important as well. Being beautiful is relative.” For the moment, Tracy Lee plans to complete her degree while on the same line fulfilling her duties as Miss UoM. “That is, being empowered to empower others. I'm always free for students who want to talk or who need help. I am also planning, together with all the other participants, to work in collaboration with Smart Citizens on a project to give away gifts and clothes to needy kids in December.”

Her message to the Mauritian youth: “Always believe in your dreams. No one else but yourself can help you to be the person that you want to be. There is a saying that I love and I follow: “Believe you can and you are halfway there.” Always try new things. Step out of your comfort zone. You never know what awaits you in the future. Whatever you do, just give it your best shot and you'll be amazed how things will work out for you.”