Media and Communications major, Melissa Ocampo, won fourth runner-up in a pageant, for the chance to become Miss NY International 2012. The pageant took place during the first weekend of October at the Villa Roma Resort in the Catskill Mountains.
According to the pageants’ website (www.nypageants.com), “Each contestant has the opportunity to select a platform of her choice that she spends the year promoting.” Melissa Ocampo has chosen to spend a year raising awareness to domestic violence. She chose this platform because she was in an abusive relationship in the past. So, she has been sharing her story and doing community service to raise awareness about domestic violence. She hopes to encourage women to stand up for themselves.
At the pageant, contestants were scored for their interview, evening gown, fitness wear, and fun fashion wear. Melissa Ocampo says, “This pageant is very focused on woman power, family values and giving back to the world. I’ve been competing in pageants since 2007…” She has four years of pageant experience.
She is excited to participate in another pageant and a contest during the month of October; because October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Melissa Ocampo plans to compete in the International Prince and Princess Pageant on October 16 in Ronkonkoma, NY. She has been invited to talk about her dating experience at Adelphi University on October 26. She is also entering a contest called “Designing Hope” for Fortunoff Fine Jewelry and Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Inc. Melissa Ocampo says that she will continue to participate in pageants, and plans to compete in another pageant in January.
Melissa Ocampo expressed that it’s important for women of all ages to know the early signs of an abusive relationship. She says, “I feel like it’s important for students to know about domestic violence because it’s ignored.” To help victims of domestic violence, she says to be there for friends and family who are going through a rough time in an abusive relationship, encourage them to stand up for themselves, and let them know that they’re not alone. She says, “There is hope and there is help.”
Competing in pageants, entering contests, and sharing her personal dating experience is how Media and Communications major Melissa Ocampo, spreads domestic violence awareness. She hopes this will allow her to encourage women of all ages to stand up for themselves.