Cheers to James Madison University’s The Breeze for this article on Miss Virginia pageant winner Caitlin Uze.

Caitlin Uze. Photo courtesy of Wendi Gruninger.

Uze, who is majoring in social work, is using her new position to help children accept themselves and others. When she was a child Uze wore braces and glasses, was chubby, and spoke with a lisp.

She shows a childhood picture of herself when she makes school appearances. Students are surprised the awkward girl grew up to become a pageant winner. Uze uses that to prove the point children should accept those who are different and young people should celebrate their uniqueness.

“In order to be successful, you don’t need to be perfect,” she says.

To learn more about how social workers help young people develop, visit the National Association of Social Workers’ “Help Starts Here” Schools and Communities Web page by clicking here.