Volume 38, Issue 13. Today is
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Volume 38, Issue 13. Today is
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Student on the road to Native American pageantBY BECKY RASMUSSEN
Carrie Lynn Martin, an MCC student and Native American, will be one of the 15-20 young women competing for the title of Miss Indian World (MIW) this year. To Martin, as a first-time participant, the MIW title signifies something even greater–a chance to preserve tradition. And for Martin, it’s her Navajo heritage. "It allows a unique, young woman of great character the opportunity to serve unselfishly, represent proudly and share herself immensely with the tribes throughout the world," said Martin. The choice to compete for MIW has not always been an easy one for Martin. At one time, she wanted to compete for the title of Miss Navajo Nation, but before the pageant began, she backed out. "At that time I didn’t feel very good about myself," said Martin. "I was very self-conscious and embarrassed, due in part to the skin condition I have, called Vitiligo." Vitiligo is the absence of pigment in the skin, which is the same skin condition that Michael Jackson claims he is suffering from. One of the requirements for these pageants is that you must feel good about yourself. Since then, she has made it a personal goal to overcome these feelings and has found ways to deal with her skin condition. "Who I am today is due to my family’s unconditional love for me," said Martin. "They have shared with me their many blessings, such as talents, ideas, knowledge and opinions that have made me the unique individual I am now." She does plan on competing in the Miss Navajo Nation pageant, but right now, she is using the MIW pageant as a small stepping stone. Martin has taken several steps in preparing for this year’s pageant, one of which includes taking a public speaking class, which is the first competition she will be engaging in at the pageant. She even rehearsed her pageant speech and talent demonstration for some of the communication classes on campus. As for the talent competition, she has a couple of things in mind. She will be performing a Navajo dance-style called the Yei Beiche, used in the winter as a ceremonial healing process, while incorporating a few of her own dance steps. |
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