Gopal-Walker, 17, is half Indian American, half Native American.
AB Wire
WASHINGTON, DC: Miss Washington Teen USA Priya Gopal-Walker, 17, from Seattle, who is half Indian American and half Native American, but now lives with foster parents after being abused at home, will participate in the 2015 Miss Teen USA Pageant in Atlantis, Paradise Island, in the Bahamas, which will stream live onmissteenusa.com, on August 21-22.
Gopal-Walker, who is a Senior at the Washington Academy of Arts and Sciences, won the 2015 Miss Washington Teen USA pageant, last October. She will compete with contestants from all over from the US at the pageant which is owned by Donald Trump’s company.
The International Examiner reported that when Gopal-Walker won the state title last year, she was so excited that she slept wearing her crown and sash.
“I never want to take it off,†she said.
For Gopal-Walker, the journey to the crown involved overcoming hardships and going through a healing process. She was originally going to compete in 2012. However, she had to pull out of the competition due to physical and emotional abuse.
“I knew I needed time to emotionally heal from what I had gone through,†Gopal-Walker said. “I now live with foster parents who love me as though I am their own. Taking the time to get my life restored, I believe, is part of the reason I won this year. I have a strong message of hope for those children who may feel there is no hope or way to get out of their fearful situation.â€
The Examiner reported that Gopal-Walker would like to use her title to talk about her platform, which is to spread awareness on domestic violence by going to schools and encouraging young people to speak up.
Gopal-Walker said: “I learned that schools are required to report to Child Protective Services if abuse is reported. Do not give up and do not stop asking for help until you have received it. I recommend that if you are a student, tell your principal, teachers, school counselors, and trusted family members. Tell your friends and have them come with you. I know how scary it can be to tell someone, but you will become empowered with the help of others. If you are an adult, find someone (friend, family, coworker, doctor) who can help you make a safety and exit plan. Life may seem bad now, but if you seek help and find your voice, you can accomplish anything. Once you are safe, you can finally begin to dream again! Dreams can come true and I am an example of that.â€
Gopal-Walker is likely to perform a Bollywood dance in the finals, a dance form she has been practicing since she was four years old. She hopes to take on professional dancing as a career.
A fan and expert of the film ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’, she’s ranked number two in the world in Pirates of the Caribbean trivia. Also, she’s had only six haircuts in her life because she loves having long hair, reported the Examiner.