A DYFFRYN Ardudwy student says she was lost for words after learning she had made the finals of this year’s Miss Wales competition.

Twenty-year-old Olivia Hewlett was enjoying a night out in Bangor when she was talent-spotted for this year’s Miss Wales competition.

She said: “To begin with I didn’t think I had what it takes to be a Miss Wales finalist as I’m fairly shy and lacked self-confidence, however, the more I thought about it the more it intrigued me and I knew it’d be something I’d regret if I didn’t take up this once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Olivia is currently studying a degree in Primary Education through the medium of Welsh at Prifysgol Bangor so that she can become be a primary school teacher.

She added: “Keeping the Welsh language alive is important to me, which is why I have chosen to do my teaching degree through the medium of Welsh so that I can teach in Wales in the future.”

Speaking on when she heard the news that she had been made a finalist, Olivia said: “When I received the email confirming that I was a Miss Wales finalist I was simply lost for words and full of emotion, adrenaline and excitement. Becoming a Miss Wales finalist is something I never thought I would achieve. When I received the email it made me feel empowered and confident, which is what the Miss Wales competition is all about.”

As a finalist, she will be raising money for the charity, Beauty With a Purpose, who raise money for disadvantaged children in Wales.

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