Rachel is a resident of Tampa Bay. She credits her mother, a nurse practitioner, as her sole supporter since her young life. She started competing in pageants since she was five, and with time she is hungrier than ever.
Besides pageanting, Rachel is a qualified singer, an advocate for people with disabilities, a junior at the University of South Florida and a role model to kids in her work at the Glazer Children's Museum in Tampa. “I want people to know that autism does not hold me back,” she told WFTS. “It's actually an opportunity for me to achieve my dreams,” she added.
Rachel is suffering from Asperger's syndrome, according to the website of the Dyspraxia Foundation USA. She loves to sing opera and hopes one day to open a school for children with disabilities.
She also described her struggles with epilepsy, the neurological disorder dyspraxia, and the learning disorder dyscalculia. “The phrase, 'You don't look autistic,' I get that all the time," And I just want to say, 'What does autism look like to you?'” she asked.
Slightly disappointed Rachel says she doesn't get discouraged when pageant judges bring up her disability. She responds, “It doesn't affect me negatively, and I am very capable of inspiring people and holding a title.”
The preliminary rounds of the Miss Florida competition will be held in Lakeland from June 25 to 27, with the finals on June 29.
We wish you all the luck, Rachel!
/shethepeople/media/agency_attachments/iUYfaBbcMozaYLoGnoov.png)
Follow Us/shethepeople/media/post_banners/4mPKCjHUnRGRhKdPMpUs.jpg)