My name is Rosemary Kamau, but you can call me Rose. Picture this: a vibrant, ambitious, and thoughtful young woman, born in the picturesque lands of Kiambu, Kenya, who later found herself chasing dreams in the vibrant state of Massachusetts. That’s me, and as a contestant for Miss Kenya USA 2023, I am ready to bring the best of both worlds to the stage.
Let me introduce you to the many facets of my personality. I am a true embodiment of yin and yang, an enchanting blend of an extrovert and an introvert. My family and friends often describe me as an empath, and boy, do I wear that title proudly. Nothing lights up my world more than seeing a smile bloom on someone’s face, be it from a heartfelt compliment or a witty comment that catches them off guard.
But life hasn’t always been a bed of roses. Throughout my twenties, I found myself echoing the common phrase, “life is hard.” My family has endured trials and tribulations that would make your heart ache. From the day my mother was tragically hit by a truck in Kenya, coinciding with my grandmother’s funeral, to my father losing his sight in both eyes two years later, we’ve faced more than our fair share of challenges. These trying times led my brother and me down the dark path of depression. And if that weren’t enough, a horrific car accident in October 2021 left me with internal bleeding, three abdominal surgeries, and the loss of 32cm of my small intestine. But through the tears, the pain, and the worry, we’ve emerged stronger, more resilient, and deeply faithful.
Now, let’s talk about the platform I stand for—Families, Orphans, and Children Under Stress (FOCUS) Dream Center, a family-based organization my dad founded in 1999. FOCUS was born out of a desire to address the socio-economic challenges faced by children, youth, and the community at large in Kenya. Through various programs like water sanitation and vocational schools, FOCUS has been making a difference. The program closest to my heart is PEPEA, which stands for Prepare, Empower, Promote, Enable, and Achieve. PEPEA is a mentorship program that provides adolescents and young people with valuable information to make informed life choices. We combine mentorship, training, and education with fun activities, such as games, and the provision of basic necessities like sanitary towels and innerwear. We also focus on mental health support, because every young person deserves a safe space to grow. But here’s where I step in as Miss Kenya USA 2023 queen. My vision is to take PEPEA beyond Kenyan borders, transforming it into an international platform. I want to implement workshops, both in person and virtual, that reach far and wide. These workshops will equip parents and guardians with empathetic communication skills, helping them bridge the gap with their children.
Growing up in a family dedicated to serving others has shown me that life is bigger than just one person. I wholeheartedly believe Jay Shetty’s words: “Your passion becomes a purpose when you use it to serve others.” With the Miss Kenya USA 2023 crown, I will seize this platform to educate, uplift, and motivate the youth. Sharing my story, I aim to show them that they, too, can overcome any obstacle life throws their way.
As youngsters, we often fail to grasp the true meaning of life, taking it for granted and feeling like our world is crumbling when faced with challenges. We question, “Why me?” But through my journey, I’ve discovered that life’s tests are not meant to break us but to shape us into stronger versions of ourselves. I’m here to remind the youth that they hold within them the power to rise above and shine brighter than ever before. So, join me on this incredible journey, as together, we inspire, empower, and ignite the flames of possibility in the hearts of young dreamers everywhere.