Join Us For The Next
Miss Teen International Pageant
July 24th and 25th , 2025
IN KINGSPORT, TENNESSEE
Teya Cartagena-Walsh
1.If you could make one rule that everyone in the world had to follow, what would it be?
My family life. I am the oldest sibling of 4 kids, and currently live with them, my mom and grandma. My dad lives with his girlfriend now. When we all lived together, when I was 2-6 we really had it great. I was a happy little girl. I was a daddy's girl, and did everything with him. I was always very well rounded. In school, arts programs, sports (tennis, golf, softball, baseball, soccer, fishing).
2.If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
I have always been an over-achiever with strong beliefs. 1st grade up I had been on top of my grades and by 8th grade, I was in National Junior Honor Society with not a grade lower than an A, for all my years of school. I was making the music for my chorus for school, and involved in theater and church programs. I was captain of my softball team and worked hard.
3.When do you feel a child or teen becomes an adult?
My family and I were homeless when I was in 6th grade. My dad was an alcoholic who didn't pay our mortgage. Before we knew it my mom, a stay at home mom, had to leave my dad, get a job and find a place to live on short notice. We ended up living with my pastor’s family for a year while my mom worked to get our family back on their feet.
4.What do you feel you have learned in life that will be the most useful?
I was bullied all throughout school. My home life is what I depended on. I have a family history of depression, and I have suffered from depression and self-harm from grades 7-9th, because that’s when the bullying and family circumstances became too much. My sophomore year of school I went to counseling and I started working on myself, surrounding myself with better people, and doing better things, like helping girls with similar situations.
5.What do you feel is the hardest job in the world and why?
I have a wonderful support system. My church is my backbone. They are a second family. I have been going there since I was 2, and I am so thankful to them for always being there for my family and I. They have helped me develop strong morals to live by and to help others with. I've been a leader at my church in the youth ministry programs through my music and strong speaking skills.
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Roanoke,
Virginia 24025
