Tigard resident to make a run at Miss Teen Oregon

By David Holley

The Times, Feb 19, 2009, Updated Oct 30, 2009 (5 Reader comments)

MISS TEEN WASHINGTON COUNTY — Sheilja Patel is interested in setting a good example for other teens as she vies for Miss Teen Oregon.

Submitted photo

At 19 and in her first year of college, Sheilja Patel has decisions to make:

Do I want to become a doctor or a nurse?

Should I transfer schools?

What evening gown should I wear for the Miss Teen Oregon International pageant?

Patel already has the latter figured out. When Patel, recently named Miss Teen Washington County, competes against other county winners for Miss Teen Oregon in March, she’ll be wearing a slim-fitting, colorful striped dress.

Patel, a former Beaverton resident who lives in Tigard, is excited about potentially being named Miss Teen Oregon International. Were she to win, she’d be able to vie for Miss Teen International in July against women from around the country and the world.

More than winning, Patel is interested in setting a good example for other teens.

“So many girls want to be Miss Oregon International to wear the crown,” Patel said. “I’m actually out there to make a difference, to set a good example for others.”

Making a difference is why Patel, currently a freshman at University of Oregon, is thinking about becoming a doctor. But the dozen or so years of medical school are daunting, especially since she wants to get married and have kids in her 20s.

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