Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Cheryl, I’m 25 years old, and I proudly call Amsterdam home. I’m a registered nurse specializing in neurology and neurosurgery, a field that has not only challenged me intellectually but has also deepened my compassion for helping people.
I’ve had the privilege of growing up between the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, which has given me a rich perspective on culture and connection in many ways.
Being from the beautiful country of Ghana, I’ve always had a strong foundation in rich culture, timeless traditions, and of course, delicious food.
Right now, I’m on a journey of self-discovery, exploring the woman I am and the woman I aspire to be. This pageant is part of that journey as I continue stepping into my purpose.
You’re a nurse and a model. How do these two worlds influence each other in your life? And how do you balance the emotional demands of nursing with the glamour and competitiveness of modeling?
Both require confidence and composure under pressure. As a nurse, you never know what you’re going to deal with. Being in emergency and high-stress situations in the hospital has taught me to stay calm and focused.
In nursing, you connect with people and empathize in different situations. Over the years, I’ve learned to understand both verbal and non-verbal body language and emotions much like in modeling, where there are certain expectations of you.
Nursing and modeling both require discipline and self-care. Being a nurse teaches me that self-care is more than just looking good; it’s also about staying healthy and sustaining my mental, physical, and emotional health. This helps me remain grounded and have a clear mind at all times, which also ties into my modeling career.
Nursing and modelling give me heart and a boost that I can’t quite describe. The skills for both careers intertwine perfectly.
How would you describe yourself as a person in three adjectives?
Intentional, diligent, and compassionate.
What does representing Ghana on a European stage mean to you personally and culturally?
Representing Ghana on a European stage is both a personal honour and a cultural responsibility.
Personally, it’s a celebration of my roots and a reminder that I carry generations of strength, resilience, and beauty with me wherever I go. I will do my utmost best to represent Ghana.
Culturally, it means being a bridge, sharing the richness of Ghanaian heritage with the world from our vibrant traditions and values to the power of our faith and community.
Representing Ghana in Miss Europe Continental gives me the chance to show that being Ghanaian is not just about where I come from, but how we carry ourselves with pride, purpose, and grace. I’m proud to stand here not just as an individual, but as a reflection of a powerful culture that continues to inspire me every day.
If you could make one wish come true, what would it be?
If I could make one wish come true, it would be to ensure the healthy development of children everywhere. Children are the cornerstone of our society. I’ve seen firsthand, through observing families and communities around me, how a child’s environment can impact their growth.
When children are raised in nurturing, supportive, and stable environments, they flourish. On the other hand, exposure to instability or harmful influences can create longlasting challenges that affect not only the individual child but society as a whole. This goes for children who have lost a parent or are in unstable households.
My wish reflects a deep belief that every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves the opportunity to thrive. I would accomplish this by investing in the physical, emotional, and intellectual development of children everywhere.
You do a lot of videos and pictures. What do you feel when you’re in front of the cameras? Do you always feel comfortable?
Being in front of the camera is something I’ve grown to love. It’s a space where I can express myself creatively and confidently. But I’ll be honest there were moments in the beginning when I didn’t always feel comfortable.
Over the years, I’ve learned to instantly connect with the different photographers I’ve worked with. This makes it easier to feel comfortable and to achieve the purpose of the shoot.
I’ve also learned that confidence isn’t about perfection. It’s about embracing who you are flaws and all and showing up with authenticity. Now, when the camera’s on, I don’t just see a lens; I see an opportunity to tell a story, inspire others, and celebrate the journey I’m on one picture at a time.
How do you think your story could inspire young women, especially those navigating multiple passions? What advice would you like to share with other participants?
As a young woman balancing my career in healthcare, my creative passions, and my personal growth, I know how overwhelming it can be to feel like you have to choose one path.
My story is proof that you don’t have to limit yourself. You can do everything you put your mind to. You may doubt yourself at times, but if you genuinely believe that you want to live a certain life, you will have to put in the work. And in the end, it will all be worth it.
And even after achieving everything you wanted, the opportunities are endless.
To any young woman navigating multiple passions: don’t box yourself in. You were created with many gifts for a reason. Embrace them. Explore them. Let them lead you to the woman you’re meant to become. And with that being said, mistakes will be made and that’s okay. The key is self-reflection, recognition, and coming back stronger.
To my fellow participants, my advice would be:
Carry your story with pride. Every challenge you’ve overcome and every experience you’ve been through has shaped you into the unique woman you are now.
In a world where many feel pressured to make their life look perfect, authenticity is rare. But that is exactly what makes you powerful. Let your story speak and see how you impact those around you. That is a legacy that goes beyond the stage.
If you win Miss Europe Continental, what message would you want the world to hear from you first?
First, I would thank God and the team at Miss Europe Continental for the opportunity they’ve given me. I’m truly grateful for everything I’ve learned during this pageant.
My message to the world would be: You don’t have to be perfect, come from privilege, or fit into a certain box to make an impact.
To every young person out there, especially those who have ever felt unseen or unworthy: just know this, you are more than your circumstances, and you matter. You are a light that is needed in this world.
