Teen Queen

KEN APR 13 BYT

Manu Palomeque

My name is Constance Baldwin, I am 17 and live in Sevenoaks. I spent many happy primary school years at Sevenoaks Preparatory School, which is also where my mother teaches art. Yes, she did teach me, and yes, I called her Mrs Baldwin! My father is a journalist and publishes a magazine called Skier and Snowboarder, which has enabled me to go to the mountains many times over the years. In contrast to these snowy holidays, I have an older sister who lives abroad in sunny Lanzarote and I frequently go and visit. Not to mention my uncle and aunt who live in a small picturesque village in the south of France. Visiting all these different places has given me the travel bug and I want to see more of the world.

What are you doing now?

I go to Combe Bank School in Sundridge where I am taking A-levels in drama, art and English literature. I am hoping to go on to study drama at university. I have been lucky that since winning Miss Teen Great Britain and Miss Kent I have been offered some photo shoots and modelling work by a couple of dress designers. I have also been able to use my titles to help promote the various charities that are supported by the pageants. The Miss Kent title also gives me automatic entry into the Miss England finals, which are being held in June this year.

What are your future ambitions?

When I was younger I had all the usual childhood dreams of being a famous singer, actress or model. But I think my real ambition lies in drama – and not necessarily the acting side of it. Something about every aspect of drama just clicks with me. From the costume designing and behind-the-scenes work to stage managing and even directing. Part of the reason why I want to study at university rather than drama school is because I think it will enable me to explore all the different aspects of drama and the theatre.

What’s best about living in Kent?

I love being surrounded by beautiful countryside and fantastic views while at the same time being less than an hour away from London. We are also close to many popular coastal areas, just 30 minutes from Gatwick and an hour from Dover. What could be better when the world is beginning to open itself up for a young adult like me?

Your hobbies and interests?

I read – a lot. I even received an award at school for taking the most books out of the library. Shelves in my bedroom are stacked with books, so I can honestly say it was a relief when I got a Kindle. There’s something about escaping reality in the form of a good book which just does it for me. Some people find it in music, and some people find it in going for a run. But I like to snuggle up with a hot chocolate and my Kindle. Plus of course I love to ski when I get a chance and I am now also getting into snowboarding.

What was the last book you read?

The last book I read was Insurgent by Veronica Roth (it’s part of the Divergent series). I’m a sucker for teenage dystopian fiction. I think part of this is because I need to balance out the novels I have to read for English Literature. I love to take a break from constantly analysing and just come home and read something that I can chill out to. n