Marisa Smit

I have bi-lateral cochlea implants and these changed my life at age 17. After the implants, my confidence grew and my speech improved. I had no idea what I wanted to become one day. Then I decided when I was in High School-but had a backup plan as well - I wanted to become a dancer. 17 years old me just before I went to New York. *** I had two options for my future career, a ballet teacher, or a Pilates Instructor. I am very lucky that I have a strong ballet background and this helped me a lot when I became a Pilates Instructor. During my school career, I did Biology and Dance as subjects. This is where I studied the anatomy and movement of dance in the human body. I was a ballet dancer from a very young age and I made my dream come true to be a dancer in New York. I wanted to become a professional dancer but unfortunately, it did not happen due to my hips, knee, and ankle injury.  I have also been through a deep depression after my best friend, a dancer too, passed away...

Miss Deaf World 2020 was supposed to take part in July at Prague, Czech Republic. Imagine a beautiful summer in Prague where thousands of tourists would walk around during May-August, the most popular tourist visit time. *** We were so prepared for Miss Deaf World 2020. I hired a famous designer to make me a National Costume. I went for an official photoshoots for Miss Deaf World. I went to train at my favorite gym in the world F45 Woodstock to keeping my body in shape and fit for the big event.  *** When Covid-19 hit the world. Everything changed our life, everything had to be canceled  or postponed. I got the email from the CEO of Miss Deaf World that we have to wait and see when the time gets closer. In April they confirmed that they have to postpone it until November in a cold Autumn Prague. I am even more excited to see cold Prague. I am a huge fan of winter fashion. Coats, large knitted jerseys, and boots are my best friends in mid-autumn and winter. ...