Kelsey Merritt felt self-conscious around English-speaking classmates in Ateneo

There are people who feel like Kelsey Merritt doesn't look Filipino enough, but make no mistakes: Kelsey can walk the talk... or in this case, she can talk the talk. 

In a New York Post article published on November 4, Kelsey shares her sense of accomplishment over booking a highly coveted spot in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and how far she's has come. 

She began going to open casting calls when she was 15, but the Pampanga-born model was determined to finish her education first before committing fully to the fashion industry. 

Kelsey in previous social media posts and interviews has stressed that she's proud of her decision to prioritize school — even if she struggled a little. 

Coming from the province and speaking Tagalog as her first language, Kelsey in the NY Post article revealed that she was very self-conscious about her accent.

“I was insecure because [my classmates] were so posh. I was never comfortable. Whenever I spoke Filipino, they’d talk back to me in English . . . I was a little embarrassed about my English because of my accent, but [now I know] there’s nothing to be embarrassed about,” she was quoted as saying.

In an interview with GMA News Online on October 12, fellow model and reigning Miss World Katarina Rodriguez testified that Kelsey is as Pinay as it gets.

"That girl used to ride the bus by herself. She would commute from Pampanga to here in Manila for school. Her English was even a bit broken sometimes," the beauty queen shared.

 

 

 

 

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I can't believe I'm actually graduating in a few days!! ???? I've been waiting for this moment to come for so long! ???? I can say that one of the best decisions I've made so far is to finish my degree instead of stopping it halfway. Right after completing my second year in university, I moved to live in New York for a few months to model. My agency at that time asked me if I wanted to consider online schooling so I dont have to go back to the Philippines, and I have to say it was tempting.. But I chose not to. I stuck with going back to school, knowing I won't be able to be in NY for the most part of the year to do what I love. At the same time, I wouldn't be where I am if it weren't for the choices that I have made. The choice was not easy, but no one ever said it was going to be. It was not easy always flying more than 15 hours and then fighting jetlag, going to work the next day, and having to go home after work to finish papers or study for a test. It wasn't easy trying to fight back sleep on the plane because I had so many readings to catch up on. God knows how hard it was to constantly fly back and forth New York and London while still in school. I had to miss classes, but still make sure that I was on top of everything. At the same time, I had no right to complain I was having a hard time because I was blessed with work. I was living my dream! People often ask me how I managed to do it, and all I say is that as long as you have your priorities straight and manage your time well, then it really can be done. Other people also think that I've missed a few semesters and I'm behind my batch, but that's not the case. I'm graduating with the same batch I entered Ateneo with. Now that I'm done with school, I can finally do what I want to do and live in the city I love most. Ateneo has played a great role in helping me become the person that I am today. I learned so much in Ateneo, and I wouldn't have had it any other way. AMDG ???? Kelsey Alaine P. Merritt Bachelor of Arts Major in Communication Class of 2017 Ateneo de Manila University

A post shared by Kelsey Merritt (@kelseymerritt) on

May 23, 2017 at 6:48am PDT

The questions about how Filipino Kelsey really is has shed some light on the politics of being biracial. It seems complicated and people will debate about identity ad nauseam. 

Kelsey keeps it simple. She knows where she comes from and she's sharing her success with the people who helped her get to where she is right now.

“Victoria’s Secret is such a big deal in the Philippines. So I feel like this was something I could give back to [Filipinos],” she said. 

She's got her wings and she's taking us with her as she soars! Go, girl! — AT, GMA News