A glass child's journey to Miss Kenya USA

A glass child's journey to Miss USA (Photo: S. Kagereki)

Sharlyn Kagereki has been balancing many roles since she could remember. From taking care of an ill close family member to experiencing domestic violence, she is a survivor.

The 19-year-old has a younger sister who developed meningitis at the age of four, and this meant she had to be her sister's keeper. Growing up, Sharlyn had to take on a significant role in her upbringing, as much of the attention was understandably centred on her sister and her disability. To cope, she felt the need to strive for perfection.