Miss Merced County's moving journey

Not only is Rose Beltran of Atwater the new Miss Merced County 2015, she’s also an accomplished high school wrestler who has grappled with many obstacles during her 17 years.

In and out of the foster care system since she was 6 years old, Beltran lived in seven homes growing up. She was adopted into her “forever” home in September but still has a heart for foster children.

The Buhach Colony High School senior won the county beauty pageant Jan. 17. Initially there were 14 contestants, and Beltran was selected among four finalists. She received a $1,000 scholarship and will take part in the Miss California pageant in June in Fresno.

Beltran is undefeated in league wrestling competition. She also enjoys varsity softball, water polo, track, cheerleading, gymnastics and participating in Playhouse Merced productions.

Besides the $1,000 scholarship, Beltran was led to enter the pageant in November by the hope she could bring the foster care situation to the forefront if she won. She wants to earn a master’s degree in clinical psychology at California State University, Fresno, and perhaps go for a doctorate and become a psychologist.

When she finishes college, she said, she is leaning toward a career working with children.

“The world that I have come from has made me mentally and emotionally stronger and it caused me to grow this fire in my heart to be better,” Beltran said. “I am always reaching for the brightest star. I experienced the hurt and feeling of neglect other foster children have felt, and it has made me want to give back. I want them to know that dreams can come true if you never give up and always look for the positive.”

What are Beltran’s secrets about wrestling? You have to be explosive and strong. Wrestlers do a power move and shoot for the legs, to quickly bring the opponent down. That worked for her in a match against a male Turlock opponent earlier in the season.

Beltran started competitive wrestling at Rivera Middle School and resumed it again this year. It’s part of her drive to take part in clubs, sports and drama. But she doesn’t plan to continue the wrestling in college.

“I try to excel in everything I do,” Beltran said. “No matter what lifestyle you grew up in, there’s always a positive path you can take if you believe and try hard.” Her advice is not to use circumstances as an excuse for failure.

Linda Dash, executive director of the Miss Merced County pageant, said Beltran has overcome many obstacles. At first she was very quiet, withdrawn and ultra-shy, Dash said, but has blossomed into a wonderful, outgoing young woman.

The foster care system needs to be reformed, Beltran said, and more research needs to go into placements – foster children should never be placed in a foster home where the parents don’t speak the child’s language and the adults should have another source of income.

“I know what it feels like to be a foster kid,” Beltran said. “You feel lost, like some foster parents don’t care. There’s an emptiness, a feeling of not belonging.”

Still she believes many foster children will find happiness and a forever home like she did if they don’t give up. “There is a family out there that will care for and love them,” Beltran said.

Marge Sadler of Atwater has known Beltran since February 2011 when she was assigned to her as a court-appointed special advocate.

“Rose is very sensitive to the feelings of others,” Sadler said. “ She is absolutely amazing; she excels in everything she tries and is very talented. We’ve had an emotional roller-coaster ride in our years together.”

Beltran said she had plenty of support throughout her life from teachers and counselors and it has made a difference and helped her through lots of situations.

Beltran’s adopted family includes two alpacas, a rabbit, five dogs, a leopard gecko and a sulcata tortoise named Munch.

This story was originally published January 25, 2015 at 7:04 PM with the headline "Miss Merced County's moving journey."