GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – A former beauty queen is making it her life’s purpose to set upcoming generations up for success. Jada Samuel won Miss South Carolina in 2023 promoting the power of mentorship. Now, she’s launching a free mentoring program to serve middle school girls at the Pleasant Valley Connection Teen Center in Greenville and other locations.  “This actually all started because, in middle school, I struggled with low self-esteem because of eczema. And when I got to high school, I had so many women that were pouring into me, and stepping into that mentor role for me, and because of those relationships I became more confident,” Samuel said.   Samuel said her iShapeMe mentoring program is designed to help girls build confidence, set goals and navigate the challenges that may come with classes, relationships and social media.  “Our girls are struggling with body image because of social media. They’re struggling with mental health concerns. A lot of our girls are struggling post-pandemic with test scores and grades,” Samuel explained.  Girls in the iShapeMe mentoring program meet with mentors every two weeks to discuss friendship, hygiene, and body image. Samuel said this can inspire them to be leaders, get better grades, and be involved in their community.  “When we think about mentors, oftentimes we don’t think about how powerful it is to have someone in your life who is pouring into you,” Samuel explained. “Those people can be the reasons you don’t experience mental health concerns, depression…. that you don’t have an unplanned pregnancy.”  The iShapeMe mentoring circles are also held in Greer and Simpsonville and run from January to June. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Those who are interested can learn more here.