Teen Makes History As Pageant's First Contestant To Wear Hijab And Burkini

Meet Halima Aden.

The 19-year-old worked hard on her body for the swimsuit round of Miss Minnesota this weekend, but we didn't get to see it — because she wore a hijab and burkini.

Halima, who was born in a Kenyan refugee camp, made pageant history on Saturday by staying completely covered.

She told KARE 11 she wants to be a source of inspiration to people everywhere to be themselves and embrace life:

A lot of people will look at you and will fail to see your beauty because you're covered up and they're not used to it, so growing up I just had to work on my people skills and give people a chance to really know me besides the clothing.

Halima moved to America when she was 6 years old.

She continued,

Be who you are. It's easy to feel like you have to blend in, but it takes courage to live your life with conviction and embrace the person that you are. I just want people to love who they are.

Halima slayed the first few rounds of the competition, making her way to the semifinals with ease on Sunday. But she did not advance to the final five and is not in with a chance to compete for the Miss USA title.

That, however, doesn't bother her. She just wants people to realize beauty comes in many forms, shapes and sizes, and we need to love each other for who we are.

Denise Wallace, executive co-director of the Miss Minnesota USA pageant, said,

I think for Halima standing on the stage this weekend she is showing other women that they too can do that and that it's possible for them.

Of course, there have been some trolls, says Halima, but overall the feedback was more positive than negative.

Keep slayin', Halima.

Citations: KARE 11