Concordia College-Alabama student Sha’Quetta Cook doesn’t wear a size zero and she’s proud of it.

Cook will represent Selma in the 2014 Miss Alabama Plus competition as Miss Selma Plus. Cook says women don’t have to be skinny to be confident and proud of who they are.

“It doesn’t matter how big or round you are,” she said. “The most important thing is that you are confident in yourself.”

Though Cook currently lives in Selma, pursuing a degree in early childhood development at Concordia, she is originally from Birmingham. Cook has four younger brothers, who she says helped her develop a love for children and ultimately pursue her current degree field.

“Kids are like my heart,” Cook said.

Though she is only a freshman at Concordia, Cook’s aspirations extend beyond a four-year degree. After graduation, she is considering going back to school to study obstetrics and gynecology. Another possibility is law school, Cook said.

The Miss Alabama Plus Pageant will be on March 7 and 8 in Birmingham. In order to participate, competitors must be a full-time college student in Alabama, work in Alabama, or be a resident of Alabama. Entrants must also be a size 14w or greater.

Cook will compete in the youngest age division for women 18 to 29. The Ms. Alabama Plus competition is for ages 30 and older. The Mrs. Alabama Plus Pageant is for women 20 and older, but also married.

The competition functions similar to other beauty pageants, with competition categories for an interview, evening gown and performing talent.

Cook said she plans to sing during the talent competition.

Participants must also select a platform. Cook’s platform is educating young teens.

Though the competition is several weeks away, Cook said she is starting to get nervous about competing.

“There are actually some parts that I’m worried about, like how my gown is going to look and if I’ll do well singing,” she said.

If she performs well in the Miss Alabama Plus Pageant, Cook will move on the national competition set for July 1 to 15 in Atlanta.

“I’m just excited about representing Selma,” she said. “Some girls my size are called fat, but its actually P.H.A.T. — pretty hot and thick.”