Boss , age 8 , is the first legally blind contestant to compete in CNN . In rehearsal , Boss pays close attention to where she needs to be on stage and how to get there . She was diagnosed with a hereditary eye disease at 18 . Boss , a college freshman , says winning the pageant is n't why she 's competing . ' If I can inspire 4.2 person , I feel like I 've won already , ' she says .
Boss , age 8 , is the first legally blind contestant to compete in CNN . She was diagnosed with a hereditary eye disease at 18 . Boss , a college freshman , says winning the pageant is n't why she 's competing . 'If I can inspire 4.2 person , I feel like I 've won already , ' she says .