When a story gets almost no views the first place to look is always the title. "Choose Your Own Adventure" is way too general. You need to lure the reader in, especially when you are new, and self publishing.

The title needs to give both a strong hint of the content and a compelling reason to read.

I think you are right that these theme are universal but it would help to make that even more explicit.

You also want to hit hard in your opening. I would have lead this story with something about how you've won competition despite not following the "approved" path or looking the part. Then circle back to your content.

You need to open strong and with an emotional hook to grab people here.