Written by Chris Jones —
I got involved in pageants because I attended the Miss Hampton University Pageant during my college visit as a high school senior. I was impressed by the competitors’ poise, elegance and confidence on stage. At the conclusion of the pageant, I declared to my mother and grandmother that if I decided to attend Hampton University, I was going to be Miss Hampton University. As a woman of my word, I found myself on that stage four years later—then a senior in college—being crowned Miss Hampton University 2010-2011.
The crown I wear represents so much more than a title. Becoming a Miss America Organization titleholder represents not only my hard work and determination, but also the dedication of all the other women with whom I’ve competed over the years.
Beauty is as beauty does, true beauty is confirmed in the gifts and talents each of us shares with the world around us.
I feel most beautiful when I’ve gotten a full 8 hours of sleep.
A lot of people compliment me on my toned arms. I have always had an athletic body type, and my love for fitness makes maintaining my athletic build enjoyable.
The person staring at me from the mirror is a work in progress. We each have areas upon which we could improve, and I enjoy the challenge of constantly seeking improvement.
If you open my make-up bag, you’ll find lip balm, for sure. I cannot stand dry, cracked lips.
My favorite skin moisturizer is Trader Joe’s “A Midsummer Night’s Cream”. I haven’t found any lotion that moisturizes as well or lasts as long.
The best thing I’ve ever used on my lips is a toothbrush! Years ago, I read that gently brushing your lips with a toothbrush is an effective way to exfoliate dead skin, and I have been doing it daily ever since!
My tip for keeping skin healthy is drinking plenty of water. It seems like a trite beauty tip, but there is no substitution for adequate hydration.
Beauty goes too far when it causes a young girl to resort to dangerous measures, like not eating or undergoing a surgical procedure for cosmetic purposes.
I want little girls who are image conscious to know that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. While I believe wholeheartedly in making healthy food choices and maintaining an active lifestyle, everyone’s healthy looks different. It is important that we end the misconception that in order to be healthy and beautiful, you must be a size two. The image of beauty often portrayed in the media is unrealistic for most.
In the gym, you’ll find me teaching a yoga class. I received my yoga certification four years ago and enjoy the physical and mental transformation a yoga practice can provide.
I never leave home without a snack! I’m constantly hungry and am much more pleasant when I’m able to satiate that hunger.
I’ve been reading Lean In by Cheryl Sandburg. I’m a sucker for books on the best-seller list. I feel the need to know what all the buzz is about.
I laugh uncontrollably when I’m watching “The Big Bang Theory”. I’m a bit of a science nerd so I love their science-related jokes and jargon.
When i’m 50, I’ll look back and say “I have no regrets; I took advantage of every opportunity I was provided.”
