Growing up my mom would get so excited during her college homecoming. I was especially excited for the homecoming parade. The marching bands could be heard miles away with cheers from the onlookers, floats would be decorated beautifully with candy flying mid air. Personally, I would be excited to see the campus queens! The crowns, the gowns and the regalness! Miss South Carolina State University would sparkle while perched at the top of her float. She would always give a gracious smile and graceful wave as she drove by. I knew I would be perched at the top of my own float one day.
Queen /kwēn/: the female ruler of an independent state, especially one who inherits the position by right of birth. A Historically Black Campus Queen
While attending South Carolina State University I served as Miss Freshman ‘12-’13 and Miss Sophomore ‘12-’14. During my reign I quickly realized that it was more than putting on gowns and waving. I was a representative of my university, a liaison between the student body, faculty and staff and a leader in the Orangeburg Community. I was ready to dive in head first and put my leadership skills to the test.
The Executive Leadership Council (ELC) housed the following organizations: Student Government Association (SGA) Campus Activities Board (C.A.B) and Royal Court. As ambassadors of South Carolina State University we traveled to football games, HBCU conferences, and grade schools to speak on various topics. As Miss Sophomore, I created the trunk-or-treat initiative. It allowed the SCState student body and Orangeburg community to create a safe environment for children to trick or treat safely. I worked diligently with Orangeburg’s Voice of Hope to educate the SCState student body about safe sex, using contrceptives and regular STD/STI check ups. Lastly I created a speaker series “HBCU vs PWI” that’s traveled to multiple college campuses in South Carolina.
I fell in love with acts of service. I thought I was doing it for the shiny crown and beautiful gowns, but a true queen shines without the extras. A true queen put’s service first. I campaigned for the title of the 79th Miss South Carolina State University. My platform was “Go L.I.V.E embracing Legacy, Innovation, Vitality and Empowerment” . Unfortunately, I fell short of receiving the crown. I remembered never wanting to talk about it because of the embarrassment I felt. Later in the semester I quickly realized that it doesn’t matter what title or position you may or may not have. The end goal is to serve and assist those in need. Regardless if I’m wearing a crown and gown or a baseball cap and jeans, the queenly aura, gracious smile and graceful wave will follow me wherever I go. Once a queen, always a queen.
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