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Friday, June 17, 2011

Double the Quickie, Double the Pleasure

Meet two of the contestants of the Miss Jamaica Universe 2011 Pageant, Kadyan Salmon and Christina Gonzalez


I met these beautiful ladies a few years back. Christina, while I worked at Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing arts as the Publications Officer in the Marketing Department; and Kadyan, while I shed the executive hat, simultaneously donning a more daredevil one as a fashion model.  So, clearly you see my prejudice.

I thought it would be fitting to present the daughter of all quickies and do a double take in my segment, Drive Thru Interview.


Photo: Miss Jamaica Universe 2011 Fan Page
 "I Just do good with what I have"


Born in Kingston and graduated from Alpha Academy with her high school Diploma and an Associate Degree in Humanities. The twenty-two year old has a conscious spirit remembering that as a child, though she never always got what she wanted, she was never lacking in anything. Kady, as she is affectionately called, is grateful for the foundation set by her parents, who constantly instilled in her and her sisters to make-do with whatever they have. 

“It’s definitely because of this principle that even now as a young adult, you will find that I won't do every or anything to get ahead in life,” she says.

What I like about Kadyan:  She unabashedly reps the Kingdom



Tell my readers one thing about yourself that has been kept a secret
People may not know that I love to cry. I have a very tough exterior, but inside I'm a softy. 

Do you have any fears? What are they?
I really don't think I have any fears. Can’t seem to pin point any. Actually, I do fear not accomplishing all that God has destined for me. So I think that counts as one—the fear of being a disappointment to my God.

What interested you to enter the Miss Jamaica Universe Competition?
To be honest, I've always watch the competitions, but never seriously thought about entering. For some reason I felt compelled to enter this year, so I prayed about it and told God to use me in the pageant. So, I would say, I entered to share my experiences with Christ with the girls, as well as to represent my country on the international scene; proving to people that NOTHING is impossible when God is in it.

If you do win, what does that mean for you and how do you think it will affect your life?
Photo: Marvin Bartley
To win this title will definitely be life changing. It will definitely give me the platform I need to effectively impact the lives of young girls in my country. I have a passion for young people, and it’s painful to see when they sell themselves short due to low self esteem. I want to change that.


Indeed it will affect my life in a positive and negative light. Negative, in the sense that my life will no longer be private, and all that I do will be scrutinized. So that's one thing I will have to adapt to and fast! Good thing I'm a quick leaner :) 


What can't you leave the house without?
I can't leave my house without my phone and a lip gloss.

What's your new craze these days?
An Ipad2. I want one sooooo bad.

Have any plans for the coming year? And where do you see yourself in five years?
Indeed I'm looking forward to representing my country in Brazil this September and I hope to visit my sister and family in England this Christmas. As for the next five years, Gods willing I should be engage by then, looking to get married, and doing my studies in hopes of becoming a Pediatric Nurse.

Is there anything that gets under your skin?
I really don't appreciate been lied to. So, I would say liars really get under my skin.


Any advice for girls who want to follow in your footstep?
Just be yourself. That's the only thing that people can't tell you you're not good at; because who can play you, better than you? Also, in everything, trust God. Indeed He knows and wants the best for us and nothing is impossible with Him. Live, Trust-God and Respect Yourself.

Is there anyone in your life that pushes and motivates you, even when you feel like giving up?
When I feel like giving up, I go to my source—God Himself. That's when He kindly reminds me that He will not give me more than I can bear and I do believe that whatever He brings my way, He will take me through it.

Is there anything else you want to share with my readers?
I would just like to add that I love life. I have a great appreciation for it and the people that are in it. Also, I want them to see my true potential and support me on my journey in being their very own Miss Jamaica Universe 2011.




Photo: Miss Jamaica Universe 2011 Fan Page

"I have a problem with procrastination… This "last minute" approach we have adapted is limiting our creativity and innovation."

This twenty-three year old is a native of Runaway Bay St. Ann, where she spent 17 years.  She attended St. Hilda's Diocesan High School then later attended the School of Dance at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts.  Christina has certainly made a name for herself, clearly possessing and aggressive line of accomplishments which shows that she is no stranger to pageants.

She proudly acknowledges the following accomplishments:
Miss Columbus Prep 1st Runner Up
Miss Teen Jamaica 2001
Dancer and Choreographer of the National Dance Theatre Company (NDTC)
Rex Nettleford Award for Most Outstanding student in Choreography
Teacher at Hydel Group of Schools :special education, pre-school--grades 1-6Teacher to Edna Manley College Junior and Adult Department 
Teacher for UWI Dance Society
Dance Coordinator for Magnum Kings and Queens live show 2010


What I like about Christina:  Don’t be fooled by the sometimes stern exterior.  Deep down is her warm, chocolate covered and determined spirit.

Tell us one thing about Christina that most people would not know?
When I was much younger I wanted to be a police officer or a soldier.

Do you have any fears? What are they?
My fear is being unprepared for natural disasters such as earthquakes or meteor showers.

What interested you to enter the Miss Jamaica Universe Competition?
I entered this pageant because I want to use it as a platform for developing the Arts throughout Jamaica and the Caribbean. I feel that to be successful in the Arts we, as Jamaicans, should not have to migrate overseas when the resources are right here awaiting development. Many people don't realize it, but the Arts play a major role in the culture of society. 

If you do win, what does that mean for you and how do you think it will affect your life?
Winning will definitely mean that my hard work has certainly paid off. It will affect my life because I will have a platform for fast forwarding the development of the Arts as a viable career choice in Jamaica and throughout the Caribbean. 

Photo: Marvin Bartley
What can't you leave the house without?
Once I’m dressed and have on a strong pair of shoes, I’m good to go. All other gadgets are just distractions.


What's your new craze these days?
My new craze is definitely finding different channels of sharing my art education. I want Jamaica to realize that I am serious about my goals with developing the arts and sharing will be indication of this.

Have any plans for the coming year? Where do you see yourself in five years?
I do have some projects that I am planning for, both as an individual and with a partner. However I'd rather not disclose any information yet. I see myself, in the next five years, taking on more responsibilities and making greater contributions to the development of the Arts.

Is there anything that gets under your skin?
I have a problem with procrastination. I feel that it is definitely becoming a sore in the culture of our present society. This "Last Minute" approach we have adapted is limiting our creativity and innovation.

Any advice for girls who want to follow in your footstep?
I would definitely advise these girls to never limit themselves and try to experience life in different ways. Always stay true to who you are as an individual.

Is there anyone in your life that pushes and motivates you, even when you feel like giving up?
I am motivated by persons within and outside my field who work tediously at achieving goals and accepting life's challenges as a means by which to grow.
 

Has anything occurred in your life so far that has shaped your outlook on life?
Entering this pageant has shaped my outlook on life. I feel that I am now put into a place where I can affect greater good and it is inspiring.

Is there anything else you want to share with my readers?
Live everyday as though it is your last be aware of who you are and never allow anyone or anything to define who you are as an individual.


So, there you have it--a quick and easy double-package interview! To follow these ladies, visit the Miss Jamaica Universe Page; and be sure to cast your votes and show your love.


I wish you all the best, ladies!

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