Shayma Sulaiman, Miss Hampton University 2013, interview
At just 21-years-old, a Hampton University student made her vision of representing the institution a reality during the 2013 Miss Hampton Univeristy pageant. Striking and sophisticated, Shayma Sulaiman is Miss Hampton University 2013 after beating out a gaggle of ball gown-wearing beauties. A proud Virginia native and a senior psychology major, Sulaiman keeps a message of youth mentorship dear to her heart. Her platform incorporates one-on-one time with children ranging from carefree play dates to homework help and esteem building.
Sulaiman is poised and ready to take on the lofty charge as Miss Hampton and will follow in the apotheosized footsteps of other HU pageant queens. Most recently, Desiree Williams, Miss Hampton 2010-2011, continued on to the 2013 Miss America pageant representing the state and the historically black college respectively. Before that Rasheeda Waddell, Miss Hampton 2006-2007, was crowned Miss Black North Carolina and made Hamptonians beam with pride over the honor.
With high hopes and high heels to fill, Suilman has graciously accepted the responsibility. Below, Sulaiman gives details about her new title as Miss Hampton 2013.
–danielle canada
Please introduce yourself and detail your matriculation at Hampton University.
My name is Shayma Sulaiman and I am 21-years-old. I’m from Herndon Virginia. I’ve had an awesome time at Hampton University thus far and have grown as a student and as person through the different challenges I’ve faced while being in college.
What made you decide to enter the Miss Hampton University pageant?
I decided to enter the Miss Hampton pageant after seeing a picture of a former Miss Hampton, Eyden Thomas. The picture was of her and a little girl wearing Eyden’s crown and the little girl looked so incredibly happy wearing it. That day I thought to myself ‘wow if I can make a difference like that, that would be truly incredible.’
What was your talent during the competition?
I sang “Brand New Me” by Alicia Keys for my talent. I thought it was fitting because over the years I’ve really molded myself into a better me. I think it’s really important to always try to improve yourself for the betterment of you.
What was the most difficult thing about the competition?
The most difficult thing about the competition was stopping myself from saying “I can’t.” Often times we naturally get into a habit of using that phrase. I quickly realized back in early September when we first started practicing if I wanted to win I would have to get rid of that negative phrase because it wasn’t going to get me where I wanted to be.
Describe your feelings the moment you won.
My stomach dropped when I realized I won. The past four months of working out, doing research on my platform, and late practices for the last few nights flashed through my head. It was a built up moment I had been waiting on and working towards for months. I was so elated and filled with emotion I started crying because the feeling you get when you set out to do something and accomplish it is unbelievably out of this world.
What is your platform as Miss Hampton University and how do you plan to implement it?
My platform is “confidence through differences: uplifting youth with learning disabilities by way of mentorship.” I plan on implementing my platform by getting out into the community and working one on one with youth. I’ve found that by doing activities such as working on homework, creating art, and playing outside I’m better able to connect with children. They see me as one of them and not just an adult. I’m able to talk with them and they listen. I also plan on doing confidence boosting challenges because it’s so easy for kids to tell themselves they can’t and that’s not a phrase they should be accustomed to using. The sky is the limit!
What has been the most rewarding thing about being Miss Hampton University so far?
The most rewarding thing about being Miss Hampton thus far is all the positive feedback I’m getting in regards to my platform. Education is so important and the children of today will be the adults of tomorrow. So building a strong foundation now is a key ingredient for success later on. Children with learning disabilities need those confidence boosters they need to believe they have the power to succeed. They need to know just because they have a different learning style they can still be whatever they want.
What advice would you give a student interested in participating in next year’s competition?
The advice I would give for the ladies that will be competing next year is to always stay positive throughout the entire competition. I would tell them to never use the phrase “I can’t” because you’ll only be hurting yourself. I would also tell the student you are your biggest competition be the best you, you can be.
Any final words?
Yes, I would like to say its really important stay motivated and positive whenever you’re doing anything in life. Thankfully I have an amazing group of individuals who pushed me. I would like to thank my friends and family for always supporting me.
