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My name is Orelie Sodolo I was born in Zaire in, 1987 but was raised in France and currently live in Silver Spring, Maryland. In this years pageant, I will be representing the Democratic Republic of Congo. I am the first child in my family that was born in Africa and I am also the second child out of four children. I love to sing, dance, act, model, and I am also very energetic. I am well educated and ambitions when it comes to accomplishing my goals. The key word that defines me is "optimistic". I attend Montgomery College in Takoma Park, Maryland with a 3.O GPA. My major is business management.
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Orelie Bizuela Sodolo.
Read more from www.missafricaunitedstates.com
Orelie Bizuela Sodolo's UGPulse interview with UGPulse Beauty Editor, Pauline Long.
Orelie Bizuela Sodolo.
The 2007-2008 Miss Africa Scholarship Pageant Awards
Can you please tell us briefly about your background?
My name is Orelie Bizuela Sodolo. I was born in February 8th ,1987 in Kinshasa the capital of the Democratic Republic Of Congo( Formerly known as Zaire) ,but I was raised in France. I have three sisters and one brother. My parents were born in the capital of Zaire Kinshasa. I currently live in Silver Spring, Maryland. I am a college student currently attending Montgomery College where I study business management. I also work part time at Chevy Chase Bank. At 20 years old I have learned a lot, I feel confident and healthy.
What was your drive behind entering this prestigious beauty pageant?
I believe my drive comes from me believing in Faith, and believing in god. Also, my drive comes from my beauty within; it comes from my struggles, my past and also my life experiences. My drive comes from me wanting to be a successful person; everyday that I wake-up I motivate myself to do something productive, whether or not it deals with school, modeling, acting or helping my community.
What is it you love most about your country?
I love the fact that my country and my people still stand strong after all the fighting and deaths from different diseases and presidents. I still stand strong, at a young age I did not have confidence, I had low self-esteem but I never gave up. It is funny how my country and I can relate; we have been through so much. At one point my country was going through issues with name changes, it went from Zaire to The Democratic of Republic of Congo. At one point, I did not like my first name I decided to change my middle name to my first, and I had issues with people making fun of my name but it does not change who I am today.
What book are you currently reading?
Do You! 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve by Russell Simmons
Orelie Bizuela Sodolo.
What's the one thing you would never do without?
Faith and Motivation.
What are your favorite spots in Africa?
Ethiopia, South Africa is Beautiful (Cape Town), Egypt, Kenya, Liberia
How would you describe beauty in the eyes of an African woman?
I look at African women as a natural herb of society. Beauty comes from the life we live. The African woman lives a positive life and for this reason many look up to them as positive role models. African beauty also comes from our backgrounds, our roots, our face structures, our accents and our culture that divides us from a lot of women.
How would you sell Africa as an ambassador to USA and the rest of the world?
We strive to be successful in our everyday lives; The African Culture influences the American society, and the rest the world in everyday life. The way we dance or what we eat and what we wear. For example, a lot R&B and hip-hop music uses Congo sounds when it comes to making music beats. Also, African braiding culture is how many women in America and other places around the world braid their hair today.
What are your inspirations and what do you aspire to be?
What inspires me is to have creative people around me, also positive people that can give me ideas and that can help mentor me throughout my journey. Reading books that give me confidence, for example, Russell Simmons book Do You! 12 Laws to Access the Power in You to Achieve ; His words of wisdom encourage me to freeze my vision and to never give up, and that everything takes time and patience. I aspire to be an actress, and also a motivational speaker/leader to the youth society. I believe that I am a triple threat.
Why do you why to be crowned Miss Africa United States?
Wow! Everyone wants to change the world; that is a good thing. I believe it comes from my vision and my creativity. I am very open- minded to what is happening in our society today. I was not raised rich or poor; the things I have seen have made me not only be a better person but a leader of my society.
Miss Africa USA is not just something I want to do, to just be exposed to the public. I want my voice to be heard, when people hear my voice, it will influence their lives and that is how you change the world. I want to mentor the youth in society. I also want to build my own community in Africa and also, start a mentoring foundation. People have to understand you just cannot change the world by telling people this is your dream. You must go out there and change it.
First, we must start to mentor the youth, please note that they are the next generation. If people are not in a positive state of mind, how will the people or leaders get the help? The youth societies are the next born leaders of tomorrow. Dreams are lost and lives are lost because people in society do not take the time to mentor the youth.
Have you got any beauty tips you would want to share with UGPulse readers?
First thing, smile when you wake-up in the morning, because it gives you strength to have a good day and to stay positive. Use eyeliner in the morning, makes you look refresh.
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