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I'm a first year student at the University of Baltimore School of Law. I received my Master's degree last year from Virginia Commonwealth University, and my Bachelor's degree in 2004 from American University in Washington, DC. Many people would describe me as the sweet girl next door that always has a smile on her face. I love to make people laugh and spend time with close family and friends.
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Sadia Noah.
From www.missafricaunitedstates.com
Below is Sadia Noah's UGPulse interview with UGPulse Beauty Editor, Pauline Long.
Sadia Noah.
The 2007-2008 Miss Africa Scholarship Pageant Awards
Hi Sadia, and a warm welcome to UGPulse. Please tell us briefly about your background.
My background is a mixture of Gambian and Sierra Leonean. Although I was born in Washington DC, I spent part of my childhood between Banjul, Gambia and Freetown, Sierra Leone. Both of my
parents were born in Gambia and raised in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Being that my maternal
grandmother was a trader, she often traveled between the two countries. The area that I grew up
in D.C. was not the best and it was a struggle being that my mother raised me and my sister as a
single parent, but we managed. That is one advantage of being from Africa; you learn how to get
by on very little. My mother worked very hard at two jobs and she finally moved us to a better
area in Maryland, where I currently live.
Miss Africa United States is a very prestigious title in deed. What was your main reason for
entering this contest?
I never even considered being in a beauty pageant before this, but I was encouraged by friends
and family. Once I read more about it and did the preliminary round, I learned that pageants are
about much more than just pretty girls that can walk across a stage. This pageant is about
promoting the culture, education, beauty and intellect of African women. It is also a way to
expose other nationalities to our culture, and for us to learn about each other's culture.
I believe you are patriotic judging by the fact that you have entered Miss Africa USA to represent
Gambia, what is it you love most about your country?
What I love most about Gambia is the beauty of it all. The country is beautiful, the people are
beautiful, and the many languages are beautiful. Everyone is always smiling no matter what
position they are in. I have always been a very positive person, and I like to be surrounded by
positive people. The pleasant atmosphere in Gambia is like no other.
What book are you currently reading?
Being a law student, I am constantly reading. Although I do not get much time to read books for
leisure purposes anymore, I have taken an interest in books on case law and contracts. You really
learn a lot about how things in this country come into play by reading hundreds of cases
regularly.
Some people can't do without their make-up; some can't do without their pets, what's the one
thing you would never do without?
My faith, I am a strong believer that I am in the position that I am in today because of my faith.
God has blessed me in so many ways. I look at some of my peers and see where I could have
ended up in life, and I thank God each day that he kept me on track and in the right path.
Africa as a continent has incredibly amazing attractions and I'm sure you have a favourite, do you
mind sharing with us?
I have not traveled to Africa as much as I would like to, but from the memories that I do have my
favorite spot is simply on my grandmother's compound in Sierra Leone. It is not a tourist
attraction or even a famous place, but it is just fun and relaxing. It is on a busy street in Fourah
Bay, and just sitting on the front porch I can see everyone passing by, parades in front of her
house during Christmas, cultural dancers on her street beating the bataas (drums), and the sweet
smell of plantains and fresh baked bread in the morning. I am a very simple person, and simple
things like that make me happy.
Describe to me in your very own words 'beauty in the eyes of an African woman'.
Every African woman sees beauty differently so I can't speak for everyone. As for myself, I see
beauty as exuberating confidence. My eighty-five year old grandmother will wake up in the
morning, wear her best lace, put on her Lady Marlene push up brazier, tie her head fine, and walk
out of the door knowing that she looks good even at her age. That is confidence, and to me she is
the most beautiful woman in the world.
Sadia Noah.
How would you sell Africa as an ambassador to USA and the rest of the world?
I would just educate people about African culture and traditions. We are all guilty of believing
some stereotypes that we hear about other cultures. If people don't know anything else about
Africa except for what they hear and see on television, then that is what they are going to believe
Africa is all about. And if we as Africans don't take the time to inform people about the beauty of
Africa, then we are just as guilty as the people who only shown the negative stereotypes of Africa.
As a young intelligent, ambitious and hardworking woman what are your inspirations and what do
you aspire to be?
I am actually inspired by everyone. My family, friends, teachers, and even those who want to see
me fail. I often compete with myself, which sounds kind of weird, but is true. If I think that
something is impossible to attain, then I go for it! Right now for example, everyone is telling me
that it is impossible to be in law school and become Miss Africa USA at the same time. I say, I am
up for the challenge and I will conquer it! As for my aspirations, I am aspiring to be the first
lawyer/ runway model/ legal university professor/ business owner/ charity organizer/ Miss Africa
USA. It sounds like a lot, but I'm sure I can make it happen.
You obviously stand out but so are the rest of the delegates in the competition, so why do you
think you should be crowned Miss Africa United States?
I want to be crowned Miss Africa USA because I want to strongly promote education and
healthcare awareness for African women. A lack of education among some African women is a
factor that is holding us back from attaining our goals in life. I would like to use my title as a way
to help women that are being deprived of furthering their education. I would also like the
opportunity to make African women aware of prevention methods and healthcare options to stop
the spread of disease in Africa. Being crowned Miss Africa USA would be an open door to
address these issues and for me to get support from others that would like to join me in the
movement.
Have you got any beauty tips you would like to share with UGPulse readers?
I would just suggest getting plenty to beauty sleep. It keeps your skin looking fresh and young.
Even with me being in school and having to study long hours, I always make sure I get at least 8-9
hours of rest each night.
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