|
I'm a certified Medical Assistant currently majoring in Nursing. I chose this field because I'm naturally a caring person always ready to help people in need. The main reason why I want to be Miss Africa USA 2007-2008 is to take part in the fight to make Africa a better place to live and to represent the motherland with the pride and dignity derived from my deepest love for Africa. I want to introduce and promote the beauty and diversity of the cultures that define Africa to the whole world.
UGPulse Promo
Coumba Diop.
From www.missafricaunitedstates.com
Below is Coumba Diop's UGPulse interview with UGPulse Beauty Editor, Pauline Long.
Coumba Diop.
The 2007-2008 Miss Africa Scholarship Pageant Awards
Hi Coumba and welcome to UGPulse, can you please tell us briefly about your background?
I'm from Dakar, Senegal. I grew up in a small family of 5 siblings but I was surrounded by many uncles
and aunts and cousins just like any other African family. I'm a born and raised Muslim from two different
tribes, Peulh and Oulof. Growing up we moved around Senegal a lot because of my father's position as a
Customs Officer. In 1992 we finally settled down in Dakar where I attended public schools and went to the
University of Dakar for a year after high school graduation before coming to America in 2001.
There are so many beauty pageants in USA that you could have entered, why Miss Africa USA in
particular?
The main reason why I entered this pageant is my love for Africa. I always take pride in representing the
motherland and reaching out to my fellow Africans .I'm proud of my roots and never miss a chance to
promote the beauty of Africa especially in the USA where a lot of people tend to have little or no idea of
the continent.
Coumba Diop.
What is it you love most about Senegal?
The hospitality and the brotherhood of the people, for a continent that has such a sad and heavy history,
Africa turned out to have one of the friendliest and open hearted population and my country is not an
exception.
What book are you currently reading?
The autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley, the title of the book speaks for itself. I've seen the movie
and now I'm reading the book Malcolm X is one of the men that I admire the most after Nelson Mandela
and Leopold Sedar Senghor.
What's the one thing you would never do without?
My faith in Allah. I came here 5 years ago by myself; no family to lean on and no parents to take care of
me when I'm sick. I went through a lot and only my faith in Allah kept me going and I can't see myself
succeeding in anything without Him looking down on me and turning things around right when I need Him
most.
Africa has some of world major attractions bringing millions of visitors yearly. What are your
favourite places in Africa?
Goree Island is one of my favourite spots in Dakar. I'm grateful that I had the opportunity to grow up so
close to a place that holds so much history. Of course the beaches and restaurants are on my list also.
Outside of Senegal, I'd say South Africa, Morocco and Egypt are very appealing to me and I'd very much
love to visit these countries one day.
Coumba Diop.
How would you describe beauty in the eyes of an African woman?
Beauty is not just a pretty face or a hot body. It's the way you carry yourself. It's that light that shines right
through your soul and enlighten your whole persona. Beauty is being you and being a generous person.
It's your character and how you portray yourself in the eyes of those around you. It's the things you do
that make people look beyond the surface and remember you forever.
How would you sell Africa as an ambassador to USA and the rest of the world?
Africa sells itself. All I would have to do is open up the world's eyes to see its riches. I would show people
its beauty through its diversity of cultures, art, food, history, sites and people.
What are your inspirations and what do you aspire to be?
My parents are my inspirations because of their strength and faith in God. I aspire to be a successful black woman and put my efforts and finances into helping children all around
the world get the education and health care that they deserve.
Why do you want to be crowned Miss Africa United States among 20 beautiful and intelligent
African women?
I want to be Miss Africa USA because it will be a stepping stone towards my goals of becoming an
influential figure in the ongoing fight to make Africa a better place.
This is perhaps my favourite bit of the interview as I like to know what people do to keep the
beauty flowing. Have you got any beauty tips you would like to share with me and UGPulse
readers?
Always take good care of your body by exercising. Stay healthy, drink a lot of water, be confident and stay
positive. Don't forget to laugh a lot.
Coumba Diop.
| 
