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Statement: "Through life's journey I have endured the hardships of trials and the testament of blessings. There have been times were my mistakes have out numbered my corrections and times where the purity of my heart could be seen in my loving actions. I live, I laugh, and I love. Through everything God has placed me in, I have grown. My long term goal is to continue to be a positive reflection of a empowered and intelligent African woman for the youth-- the future-- to be inspired by. I live everyday through the mantra..."If God before me, who can be against me? I plan to make an impact on the world and live each day as a blessing."
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Jewel Nana Thompson.
From www.missafricaunitedstates.com
Below is Jewel Nana Thompson's UGPulse interview with UGPulse Beauty Editor, Pauline Long.
Jewel Nana Thompson.
The 2007-2008 Miss Africa Scholarship Pageant Awards
Hi Jewel, please briefly talk me through your background.
I was born in the United States to Ghanaian parents. My father is from the Ashanti tribe while my mother hails from Akim-Manso in the Eastern Region of Ghana. As a child I would visit Ghana, once every year with my family. I remember feeling at home and feeling free. I was always surrounded by love and nurturing. Most of my adolescence was experienced in America; hence my non-Ghanaian accent, but I was always sheltered and raised by Ghanaian principles and values. My mother was the key in my upbringing. She would always instill in me the history of where I came from and the beauty and royalty of my ancestry.
I am currently a junior at Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, Georgia.
America has countless beauty pageants that you could have entered, what was your reason for entering Miss Africa USA in particular?
I wanted to prove that beauty and intelligence are not only found in a Miss America but that a Miss Africa can obtain those qualities as well. I also wanted to become an ambassador of the African and American youth.
What is it about Ghana that makes you want to represent it as such a high level?
I love the history of my country. They were the first colonized country to break free and fight for their independence. This year was the 50th anniversary celebration for my country; it marked a golden jubilee of encouragement and was a sign of our prosperous future. The roots of Ghana are so deep, as are most African countries, but the fact that I see my country's characteristics in myself, make me more proud. I am determined, I am a free thinker, and I am strong.
What book are you currently reading?
-"Assta" by Assta Shakur. It is her biography as a black panther. She struggled in the racist 1960's society of America but refuses to let violence, prejudices and injustice stop her from making a difference. It is very inspirational and informative.
What's the one thing you would never do without?
My intellect; it is what keeps me grounded in my decisions. I believe that knowledge is one of our most humanly powerful resources.
Africa is a continent to fall in love with for its beauty and natural resources, we all have our favourite attractions in the continent. What's your favourite place in Ghana?
The Beaches that harbor the coast and the Makola market are incredibly attractive. The beaches exhibit the natural beauty of our land; it was also the place where I rode my first horse. The Makola market is refreshing place to visit. Apart from the skyscrapers and hotels that they are building in the city, when you go there it reminds you of the beautiful simplicity of our culture.
Jewel Nana Thompson.
How would you describe beauty in the eyes of an African woman?
I see beauty in an African woman in terms of her full physical being. Everything about the African woman represents completion, from the curves of her body to the deep and varying tones of her skin. The African woman is not just one type of woman and doesn't fit just one category of beauty. In Africa you can find so many different types of women who may not all look the same but they share the same characteristic of natural beauty.
If you were to be appointed as the African ambassador to USA and the rest of the world how would you sell Africa?
I would sell Africa as the place where history began. Some of the African beauty can be found in the pyramids of the North, beautiful shore lines of the coastal countries, and abundant rainforest with its numerous animal and plant species. Africa is heaven for investors. It has some of the world's best tourist's destinations and is abundant in natural resources.
What are your inspirations and what do you aspire to be?
My inspirations are my mother and people who defy the conventions of conformity and make a positive change. I aspire to be a lawyer and a philanthropist.
This a tough competition as well as a major role, why do you want to be crowned Miss Africa United States?
I need a pillar that will allow me to reach places of destitution and suffering so that I can be of service. I want to make a change, even if it is something small. I want to see my country grow and I want to begin creating programs that will implement a change so that the youth can become more involved in the welfare of their country, because they are its future.
Have you got any beauty tips you would want to share with UGPulse readers?
I believe in a good night's rest, you can never go wrong with that.
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