Shamika Thomas Interview
Miss Virgin Islands 2008
Why did you decide to compete in the Miss Virgin Islands pageant?
I decided to compete for Miss Virgin Islands because I wanted to make a difference in my life and impact the lives of those around me. I firmly believe in women standing for a cause by promoting a platform and helping out their community. My goal once given the opportunity was to be a good role model that can uplift and encourage young women to be empowered and to know that nothing is impossible. And as a reward, I was afforded Scholarship and opportunities to travel abroad and compete in Miss America.
What was going through your head when you realized when you were the new Miss Virgin Islands?
I was so surprised! I competed in other pageants and I also competed in Miss Virgin Islands 2007 ( I was the 1st runner up), but I never won a pageant before. I was nervous that I would be first runner up again. But when they called my name as Miss Virgin Islands 2008, it was the best feeling in the world. I felt all the hard work and persistence finally paid off. It was a sense of accomplishment.
Tell us about your platform, “Awareness and Prevention of HIV”?
HIV and AIDS were hot topics in the 80’s. Lately with all the other illnesses that are rampant in the world, HIV awareness has taken a back seat. Lately, when you hear about HIV/ AIDS, all the press has been about the continent of Africa. However, HIV is spreading like wild fire in the United States as well. No one is immune to the virus and we all need to take a stand. Get tested and know your status. In 2007, 56 thousand people were diagnosed with HIV. If 56,000 people contract HIV per year, by the year 2020, half a million people would have contracted the virus! This does not include the millions already diagnosed in the US. There is good news; it is no longer the death sentence it used to be due to medical advancement. However, prevention is worth more than cure and we can only do that through public awareness.
What would be your most memorable moment at Miss America?
My whole Miss America experience was memorable! The reality show was awesome because I got to meet and know 51 of America’s most talented and educated women. Performing on stage at Miss America in itself was a dream come true. Whether it was singing, modeling, or speaking about my platform, I enjoyed every minute of it. I worked really hard to even get the opportunity so the whole experience was the best part.
What would a typical day as Miss Virgin Islands be like?
I try to do one good deed per day. Hopefully if I bless someone, they would in tern bless someone else. Thus, continuing a chain of “each one help, reach, and teach one”. Each day is different, but my ultimate goal for each day would be to stay positive and be the best example I can be.
What would be your most memorable moment so far as Miss Virgin Islands?
My most memorable moment as Miss Virgin Islands was crowing our very first Miss Virgin Islands Princess. That will be my legacy after I give the crown over to the next Miss Virgin Islands.
Do you think you’ve made a difference as the new Miss VI?
I would like to think I made a difference in my community by being that positive role model in my community. I have set a different standard for what people perceive a title holder to be. I am not fashion model size(I’m a mere 5’1), I’m not Barbie doll perfect, I have a sense of humor and I’m real down to earth. In other words, I’m a real woman with issues and concerns. However, I try to make the most of every moment and go after my dreams. Hopefully, other girls could relate to me and find empowerment within them to want to make a difference in their every day lives. Embrace what makes you different and use it to your advantage instead of using it to hold back your progress and growth. Had I listened to people who discouraged me and told me I would never be Miss Virgin Islands, I would have never competed or ever had the opportunity to win and compete at Miss America!
I decided to compete for Miss Virgin Islands because I wanted to make a difference in my life and impact the lives of those around me. I firmly believe in women standing for a cause by promoting a platform and helping out their community. My goal once given the opportunity was to be a good role model that can uplift and encourage young women to be empowered and to know that nothing is impossible. And as a reward, I was afforded Scholarship and opportunities to travel abroad and compete in Miss America.
What was going through your head when you realized when you were the new Miss Virgin Islands?
I was so surprised! I competed in other pageants and I also competed in Miss Virgin Islands 2007 ( I was the 1st runner up), but I never won a pageant before. I was nervous that I would be first runner up again. But when they called my name as Miss Virgin Islands 2008, it was the best feeling in the world. I felt all the hard work and persistence finally paid off. It was a sense of accomplishment.
Tell us about your platform, “Awareness and Prevention of HIV”?
HIV and AIDS were hot topics in the 80’s. Lately with all the other illnesses that are rampant in the world, HIV awareness has taken a back seat. Lately, when you hear about HIV/ AIDS, all the press has been about the continent of Africa. However, HIV is spreading like wild fire in the United States as well. No one is immune to the virus and we all need to take a stand. Get tested and know your status. In 2007, 56 thousand people were diagnosed with HIV. If 56,000 people contract HIV per year, by the year 2020, half a million people would have contracted the virus! This does not include the millions already diagnosed in the US. There is good news; it is no longer the death sentence it used to be due to medical advancement. However, prevention is worth more than cure and we can only do that through public awareness.
What would be your most memorable moment at Miss America?
My whole Miss America experience was memorable! The reality show was awesome because I got to meet and know 51 of America’s most talented and educated women. Performing on stage at Miss America in itself was a dream come true. Whether it was singing, modeling, or speaking about my platform, I enjoyed every minute of it. I worked really hard to even get the opportunity so the whole experience was the best part.
What would a typical day as Miss Virgin Islands be like?
I try to do one good deed per day. Hopefully if I bless someone, they would in tern bless someone else. Thus, continuing a chain of “each one help, reach, and teach one”. Each day is different, but my ultimate goal for each day would be to stay positive and be the best example I can be.
What would be your most memorable moment so far as Miss Virgin Islands?
My most memorable moment as Miss Virgin Islands was crowing our very first Miss Virgin Islands Princess. That will be my legacy after I give the crown over to the next Miss Virgin Islands.
Do you think you’ve made a difference as the new Miss VI?
I would like to think I made a difference in my community by being that positive role model in my community. I have set a different standard for what people perceive a title holder to be. I am not fashion model size(I’m a mere 5’1), I’m not Barbie doll perfect, I have a sense of humor and I’m real down to earth. In other words, I’m a real woman with issues and concerns. However, I try to make the most of every moment and go after my dreams. Hopefully, other girls could relate to me and find empowerment within them to want to make a difference in their every day lives. Embrace what makes you different and use it to your advantage instead of using it to hold back your progress and growth. Had I listened to people who discouraged me and told me I would never be Miss Virgin Islands, I would have never competed or ever had the opportunity to win and compete at Miss America!