Ayoyemi Ajimatanrareje is Miss Nigeria-Florida, United States of America. The 22-year-old opens up on life as a queen
Q: Kindly shed light on your background?
A: I am Ayoyemi Ajimatanrareje. I was born 22 years ago in Surulere, Lagos. My parents are from Ondo State. I attended Pampers Private School, Surulere, MayDay College in Bode Thomas, Surulere for a year. When I was 11 years, (May 16, 2003) I left Nigeria with my younger brother. My father had been living in the States then and he came for us. Upon arriving, I was enrolled in Lawton Chiles Middle school till 2005. I was accepted to Miami Lakes tech, a technical high school to study television production. At the age of 17, I graduated from high school with a Grade point Average of 3.72 on a scale of 4.0 being the highest. June of that year, (2009) I started at Miami Dade Honors College, a two-year prestigious college for high school graduates with a G.P.A of 3.7 or higher. After my first year in college, I changed my major to Nursing, hoping I could later combine it with reporting as a health broadcaster. At the age of 19, I graduated with an Associate degree in pre-nursing. By November 27, 2013, I completed nursing school at Azure College of Nursing, Miami, Florida. I will be awarded an Associates of Science degree in Nursing (ASN, RN degree), then I will go on to take my State Boards Exam to be licensed as a registered nurse.
Q: When did you decide to participate in a beauty pageant?
A: That was in 2012. The Miss Nigeria-Florida pageant is the first beauty pageant I participated in. I was crowned a queen in June, 2012.There were five other Nigerian American young ladies, some of whom have never been to Nigeria.
Q: Are you still the reigning queen?
A: Yes, I am. My tenure was extended this year. It is now Miss Nigeria-Florida 2012-2014.
Q: What gave you the edge over other girls at the pageant?
A: I believe it is the grace of God. Each one of us had our unique edges and talent that captivated the judges in many ways. For me though, I think what did it was my versatility, confidence and poise. Due to the fact that I sing, dance, act, play the keyboard and drums, I decided that was exactly what I was going to do. I even went ahead as to learn a few greeting remarks in the three main tribes of Nigeria. I spoke Yoruba, Hausa and Ibo on stage while I performed my self-crafted monologue about the Nigerian culture. Also, I danced and beat the talking drum and walked off stage while the crowd cheered.
Q: As Miss Nigeria-Florida, how have you portrayed the culture?
A: I have showcased the Nigerian culture at non Nigerian events in South Florida. I represented Nigeria at the Martin Luther King parade in Dania Beach, Florida in January, 2013. With my elegance and grace, I proffered encouragement and inspiration to the Nigerian Super Eagles by leading them on the soccer field during their friendly match with Venezuela at the Miami Marlins stadium, October 2012 and they won. Moreover, I have helped raise to a higher pedestal, the Miss Nigeria-Florida Cultural pageant through my talent, public appearances, publicity and visit to high ranking public figures both in Nigeria and the United States. Also, I embarked on a project to help widows and orphans with the funds we raised in Miami.
Q: How have you benefitted from the crown?
A: Been a queen has taught me how to represent my country/culture in a grandiose and refined manner. Also, it has helped in my course to touch lives and be a positive role model to the younger generation. It has given me an opportunity to meet great and wonderful people that I will never forget. It has definitely taken my name out to the public and expanded my territory. This is important to me because I want to pursue a career in music and entertainment.
Q: In all, how have your parents viewed your status as a queen?
A: They like it and they were overjoyed when I was crowned. I am one favoured young lady and I thank God for providing me with such a loving support system.
Q: As a queen, how do you dress?
A: Honestly, my dressing depends on how I feel. There are dressy days and there are dress-downs days for me. As Miss Nigeria- Florida though, I am required to wear something that gives off/ tells about the Nigerian culture. But outside of that, I’m really a vintage kind of person. I like the snapbacks, the high-waisted skinny jeans and graphic tees with Nike SB’s, or the off-the-shoulder tops with big fat long braids. That’s just me, I love to be different, and create my own style as well as feel comfortable. You could catch me with leather jumper/overalls with boots now and the next, a regal Ankara gown with six inch heels.
Q: What are your likes and dislikes in fashion?
A: I hate exposing my body. I like decent fashion. Though I want to be different, I love decency. A young lady can be stylish without her boobs hanging out. The same applies to the men. A young man can be tastefully dressed without his trousers sweeping the floor and his boxers exposed to the public. That’s just me. I do love anything 90s though. The low shoulder dresses, baggy jeans and boots, peplum styles, anything high-waisted, cropped tops and so on. As long as it’s decent, and not something everyone is wearing, I’m for it. With accessories, I go for what suits me. If it makes my outfit pop, then I’m for it.
Q: The cosmetic surgery is a trend among young celebrities, can you do it?
A: Never! I’m always scared. I could die trying to fix what God has made perfect.
Q: How do you view yourself as a woman?
A: First, I am a woman. My middle name is beauty and last name is strength. A woman should be known for her faith. I like the fact that I am a woman, I have confidence and unshakable faith in God. I strongly believe I have what it takes to change the world. I must say God has blessed me.
No comments:
Post a Comment