Alexis Anderson
Blue & White Flash/Staff Writer
A dream came true for Deja Knight on April 4, 2013 when the Jackson State University student body elected her as Miss JSU for the 2013-2014 academic school year. To find out more about Knight and her plans as the next Miss JSU, The Flash asked the new queen some questions.
What motivated you to run for Miss JSU?
Knight: “Before I was accepted into JSU, my grandmother planted the seed and told me to run for Miss JSU. When I came to JSU, I was intimidated by the crown, due to the expectations and the hierarchy that the queen upheld. But after I received advice and observed the morals and persona of Miss JSU, I became more confident in myself to run for the position, said Knight. “My sophomore year was the year that I realize that I wanted to be Miss JSU.”
The Flash: What was your campaign platform during your bid to become Miss JSU 2013-2014?
Knight: “My platform is ‘Ready, Set, Go’ which is a plan to prepare students to become studious and successful during and after college. College is the time to create your social skills, academic improvement, and realize how the real world will be like once you finish undergrad. ”
The Flash: How did you prepare for the pageant and the campaign?
Knight: “I prepared myself by doing a lot of brainstorming about my talent. Specifically, I took notes from my participation in the Kappa pageant that helped me for my oratorical portion. I also had to do a lot of thinking for my wardrobe.”
The Flash: What are your plans as the next Miss JSU?
Knight: “I really want to get involved with the community and let them see what JSU students have to offer as far as community outreach. I want young ladies to become confident about their self growth, self-esteem, confidence.”
The Flash: What organizations will be a helping hand during your reign as Miss JSU?
Knight: “I am a part of a lot of organizations on campus, such as MADDRAMA, JSU Dance Ensemble, SGA, and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Any organizations I can get help from will help me tremendously with my plans. I am willing to take any advice from them. I am also willing to work with any individual. ”
The Flash: What advice did any past JSU queens give you?
Knight: “All of the former queens are influential women; they all helped me in one way or another. A lot of the things I know about being Miss JSU, I learned from them.”
The Flash: What is something people do not know about Deja Knight?
Knight: “Well, my hair is natural, so ‘Team Natural’ is what I’m repping. I am also down to earth, but a little shy. It took me a while to learn about myself as a person and gain self confidence when it came to stepping out in the public. I wouldn’t say I had low self-esteem, but people had to push me to accomplish things that I was afraid to.”
The Flash: What are your hobbies?
Knight: “My hobbies are listening to music and dancing. I also like watching First 48 and Law & Order.”
The Flash: What are your goals after college?
Knight: “My goals are to go to law school and then become an Intellectual Property lawyer for a law firm.”
