Issue date: 9/22/08 Section: News

Mwansa M. Changwe is the reigning Miss University of the District of Columbia and also the recently crowned First Runner Up to the 2008-2009 Miss National Black College Alumni. The following are her experiences competing in the National Pageant.

'A famed writer once said, "The end of wisdom is to dream high enough to lose the dream in the seeking of it." This means in order for us to achieve our dreams we must first take a step into reality'. Those are a few words from my speech that I read September 25, 2008 while competing in The Miss National Black College Alumni (Miss NBCA) pageant. I will be honest with you, the road traveled to Atlanta and Top 10 was not an easy one.
There were a few things that weren't working out for me and people who didn't believe in me before I left D.C.. At one point I became slightly discouraged and stressed, but with the support of family, friends, the Truth club, UDC leaders and the strength of the Lord I decided to persevere. As we arrived in Atlanta things continued not to go well, but I kept faith and had support from my sister Queens and coach Andrea Thompson.
The Miss National Black College Alumni (Miss NBCA) Competition is held from September 24-28, 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia. Historically Black Colleges and University "Campus Queens" are judged on Oration, Talent, Poise/Projection and Presentation/Image. Preliminary judging for Oration was on Wednesday and the open talent showcase was held on Thursday.
Throughout the week we were on a daily schedule of waking up between 5-7am, having breakfast, workshops, sessions and rehearsals that were planned throughout the day. At every event attendance was taken and any Queen that was tardy would be marked and lose points toward her final score on competition day Saturday. Those who know me know I am not a morning person, but believe me, I was 15 minutes early for each event with a bright smile and positive attitude!
One of my favorite activities was on Thursday when we were assigned to speak to Middle or High school students about attending an HBCU or going to college in general. The excitement they had for me speaking to their class and answering their questions was truly remarkable. I spoke to two science classes and one literature class, you could tell these students were going to be leaders of a new tomorrow.
When the day of competition rolled around I was fatigued from the 2:30am practice of the previous night, but I was almost overcome with excitement. That morning we had a run through for the whole show and afterwards I was able to receive a couple hours of rest. At 6:45pm we reported to the backstage to prepare for the show. The show began with the Opening dance number at 7:30 pm with all the Queens including Miss NBCA 2007-2008 Orna Jones. Immediately following were introductions where each Queen presented herself and her school.
The hostess this year was the Honorable Judge Hatchett who had a very difficult time saying my name the whole night (but I forgave her). When she announced the finalists I was called last and to be honest with you I was not 100% sure that she had called my name. I even began to step back in line with the Queens to avoid embarrassment asking, "Did she call my name? Are you sure?"until a few of them informed me that she had in fact called my name, prompting me to return to my spot in the Top 10.
The Top 10 Queens had to perform their Oratory which had the theme "Bringing Dreams to Reality". From the Top 10 the Top 5 were called out and had to perform their talent, and those ladies were Miss Alabama State University, Miss Clark Atlanta University, Miss North Carolina A&T State University, Miss Lincoln University of Pennsylvania and myself representing (of course) The University of the District of Columbia. I performed a Zambian traditional dance. Zambia is the country of my ancestry in South Central Africa.
After the talent portion, we had to change into our gowns and model on stage as part of the Poise/Projection section. After that section we had to come back for the Question and Answer segment. I was asked, "Why do you believe you should be Miss National Black College Alumni Hall Of Fame?". See me for my response! We all anxiously waited backstage while the scores were being tallied. We then came to the stage as we waited for them to announce the winners. "The moment you all have been waiting for, drum roll please, Miss Clark Atlanta University 2nd Runner Up, Miss University of the District of Columbia Mwansa M. Changwe- 1st Runner Up and our new Miss NBCA 2008-2009- Miss North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University Tanisha Fordham!".
The crowd went wild. I was at a loss for words and I immediately felt peace and happiness come over me. After a million-and-one photos I was able to celebrate with those who came to support me from the University and…. take more photos. By the time I was done, my face was stuck on a smile. It's funny to think last year I was in the audience watching Miss Danielle Matthews (Miss UDC 2007-2008) and the other HBCU Queens on stage and when I whispered to my friend, "I can do that! I'm going to be on that stage next year!".
I was able to later join Miss North Carolina A&T for dinner and share our feelings about the whole competition which was full of mostly hugs and awe. We were truly happy for each other. Few were aware that we had been sister Queens since the summer in Winston-Salem when we attended the North Carolina Leadership for Queens and Kings Conference. After all was said and done the only thing that was on my mind was.....MY BED!!!
The next morning on Sunday, we had a Queens Farewell breakfast as everyone began to head back home. Upon my arrival home, I received the news that my maternal Grandfather, Nelson had passed away that morning. As grief consumed me I felt slightly better knowing my victory was in commemoration of him.
I could have not done this all on my own. I had the wonderful help and support of the Office of Student Affairs run by Dr. Janice Borlandoe and Mrs. Dollie Ellis. My fierce and lovely advisor Juan Laster, coach/co-advisor Andrea Thompson, wonderful friends and supporters Bernard Grayson and Ed Matthews, the wonderful USGA, Mrs. Janet Wilbur and the Counseling and Career Development Center, UDC's 'The Truth Club: Christian Fellowship members and last but not least, Mrs Carter and my friends and family. I apologize if I left anyone out I appreciate your help and please forgive me, I Love You! (I honestly do!).
Since Atlanta, I have been greeted by warm hugs and kisses and congratulatory messages from staff, students, and faculty members. I am elated to celebrate another year with my UDC family on my birthday October 13. I feel very proud to have put the University of the District of Columbia on the map, and plan to continue to do so until my reign ends in April, 2009. That is when the next Miss University of The District of Columbia 2009-2010 WILL follow me and BRING the crown and title home! I know it will not be a walk in the park, but I will be there to every step of the way to help.
I come to you from the beautiful lands of Lusaka, Zambia. I am Mwansa M. Changwe: 2008-2009 Miss University of the District of Columbia and 1st Runner Up Miss National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame - "Bringing Dreams To Reality".

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