Queen Time, Free Time! :)

I got a little bit of free time this past week. I absolutely love my job as Miss Virgin Islands. Various community service, school and event visits and always inspirational and enjoyable to be apart of but this past Monday, I just got to relax and enjoy a welcomed "perk'' as Miss Virgin Islands. I was given a V.I.P. invitation to the annual Paradise Jam Basketball tournament held on my home island of St. Thomas every year! I spent my time in the V.I.P. box  with the amazing Miss International U.S.V.I., Vanessa Donastorg. We were treated so nicely and spent so much of our night trying to figure out how the magician did his tricks! All in all, it was a great experience. The games were so intense, luckily I was barely distracted by the handsome players. Congratulations to both men and women tournament division winners! And thank you to all those that played a part in putting together such an amazing event. The Virgin Islands definitely can't wait to see you guys again next year. As I've said before, the life of a title holder is extremely demanding. I cherish the moments I get to rest and do nothing but enjoy the leisure that comes along with holding such a prestigious title. This pictures captures one of those moments! Vanessa just so happens to be a good friend and has been an amazing support system in my journey to Miss America! Again, I'm so grateful for her and the many other queens that have taken such an interest in making sure I'm completely prepared to represent my territory during the competition. I love you all so much!

Pageant Platform Queen: Sheniqua Robinson Miss Virgin Islands 2010

My next queen is as strong as pageant queens probably come. He persistence and determination have been such an inspiration to me. I distinctly remember my first phone call with her. She told me get those tears out and toughen up because this journey would take so much out of me, but if I were smart enough I could see it for what it's worth. She made sure to tell me that I'll be working hard for one thing, but I should not forget the many things I will gain from my experience in Las Vegas. She is definitely the queen that "knocked" the tough into me instantly. She has also proven that pageantry not only builds confidence but strength superior many. So Here She is, my Miss Virgin Islands and Miss America sister Sheniqua Robinson!

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Sheniqua Robinson and I am a 25 year old senior at the University of the Virgin Islands, majoring in Communications. I’ve been dancing since the age of three which inspired me to promote “Dance: A Movement Towards Better Health” as my platform at the 2011 Miss America Pageant. I was crowned Miss St. Croix Festival Queen 2008-2009, which gave me the opportunity to compete throughout the Caribbean both in Nevis (Miss Caribbean Culture) and Antigua (Miss Jaycees Caribbean Queen). I was also crowned Miss Virgin Islands in 2010 and had the AMAZING privilege to be a part of Miss America’s 90^th anniversary pageant in 2011. Besides all the pageant stuff, I simply enjoy playing basketball, softball and volleyball.

Why did you compete for the Miss Virgin Islands title?

I competed for the Miss Virgin Islands title for the opportunity to represent the VI at the Miss America Pageant and also in order to assist with the furthering of my education, being that Miss Virgin Islands is a scholarship pageant. 

How did you prepare for the local pageant? What did you do  to prepare for the Miss America pageant?

 I honestly didn’t prepare much for the on-stage portion of the local pageant. I was more focused on the interview aspect of the competition. I watched the news every evening, kept up with current events and made sure I knew every aspect of my platform. That evening, I walked away with Miss Intellect, Best Swimwear, and Best Talent along with the title. In preparation for Miss America, I practically did the same things but I focused a lot more on my talent (dance). I made several adjustments to my dance routine and continued to keep up with world-wide events. 

What has been your most memorable experience?

I have two of them. My first memorable experience is being a guest speaker at several schools while promoting my platform. The most unforgettable and fun part about that is when I’m walking down the street, some of the students still tend to scream out my name and tell their parents about my visit to their schools. That gets me every time! My second memorable experience would definitely have to be being a part of Miss America’s 90^th Anniversary Pageant. The experience on a whole was remarkable but our “class” got a lot of extra perks for being an anniversary year! That experience is unforgettable.  

Has pageantry assisted you in accomplishing any professional or personal goals? How has it done so/ not done so?

Definitely!!!! Pageantry has enabled me to find my calling as a Communications Major. Originally, I was studying to become a pharmacist, but my heart wasn’t in it. After speaking at so many events and schools, it dawned on me that that’s something I do easily and naturally; therefore, I decided to change my major to reflect just that. Pageantry has opened many opportunities for me, for instance, I was asked earlier this year to be the keynote speaker at a graduation as “Miss VI 2010.” I agreed and attended the event. After I delivered my address, I was approached by the President of a major company here in the Virgin Islands. She told me she wanted me to be a part of the company because she saw something in me. She loved the way I delivered my speech and my personality. Today, I’m currently working with the company with hopes of climbing the corporate ladder after receiving my degree. Thanks to “pageantry” and being a guest speaker at that event, doors are opened for me in my career field.

What is next for you?

I don’t know what the future holds for me, but I do know that I’m ambitious and it’s going to be great things. I’m heavily focused on school right now and after receiving my degree in Communications, I immediately plan to pursue my Masters. 

13 Fun Facts You Probably Didn't Know.....

It's important that my supporters and fans have a clear idea of who I am.  I thought this would be a fun way for you guys to learn some of the interesting things about me! So, here are "The Lucky Thirteen" fun things you probably didn't know about Miss Virgin Islands. 

      1. I have an obsession with Harry Potter. I own every book and movie and I can probably answer any question you have about the world of wizardry.

2. I skipped kindergarten…yup! Learned my ABC’s faster than anybody’s business.

3. I’ve had stitches in my head on two separate occasions, before I was seven. I demanded McDonalds     from the doctor, and told him that was the only way I’d let him finish.

4. I’m terrified of the dark. Like, I need a night light unless I’m with someone, terrified.

5. I have an insanely mixed heritage, Caribe Indian, Dutch, Nigerian, Ethiopian and that’s just what I know about.

6. I have this wish, to perform “Mean” with Taylor Swift, live, on stage, before I die.

      7. In my mind, I’m the best dancer. In reality, I have as much rhythm as a broken salsa CD.

8. I love Selena! I’ll sing Como La Flor and Amor Prohibido all night long, even though my Spanish isn’t fluent.

9. My best friend is going to kill me for this one, but I’m not a “Twilight” fan. I like it, because I love stories about forbidden love. But I could do without the vampires and werewolves.

10. I don’t like makeup. I didn’t know how to do my own make up before MAOTeen back in August! But I’m learning and I’m getting good. ;)

11. I failed the written portion driver’s exam four times, but I eventually passed. J

12. I've always wanted to be a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader.

13. I love the Los Angeles Lakers! 

                                       I'll let you guys in on some more fun facts soon! 

USF Graduate to Compete in 2013 Miss America Pageant...GUESS WHO!?

My Alma Mater has honored me with an amazing article about my accomplishments! Laura Kneski and I spoke for quite sometime and I was so happy that she was excited to write such an amazing article about me. I love my bull country and I cannot wait to show off that green and gold pride in Las Vegas this coming January! Check on the article by clicking on the link to the bottom. I am so honored and overwhelmed with joy, it's so encouraging to know that I have such a force behind me! It is humbling to know that my school is proud of me. GO BULLS!

USF Graduate to Compete in 2013 Miss America Pageant

Success Without Struggle...Is Nothing.

‎"A constant struggle, a ceaseless battle to bring success from inhospitable surroundings and people, is the price

 of all great achievements." - Orison Swett Marden

I Voted Y'all!

This years election was EXTREMELY important for numerous reasons. This would be my first time voting in any election. In 2008 I was just 17, so back then my opinion or my voice didn't matter, it didn't count. I made sure I was registered the second time around, I would not be missing out on elections any longer. I have also been a strong advocate for being heard, and encouraging my peers to vote. I don't think my twitter has ever been so consumed with political views and facts. My goal: Encourage my peers to be heard. After all, our voice matters the most, because this country will be ours in just a few years. Regardless, of who you vote for, it's important that you vote. We have so much to overcome in the next four years. But, I believe that if we stand behind our president, we can accomplish great progression and success as a nation. We are all different people and we come from different places, our walks of life have not all been the same, so normally our views on you should or should have been president will most certainly "clash." But, one thing we all can agree on, as Americans, is that we have the right to choose our leaders. We must exercise this right. So, I voted y'all because, as a woman, a student and a future leader, my opinion matters, as does yours. So much had to transpire for me to be afforded this right, and I don't plan on relinquishing it any time soon. 

My Crown Never Comes Off...

I've been AWAY! I hope you guys have not forgotten about me, because I certainly have not forgotten about my fans and supporters. You all are most definitely a great motivation behind me. It's a bit overwhelming coming from a territory that is more often than not, looked over. I am only the ninth representative from the U.S. Virgin Islands to compete in the Miss America Pageant. I have been working and training endlessly to prove that I am a true contender and that I belong on this path, I deserve this just as much as all my Miss America sisters do. I am not to be looked over, because my passion is intense and my drive and determination are endless. I hope that thus far, I have made you all proud. I've been wearing this crown all my life, I just never knew it. I've always had something to say, something to prove to the world. I've always known that my passion for enhancing the lives of young women, would take me to unimaginable heights. But, Miss America is a mountain I'd never thought I would climb. But climb it I will, and every single time I fall or stumble, I get up and stand taller and I push harder. Miss America 2012, the amazing Laura Kaepeller, sent us all an email a few days ago. In it she said something that is most certainly definite; "God knows who the next Miss America will be." He's already planned it. It's already part of his design. But, if I use the tools and talent that God has given me, who knows, I might just be next. With all that being said...I will never count myself out, I will always aim to excel with every step I take and every obstacle I encounter. Not just as a queen, but as a woman, a leader, a philanthropist and student. Through it all, I will stand as tall as a queen should, as strong as she must and as graceful as is expected. As we all should, with all that we do. I've always worn my "invisible crown" and that is why every failure I have encountered has only been a lesson to prepare me for success.