Miss Antigua and Barbuda 2007 - Tasheka Lavann
Appreciating diverse cultures, personalities and most of all life, is an energetic and God-fearing young woman who is eager to achieve.
I am a TV News Anchor and Reporter at the Antigua Broadcasting Service (ABS). I am presently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Communications at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus in Jamaica. It is also my intention to further my knowledge and accreditation by pursuing graduate studies in Mass Communication or Law.
For moments of fulfillment and leisure, I like to socialize with people from all lifestyles. I am also an ardent vocalist and debater. Intermittently, I would indulge in an interesting novel. However, some quiet personal time to meditate quells my hunger for solitude.
Pageantry Open Doors
Pageantry has always been a part of me as it has provided me with many opportunities to showcase my God given talents and personal attributes. This journey began at the tender age of nine when I entered Miss Petite. Since then, I have entered two school pageants, five local pageants and three regional pageants. I now hold the prestigious titles of Miss Jennings Secondary School 2001, Miss Teenage 2002, Miss Leeward Islands Talented Teen 2004 and the 50th Golden Jubilee Miss Antigua Queen of Carnival 2007 and 2nd Runners Up in the Miss Antigua Teen 2003 and Jaycees Caribbean Queen 2007 pageants.
The opportunities which were afforded to me because of pageantry are numerous, but some of the outstanding ones were being a co-host on a radio teen talk show, being a part of a local drama series, a musical theatrical stage production, a KFC and career affair commercial, hosting several cultural activities, making a televised New Year’s Day message to the nation but more importantly, being a role model to many young people, meeting people with different cultural backgrounds and networking.
These opportunities don’t come easy. In fact, a lot has to be sacrificed for this to become a reality. You must commit to whatever task is given to you and do it to the best of your ability.
Be a Winner
It is important to have a natural or God-given talent as this will make your performance flow more smoothly and you would also be more confident than someone who just learnt something. It is also very important to have a good command of the English language so you will be fluent with good diction when the interview segment comes around. The modeling area is a bit more difficult but with practice, one can master the art. The most important thing is to have fun and more fun and take key lessons out of the journey. Believe me, these experiences bring with them many lessons to be learnt.
Many believe that pageantry is about beauty but remember that beauty is skin-deep.
Hard work and dedication, confidence and a good personality goes a long way. So with all these and a desire to win, win and win, you’ll be well on your way.