The media have recently continued to discuss the poor choices of a past and now infamous Miss Trinidad and Tobago. It is unfortunate that this negative story has somehow managed to outshine the many positive young women who have held this title who have done well for themselves In discussion with friends on this topic, we would still hold up Danielle Jones, Miss T&T and Miss Universe finalist in 2004 as an example for our young women. She shows its still possible for beauty and brains to dwell in the same body!
Educated and simply elegant, here are 3 things Jones can teach Miss T&T hopefuls and those that make public mistakes:
1. Keep Giving Back to Your Country: It seems every week Jones is in the paper, quoted as a PR executive at a prominent, local, financial company (Unit Trust). Undoubtedly, with a Masters Degree in hand, Jones had choices, she continues to work for a local company - great example. They are lucky to have her! When she is photographed, Danielle exudes class and always looks elegant if not always professional. A visit to the UTC website shows that since she joined the company, they have raised their emphasis on corporate social responsibility. Coincidence or a Miss T&T using her training and background for the good of the nation? Do past delegates still volunteer? Do they remember how to set a positive example by dress and actions? Why should we have to ask!
2. Write Well/Speak Well: As a cohost in the recent Miss Trinidad and Tobago pageant, Jones was unscripted and never dropped a "Th", green verb or made a grammatical error. She looked and sounded absolutely beautiful. We hope she will work with the new winner on speaking with our local accent without sounding contrived. Peter and his team seem to "can" answers for the girls (who can forget the 'abcd' response of this year's runner up!). And on writing, when I Googled Miss Jones, I found her blog–she writes well. Miss T&T's time to read and learn fast!
3. Private is Never Public: Is she dating? It is nice to have to wonder. How refreshing! In a world of tell all books and very public weddings Jones seems to enjoy her privacy. As 'private videos' go public daily, this is great example. Of course, she could just be single. If so, young men move fast!
Danielle, you did us proud and continue to! Thank you. Let's celebrate one of many successful past Miss Trinidad and Tobago beauty queens. Sure. We're more proud of some than others but let's highlight their success stories and share them with young people. Please T&T for a change, let's make positivity viral instead!
I Mohammed
California