AC Phoenix, October 1990, Page s Carla Bridges: Miss W.S.S.U. Combines Charisma and Academics Carla Elizabeth Bridges, Miss. W.S.S.U. 1990, pays close atten tion to small items. Because of her eye for detail she enrolled at Winston-Salem State University after being accepted at both UNC- Chapel Hill and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. “My sister attended W.S.S.U. and I applied here after being ac cepted at two larger uni versities. After I fiiled out the application, W.S.S.U. sent me a birthday card," said Carla. “I was further im pressed by a visit in which I recognized the caring attitude of the staff,” she added. Since her arrival on the W.S.S.U. campus she has displayed her knack for details, as well as her leadership abili ties. She is currentiy President of Delta Sigma Theta, former President of the Pan Heilenic Council, and is listed in Who’s Who In American Colleges. The Concord, North Carolina native is the daughter of Mary and Charles Bridges. She admits to being the one child that steps to the beat of a different dmmmer, but it never in fringes upon her judgement in giving credit where it is due. “My mother is the per son I most admire. Not because everyone else says this, but because she raised my two sis ters (Audrey and Wanda) and I on her own,” she said. “Anytime I lose sight of my goals her teachings help me remember why I’m here,” she added. Carla is an education major, with hopes of getting her Masters Degree and Ph.D. in History. She hopes to one day teach on the collegiate level. People often times misurxlerstand campus queens. Some do seem to change once the title is earned, but some times we change in our regard to them and their new position. Miss By M.A. Pharr W.S.S.U. mentioned certain qualities a queen should possess. “A queen should be someone who reflects the people she repre- sents,” said Miss.Bridges. “I’ve been in a variety of organiza tions and I feel I know the spirit of the \ 4^ A Carla Bridges W.S.S.U. student body,” she added. Goals are nothing new for Carla Bridges. She combines them with a strong belief in God and sets to attain them. During the 1990-1991 academic year she has set goals as Miss W.S.S.U. “I would like to break the stereotypical image of queens. Some place too much empha sis on looks and social status,” said Carla. “I think by being socially and academically sound I can make an even greater statement In terms of leadership,” she added. Born under the sign of Virgo, she enjoys writing, drawing and singing in her spare time. Carla is an avid reader who keeps up with cur rent events on all levels. Her response to the Iraq-Kuwait situation was concise, and typical of a lot of young Americans. “I really think we are sticking our noses in someone elses busi ness,” she said. She added, “America inter venes in any action where profit is con cerned.” The role of the black male, and his demise, has been a topic of con cern in our communi ties, schools and hearts. The W.S.S.U. senior commented on this negative situation. “One has to consider that the establishment holds the black man down and in return he turns to drugs, violence and crime,” stated Miss. Bridges. “Our women need to stand by the black man more. We must all share the blame. We believe too much of what we read (newspaper) and see (television),” she added. Being an Education major Carla has taken a few classes that have discussed “mainstreaming”. She is an advocate of eliminat ing the separation of students in the class room. “Personally I think the more labels placed on kids the more appre hensive they become about education,” said Miss. Bridges. “We need to help them feel a Dart,” she added. During the final months of ones college career it is alright to look at it in retrospect, be cause after three full years one has matured more and their judge ment is a lot better. Carla looked at one of the things about her career she would like to change. “If there was one thing I could change about my col lege career at W.S.S.U. it would he the miscon ception that everybody who belongs to an or ganization (sorority, fra ternity) are differ ent,” said Miss. Bridges. “One has to remember that we are linked be cause we are all black We have to be the mas ters of our own destiny,” she added. IS THERE A DRUG PROERLEMIN FORSYTH COUNTY? Notifyou’nidtalw. It's A Crime. IKHTH DISTRtGT#JTORNEY N. M. 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