’ 1 HE Compass Monday, March 26, 2001 ^sr
Meet your next Queen.
By Amanda Parker
Chrishanda Anecia Rodgers is a native of Portsmouth, VA. She is the yoimgest of four and was bom on September 11,
1980 to Evonne Rodgers and Freddie Rodgers. Currently, she maintains a 3.0 GPA and is majoring in EngUsh with a
concentration in mass commimications. While maintaining an above average GPA, she is an active participant in Sigma
Tau Delta and The Pickwick Society, two national honorary English organizations. She holds leadership positions in the
Junior Class as President, in the New Generation Ministries as Vice president and in the dance ministries as the director
of Daughters of Destiny. She enjoys dancing and working with children especially teenage ladies. "My heart is after
them because around 8 and 10 and 15 and 16 they are creating and designing who they'll become by the age of 21. A lot
of negative influences as well as low self esteem can affect them. I hope to count as a positive influence in their lives by
encouraging them and to let them know that it doesn't stop at highschool because all of us are destined for excellence
and great things." Growing up, Chrishanda says she has had many role models. "My pastors have been encouraging
role models because they teach life and they have showed me that you can be happy and successful. They also taught
me not to let negative or discouraging situations control my destiny. Even though things may look bad, there is a way
out." In addition to the positive influence her pastors have given, Chrishanda says she lives her life by two simple
policies: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," and "There's only one person who determines your
outcome and that's you." When asked what inspired her to run for Miss ECSU, she said "As a freshman, I always
wanted to be Miss ECSU. First, I saw Hope Jones (1998-1999 Miss ECSU), and I admired the way she carried herself. I
saw a lot of qualities she possessed. She was one to admire, and I know I am and have the ability to be like that." In
addition, Rodgers says it is a position of honor which is why she is eager to run for the position. She also believes her
personality is one of the things that qualify her for the position. "I try best to be warm and inviting to people. If I am
elected, I don't want to be unapproachable." Rodgers also shared that she has had numerous experiences with speaking
Chrishanda Rodgers publicly. "I'm constantly in front of my church of about 1,000 people speaking. "Last year, I was actually
the MC for the Miss ECSU showcase. Different times I have had to speak in public, and it wasn't strenuous at all because of the familiarity." In reference to whether
or not she thinks Miss ECSU is a popularity contest, Rodgers said, "I think to some degree Miss ECSU is a popularity contest. It's all in who you know and who knows
you, yet I have faith the student body will choose the person who will best represent them because when Miss ECSU goes out, she is not only representing herself, but
also the University in the way she dresses and by the way in which she speaks and carries herself. Rodgers describes herself as committed, caring and understanding.
"I am a lady of sophistication, elegance, and virtue and I would agree that these are all characteristics that Miss ECSU needs." In the future, Rodgers plans to attend
graduate school at William and Mary and study Public Relations. As a long term goal, she plans to marry and have children and attain a successful career. Rodgers
said she would also like to write a book about the relationships between women, focusing on how women can maintain healthy relationships amongst each other and
she would like to adopt children who have been neglected and abused.
Beshelya Denean Smith is a native of Cofield, NC. She is the oldest of two born to Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Smith.
Currently, she maintains a 3.4 GPA, and is majoring in Accounting. While maintaining a high GPA she is active in
the Gospel Choir, the University Players, Vikings Assisting New Students (VANS), the Student Leadership
Academy, Delta Sigma Theta, and the Student Legislature. She has held leadership positions as President of her
church's youth choir, treasurer for VANS, Sophomore representative and fund raiser chairperson for Delta Sigma
Theta. She enjoys reading, singing and working with children. "Children are our future, and in almost everything
I do is related to children. Education for our children is important as well as for my peers. I really want people to
go beyond and say hey I know I don't go get my doctorate." She describes herself as a relaxed, soft spoken person,
but overall she always tries to make things comfortable for others. Her short term goal is to graduate from ECSU
with honors, she then plans to attend NC State to receive her Masters and Doctorate degree in Accounting. After
the completion of her studies, she plans to return to the area to pursue a teaching career in a high school or
professional institution. "Over the summer, I was in a program where I had the opportimity to work with children
of all ages, and I enjoyed it. It's one of the times you really get to
give them a positive influence." Daily she lives by the phrase, "I can
do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Like Rodgers,
she decided to run for Miss ECSU since freshman year when she
met Hope Jones . "She influenced me because she was so open and
funny. I really liked how she reached out to people and talked to
people and I realized that was something I could see myself doing and something I wanted to do." Smith commented
that a queen is someone who represents more than just glitter. "In my opinion, a queen is a woman of dignity a woman
of sophistication, a woman of distinction, a woman who is a ntirturer, supporter, leader and one who can stand up and
take a stand when she is called upon. I am a woman of love, support, and sophistication." If elected Smith would like
to implement more community involvement and services. "I think Miss ECSU has the responsibility to represent the
school in a manner that will uplift them as well as herself and to make the University look as well as we all know it can.
She should evoke the fact that only good things have and will come from ECSU. I think I would make a good Miss
ECSU because 1 feel I would represent this school to the best of my ability as well as give 110 percent to make sure that
what I say I would do, I will do." In reference to whether or not Miss ECSU is a popularity contest Besheyla said, "I
don't think the election of Miss ECSU is any longer a popularity contest but more of who is best qualified for the
position. You have to be a public speaker." The showcase is designed to let the students see what each candidate has to
offer. "Yes I am educated and I can and will speak my mind but the surest thing to do would be to come to the showcase
and see for yourself what all three candidates have to offer." Although she is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta, she
emphasized that the organization doesn't define her. "Yes I am a lady of Delta Sigma Theta, however. I'm me first. I
love to joke, go out and relax. I love to talk to people and I love to meet and get to know people.
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Besheyla Smith
Keisha Stephenson
Efforts to contact Keisha Stephenson by the Compass Staff were unsuccessful.