With the event just a week away, we got the inside scoop on pageant life from some of the contestants for the 2012 Miss UF pageant.
Coming from a variety of backgrounds, these inspiring young women will be competing for the title of Miss UF on Monday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. in the Phillips Center on campus.
For some of the girls, competing in pageants is nothing new. For others, this will be their first time taking the stage.
The winner of Miss UF will go on to compete in Miss Florida, and the winner of Miss Florida will represent Florida in the Miss America pageant. We’re really hoping our Miss UF, whoever she is, will win Miss Florida and represent our school and state and possibly the nation!
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Nodira Abdukhamitova is a 20-year-old international studies sophomore, who was born in Uzbekistan and moved to the U.S. when she was 12. We were lucky enough to get to meet her and find out more about how she got involved in the pageant and more.
Sarah: How did you get involved in Miss UF?
Nodira:I have never done anything like it before. It’s completely out of my comfort zone. I did one really small pageant in high school but nothing like this. I watched a few pageants. I thought about the power behind the crown. I wanted to make more of a difference and be heard. It’s hard to be heard at UF and do the things you want to. I combined my passion, intelligence and looks to be the girl I’ve always wanted to be.
S: Why did you want to be a part of it?
N: The crown has a meaning behind it. I’m passionate about giving back to the community, especially to the breast cancer cause. My aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer three days ago. All my family on my mom’s side died of cancer.
S: She also wants to use Miss UF to help her to continue to give back to sick children.
N: Kids are innocent. They haven’t done anything. I want to give them hope. I tell them miracles do happen. I always wanted to visit kids. There is difference between me going as a UF student and Miss UF though. The crown holds power and influence.
S: Tell me about yourself.
N: I’m very different and unique. I wasn’t born here. I was born in Uzbekistan and moved to the U.S. when I was 12. I spent five years in Brooklyn, and then we moved to Palm Coast. I love to read, help people, dance and talk. I model at Gainesville Fashion Week. This year was my second year. I love fashion. My interest in fashion is inspired by art. I love studying and being a student. I love being healthy and having an active lifestyle. I’m a huge family person.
S: Tell me about your family.
N: I have one younger brother who is 13, and I’m very close to him. I’m very close to my mom; she’s my best friend.
S: What would be an ideal career for you?
N: As a career, I want to be a model. With my major, I would like to work with the United Nations, do something with foreign relations or go into international law or business.
S: What do you hope to take away from the experience?
N: The experience in itself. I would love to learn something and make friends. I love being on stage and letting loose. The serious part of me sees the big purpose. The fun part of me likes getting dressed up and having fun. Also I want to get to know the judges and use the pageant as a way to network.
S: What is your favorite part about the pageant so far?
N: I love that I don’t know what to expect. I love the girls and the director, Becca. I like getting dressed up. To come out on stage wearing a gown is fun on its own.