 |
| Miss Sierra Leone USA 2012-2014, Ruby B. Johnson |
Facebook:
Twitter:
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Stay Connected With Miss Sierra Leone USA
Facebook:
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Miss Sierra Leone USA Team Visits Embassy of Sierra Leone
Hello world!!!
Hope your week has been going well so far. This past Monday, I was formally introduced to Sierra Leone's Ambassador to the USA at the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Washington, D.C. The MSLUSA delegation was led by the Founder/CEO of MSLDC Inc. and Owner of the Miss Sierra Leone USA Pageant, Dr. Fuambai Sia Ahmadu. This was my first time visiting the Embassy, and I am very grateful for the warm support I received from all the dignitaries present at the event.
The opening speaker at the event was Dr. John Sampson, Lead Director of Johns Hopkins University's Safe Anesthesia and Surgery in Sierra Leone Initiative (SASSL). He spoke about the Initiative's growth and various projects in Sierra Leone, how it is improving the safety and capacity of medical services in the country, and partnerships with other organizations and developing nations. I was very happy to hear him speak of the country's great progress in healthcare, as well as the Initiative's job creation for Sierra Leone's people in health fields. SASSL is one of the partnering organizations that the MSLDC organization works with. I was delighted to see his presentation also because he stressed on the importance of health, education, and opportunities; these are 3 building blocks in my platform, SHERO, as Miss Sierra Leone USA.
SASSL is an Initiative that "consists of three main parts: First, the testing of a state-of the art anesthesia machine manufactured in the UK that was specifically designed to meet the needs of resource poor countries like Sierra Leone that experience problems with power outages, lack of oxygen supply and climatic conditions that challenge equipment longevity; second, contributing to the training of nurse anesthetists and other operating room staff through collaborations with a system that is already in place and funded under the UNFPA [United Nations Population Fund]; and finally, donating thousands of dollars worth of medical equipment such as multi-function cardiac monitors for the operating rooms and recovery rooms which are vitally needed by hospitals in Sierra Leone" (Sierra Express Media).
Other attendees were: Mrs. Patricia O. Thorpe-Finney, Founder/CEO of Save Sierra Leone Foundation; Mrs. Sarian Bouma, Founder of Capitol Hill Building Maintenance, Inc. and author of Welfare to Millionaire: Heart of a Winner; Saspo I. Sankoh, First Secretary of Sierra Leone's Embassy in the U.S.; Ms. Elizabeth Foray, Information Attaché of Sierra Leone's Embassy in the U.S.; Dr. Caulker of Johns Hopkins' SASSL; and many more.
Like I said previously, I was received with so much love and warm support from the delegates at the Embassy. I talked about myself, shared my personal platform as Miss Sierra Leone USA (SHERO), my purpose of getting involved with MSLDC Inc, plans for my reign, and wish for my fellow Sierra Leoneans and our great nation. My overall message was well received by everyone. H.E. Ambassador Stevens commented on the importance of women's empowerment, and also how H.E. President Ernest Bai Koroma stresses on it for all Sierra Leonean girls and women. He was also pleased with the 5 pillars of my platform (advocating for Service, Health, Education, Rights, Opportunities), especially Service and the importance of giving back to our communities in the U.S. and Sierra Leone.
During the visit, I was fortunate to meet Sierra Leone's current Minister of Transport and Aviation, Honourable Vandi Chidi Minah. He was on an official visit to the US to sign the Open Skies Agreement between the Governments of the Republic of Sierra Leone and the United States of America at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. The Open Skies Agreement is "a new step forward that will benefit the two countries in terms of free flow of passenger and cargo traffic, the promotion of trade and tourism, while at the same time discouraging government interference in the management of the airlines, and ticket-pricing." Read more about the Agreement here.
Fun Fact: All four ladies pictured above are VIRGOS!!! We realized that most of the MSLUSA Queens and contestants in the past years have been Virgos. Moral of the story is: Virgos rule (pun intended)!!!
Hope your week has been going well so far. This past Monday, I was formally introduced to Sierra Leone's Ambassador to the USA at the Embassy of Sierra Leone in Washington, D.C. The MSLUSA delegation was led by the Founder/CEO of MSLDC Inc. and Owner of the Miss Sierra Leone USA Pageant, Dr. Fuambai Sia Ahmadu. This was my first time visiting the Embassy, and I am very grateful for the warm support I received from all the dignitaries present at the event.
 |
| Dr. John Sampson Lead Director, Safe Anesthesia and Surgery in Sierra Leone Initiative |
 |
| Dr. Fuambai Sia Ahmadu Founder/CEO of MSLDC, Inc. Owner of Miss Sierra Leone USA Women's Leadership and Scholarship Pageant |
Other attendees were: Mrs. Patricia O. Thorpe-Finney, Founder/CEO of Save Sierra Leone Foundation; Mrs. Sarian Bouma, Founder of Capitol Hill Building Maintenance, Inc. and author of Welfare to Millionaire: Heart of a Winner; Saspo I. Sankoh, First Secretary of Sierra Leone's Embassy in the U.S.; Ms. Elizabeth Foray, Information Attaché of Sierra Leone's Embassy in the U.S.; Dr. Caulker of Johns Hopkins' SASSL; and many more.
 |
| Miss Sierra Leone USA Ruby B. Johnson with mom |
 |
| Miss Sierra Leone USA Ruby B. Johnson with H.E. Ambassador Stevens, and Dr. Fuambai Ahmadu |
 |
| Left - Right: H.E. Ambassador Bockari Stevens, Miss Sierra Leone USA Ruby B. Johnson, Ambassador Conteh (Deputy Chief of Missions), and Sheku Mesali (Head of Chancery) |
 |
| Miss Sierra Leone USA Ruby B. Johnson with Dr. Fuambai Sia Ahmadu, The brains and beauty that created this empowering organization (MSLDC) |
 |
| Miss Sierra Leone USA Ruby B. Johnson with Honourable Vandi Chidi Minah, Sierra Leone's Minister of Transport and Aviation |
 |
| Left - Right: Fatmata Barrie (MSLUSA 2012 Ist Runner-Up), Miss Sierra Leone USA Ruby B. Johnson, Dr. Fuambai Ahmadu (Owner/CEO of MSLUSA), Natasha Beckley (Miss Sierra Leone 2011) |
 |
| Miss Sierra Leone USA Ruby B. Johnson with His Excellency Bockari Kortu Stevens, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Sierra Leone to the USA |
 |
| Miss Sierra Leone USA Ruby B. Johnson with Mom |
 |
| Miss Sierra Leone USA with Dr. Fuambai Ahmadu and Dr. John Sampson |
 |
| My awesome and delicious Miss Sierra Leone USA birthday cake |
Fun Fact: I was surprised with this cake by Dr. Fuambai. The previous day, Sept. 9th, was my 22nd birthday, and I was super excited to receive this cake. I am so thankful for the MSLUSA team, and the opportunities the MSLUSA title has and will give me and the MSLDC organization. Also, I find it cool that I got to have a cake in my country's flag colors. I have yet to meet/hear of someone that's a reigning titleholder, who celebrated their birthday in their country's Embassy. Woohoo!!!
 |
| Miss Sierra Leone USA Ruby B. Johnson cutting her birthday cake |
 |
| Miss Sierra Leone USA Ruby B. Johnson |
 |
| Miss Sierra Leone USA with Dr. Sampson's son |
Fun Fact: Everyone that knows me personally is aware of my love for kids. I just love people's kids and for some awesome reason, I've gotten to meet at least one wherever I go even if it's an event catered to adults. Pictured above is Dr. John Sampson's handsome son, midway in the event we became best friends. That's probably because I'm still a 9-year-old girl at heart. He was such a sweet and friendly boy. He's also got a great fashion sense, might I add.
 |
| Add caption |
 |
| Miss Sierra Leone USA Ruby B. Johnson What's cool about this photo? The flag of the Republic of Sierra Leone in the background!!! |
Have a great weekend, everyone!!!
Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA
PHOTO CREDIT:
Like my Facebook Page & Follow me on Twitter (@MissSaloneUSA)
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Miss Sierra Leone USA at Miss Nigeria in America 2012 Pageant
Hello world!!!
Hope your week has been going well so far. This past Saturday, I was invited as a special guest to the Miss Nigeria in America 2012 Pageant in Maryland. I was very excited to support my fellow African pageant sisters, and see my new African sister Queen crowned. This is the first pageant I've attended after being crowned as Miss Sierra Leone USA, and it felt GREAT to be in audience in contrast to being a contestant on stage. I was also really excited to see a former high school friend of mine perform on stage, who was Miss Benue (Olayinka Oladiran). She did a fantastic job, and I am very proud of her. Go Blazers!
 |
| Miss Sierra Leone USA Ruby B. Johnson |
The MNIA 2012 contestants predominantly consisted of women who are scholars and professionals. All the contestants did a phenomenal job, and throughout the pageant I could not guess who would be crowned. I don't know how the judges did it, but these ladies must have made their job very difficult. Seeing them shine on stage made me more proud to be an African woman, as well as belonging to the same generation as this group of women leaders.
 |
| Miss Sierra Leone USA crowning Queen Liya |
 |
| Miss Sierra Leone USA and Queen Liya |
The two pictures above show one of the best moments of my reign so far as Miss Sierra Leone USA! I met this beautiful little girl (Liya) before the show started. She took lots of interest in me, started entertaining me before the event started, and loved my crown. She was there to support her aunt, who I mentioned previously was a contestant (Miss Benue). She told me that when she grows up, she wants to win a pageant and will like to wear a big crown like mine.
After she said that, I had to let her have her royal moment. I told her she could wear my crown and be a princess, because she's already beautiful and sweet like one. She completely lit up when I put the crown on her, and was a complete natural. Check out her princess wave also! Seeing her smile and completely entertained made my night. I'm rest assured that she'll grow up to be a phenomenal woman, with or without a crown!!
 |
| One of the perks of being MSLUSA? Reserved & VIP seating!!! |
CONGRATULATIONS to the talented, intelligent, and beautiful Miss Tokunbo Kujore, formerly Miss Imo, and the newly crowned Miss Nigeria in America 2012. She gave a splendid performance on stage throughout the night, and carried herself with grace and confidence. She's also a very sweet girl. I wish her God's many blessings during her reign, and years to come!
 |
| Miss Sierra Leone USA 2012-2014 congratulating Miss Nigeria in America 2012-2013 |
 |
| Miss Sierra Leone USA 2012-2014 Ruby B. Johnson with Miss Nigeria in America 2012-2013 Tokunbo Kujore |
 |
| The charismatic and beautiful Miss Benue with Miss Sierra Leone USA |
 |
| Miss Sierra Leone USA and Mom |
 |
| Miss Sierra Leone USA Ruby B. Johnson with Saran Kaba-Jones, Philanthropist, and Founder of Face Africa She received the 2012 MNIA Leadership Award |
 |
| Miss Sierra Leone USA Ruby B. Johnson on the red carpet The end of a great night! |
Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA
Like my Facebook Page & Follow me on Twitter (@MissSaloneUSA)
Miss Sierra Leone USA Advocates for Peace, Unity, and Justice in Sierra Leone
Hello world!!!
I wanted to share this awesome video I came across. It promotes peace, unity, and non-violence in Sierra Leone. As a music lover, I truly believe in the power of music in conveying a message. I think this is a great collaboration by the Sierra Leonean artists/politicians/citizens in promoting a violence-free nation, especially during this time of presidential elections. I love the diversity shown in the song/video as well, especially showcasing the various Sierra Leonean languages and culture. It's also got a great beat to it. I hope you will get the message, as I did, and also pass it on to all native Sierra Leoneans and those in the diaspora. Say no to violence. Promote peace, unity, and justice for all.
Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Miss Sierra Leone USA Honored at Save Sierra Leone Foundation Hall of Fame Awards
Hello world!!!
Hope all is well with you and yours. Last Friday, I attended the Save Sierra Leone Foundation Top 100 Humanitarians Hall of Fame Awards in Maryland. When I was informed a couple of months ago that I was chosen as one of the recipients of this Award, I was very honored and excited. The list of recipients contains a dynamic group of women and men in various works of life working towards the betterment of all Sierra Leoneans and society as a whole. I was chosen as a recipient for this Award because of my work with When You Believe Foundation, and continuous efforts to girls' and women's empowerment in all communities.
The night was inspiring, and it was wonderful seeing some familiar faces, as well as getting to meet new people. I was blessed to have had my family with me at the event, and sharing this special moment with me. Being at the event was also a nice break from my co-op and the engineering world, and getting to socialize a bit. I was very happy to have been given the opportunity to speak a little about my personal platform, SHERO, as Miss Sierra Leone USA. Enjoy the photos and "thank you" video below!
 |
| Mr. Melbourne Garber, President of Krio Descendants Union (NE Chapter) KDU was my sponsor at the Miss Sierra Leone USA Pageant |
 |
| My brother, Mr. Melbourne Garber, and my mom |
 |
| Little Miss Jaisy Daughter of Giileh Kebbie-Scholz |
 |
| Vickie Fornah Gospel artist |
 |
| Janet Lagah-Bona Junior Miss Sierra Leone 2008, Miss Virginia Pre-Teen 2010 (NAM), and one of my mentors |
 |
| Receiving my award from Ms. Patricia O. Thorpe-Finney and Mrs. Giileh Kebbie-Scholz |
 |
| My brother, sister-in-law, and mom |
 |
| Alusaine Yansaneh a.k.a The People's Ambassador |
 |
| Dr. John Sandy, Mr. David Vandy, and my mom |
 |
| David Vandy Actor, Director, Playwright, Comic, International Broadcaster, and one of my mentors |
 |
| Giileh Kebbie-Scholz Gospel artist, Actress, Member of Save Sierra Leone Foundation |
 |
| My Awards!!! |
 |
| His Excellency Ambassador Bockarie Stevens Sierra Leone's Ambassador to the U.S. and Canada |
 |
| Mrs. Patricia O. Thorpe-Finney Founder/President of Save Sierra Leone Foundation |
 |
| Rapture Kids Sisters who sing and raise awareness on various issues |
Have a fantastic new week, and do something great for you and others. Stay blessed!!!
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA
Like my Facebook Page & Follow me on Twitter (@MissSaloneUSA)
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Miss Sierra Leone USA Back To School DOs and DON'Ts: Part II
Hello world!!!
It's that time of the year again when all students, teachers, faculty, and staff members return back to school. As a current student, I will like to share some tips and recommendations to you all in order to have a successful and productive academic year. I am a staunch advocate for education for all, which is why education is one of the pillars of my personal platform (SHERO) as Miss Sierra Leone USA, because I believe that education and experience play vital roles in the empowerment of individuals as well as communities. Feel free to leave comments/suggestions in the comment section below. Read Part I.
DO
Work hard in your academics but also remember to rest and take naps also. While studying remember to take breaks once in a while and treat yourself. Sitting in one spot for long gets tiring, boring and hurts your butt sometimes you know. I am guilty of just being carried away with studying and not taking breaks, which I sometimes regret. Watch a music video or something online, or just go out for a short walk and stretch your legs and arms.
DON'T
Take breaks doing things that are not plausible knowing the type of person that you are. For instance, taking a Facebook or Youtube break which you may assume would last for five minutes but two hours later still on it. If necessary, set an alarm for yourself for the amount of chill time you'll like to have before returning to studying. In times like these, discipline is very important and everyone must know when to stop and go back to the good stuff, studying and homework!
DO
Surround yourself around friends and people that positively influence you, especially when it has to do with your academics. Have friends that motivate you and make you want to do well in your classes. In fact, being a little competitive in your schoolwork with your friends can be helpful, because it makes you want to exceed to higher grades and understanding. Having friends that have their schoolwork as a priority is a good thing and that's what a lot of college students need, I know I can never have enough of them. Also remember to always be yourself and do not be a follower. Stay true to yourself, your morals and values.
DON'T
Let yourself become overwhelmed with schoolwork and work arduously on your time management. Pace yourself appropriately and if possibly start working on things ahead of time. I am guilty of being overwhelmed with schoolwork and just freaking out like no other, but at the end of the day I come to realize that I endured it all but would've been more calm if I had started earlier.
DO
Having some stress is not a bad thing because it keeps one alert of the possibility of things going wrong. I had a friend last semester that I met in one of my classes and whenever I told him that I was stressed he always told me that stress was good and I used to get angry at him for that, but it dawned on me that he's kind of right. I think what he was really trying to say was that having some stress is good because it keeps my blood flowing and my body agile and I am very aware of my duties and responsibilities; the pressures I get from that stress also motivate me to do my work faster and in a timely manner.
DON'T
Pull many all-nighters. I cannot advice anyone to never pull an all-nighter because I am very guilty of it, but at the same time I will let you know that it's not really a good thing. Pulling an all-nighter is mostly achieved by a lot of students with the inclusion of caffeine mostly gotten from coffee, but I have heard that medically too much coffee isn't good. Personally coffee doesn't do anything for me because I've been drinking it since I was a little girl and I love it, but that's not the point. Do not force an all-nighter, because you'll be miserable the morning-of and that will affect most of your performances in your courses for that day. Do what you can and leave what you can't.
DO
This is a very important thing that most students need and must have, I know I do, which is a planner. I am the biggest advocate for getting a planner. Planners may seem silly to some people but they're really helpful and keep you on track. When planning your day or weeks, be honest with yourself especially when it comes to how long you do things. Also, include things such as times to shower, eating dinner, work out, chill time and other extracurricular activites that will most likely occur. In addition, try to figure out what type of planner works for you whether it's electronic (such as outlook) or a hardcopy, use something that is easily accessible to you.
DON'T
Plan your whole day out in your planner without having openings, because you must remember that life happens. Be realistic with yourself and if certain things cannot be done, do not force it. Also, certain things may happen that can prevent you from doing work intended during its designated time. Do not fully book yourself and no space available for doing something unexpected. Discipline is good, but there are times that things may happen that will not be in your calendar but you will need to cater to them.
DO
Make friends with people in your classes and possibly form a study group. Do not feel proud to talk to them no matter if you feel that you are just different from them. Having friends in your classes is a very good thing because you've got someone to get assistance from besides the professors and also the GTAs. Study groups are not good for all classes (well that's my opinion), but I think they're great to have because you get to hear the course material from a different perspective but also get the same message. By studying with someone that you have the same class with also motivates you to continue studying and not get bored.
DON'T
Study near or with people that are doing something completely different from you, because all they'll be is a distraction. For instance, studying with your bestfriends is not really ideal because all they'll be is a distraction, and you won't be productive in your assignment at all. Personally, I like studying by myself most of the time because I have control over my environment, but studying with people in the same course can be very helpful to me also.
DO
Try as early as possible to find a place whereby you can concentrate and study efficiently without distractions. Weigh out your options until you find the most suitable place for you to get your studying done. Be honest with yourself and do what's right, and do not force a place on yourself if you know for sure it's not conduicive for you to study at. There are people that can study in their dorms and some that may need to go to the library, find the type of person that you are and what kind of environment is good for you.
Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA
It's that time of the year again when all students, teachers, faculty, and staff members return back to school. As a current student, I will like to share some tips and recommendations to you all in order to have a successful and productive academic year. I am a staunch advocate for education for all, which is why education is one of the pillars of my personal platform (SHERO) as Miss Sierra Leone USA, because I believe that education and experience play vital roles in the empowerment of individuals as well as communities. Feel free to leave comments/suggestions in the comment section below. Read Part I.
DO
Work hard in your academics but also remember to rest and take naps also. While studying remember to take breaks once in a while and treat yourself. Sitting in one spot for long gets tiring, boring and hurts your butt sometimes you know. I am guilty of just being carried away with studying and not taking breaks, which I sometimes regret. Watch a music video or something online, or just go out for a short walk and stretch your legs and arms.
DON'T
Take breaks doing things that are not plausible knowing the type of person that you are. For instance, taking a Facebook or Youtube break which you may assume would last for five minutes but two hours later still on it. If necessary, set an alarm for yourself for the amount of chill time you'll like to have before returning to studying. In times like these, discipline is very important and everyone must know when to stop and go back to the good stuff, studying and homework!
DO
Surround yourself around friends and people that positively influence you, especially when it has to do with your academics. Have friends that motivate you and make you want to do well in your classes. In fact, being a little competitive in your schoolwork with your friends can be helpful, because it makes you want to exceed to higher grades and understanding. Having friends that have their schoolwork as a priority is a good thing and that's what a lot of college students need, I know I can never have enough of them. Also remember to always be yourself and do not be a follower. Stay true to yourself, your morals and values.
DON'T
Let yourself become overwhelmed with schoolwork and work arduously on your time management. Pace yourself appropriately and if possibly start working on things ahead of time. I am guilty of being overwhelmed with schoolwork and just freaking out like no other, but at the end of the day I come to realize that I endured it all but would've been more calm if I had started earlier.
DO
Having some stress is not a bad thing because it keeps one alert of the possibility of things going wrong. I had a friend last semester that I met in one of my classes and whenever I told him that I was stressed he always told me that stress was good and I used to get angry at him for that, but it dawned on me that he's kind of right. I think what he was really trying to say was that having some stress is good because it keeps my blood flowing and my body agile and I am very aware of my duties and responsibilities; the pressures I get from that stress also motivate me to do my work faster and in a timely manner.
DON'T
Pull many all-nighters. I cannot advice anyone to never pull an all-nighter because I am very guilty of it, but at the same time I will let you know that it's not really a good thing. Pulling an all-nighter is mostly achieved by a lot of students with the inclusion of caffeine mostly gotten from coffee, but I have heard that medically too much coffee isn't good. Personally coffee doesn't do anything for me because I've been drinking it since I was a little girl and I love it, but that's not the point. Do not force an all-nighter, because you'll be miserable the morning-of and that will affect most of your performances in your courses for that day. Do what you can and leave what you can't.
DO
This is a very important thing that most students need and must have, I know I do, which is a planner. I am the biggest advocate for getting a planner. Planners may seem silly to some people but they're really helpful and keep you on track. When planning your day or weeks, be honest with yourself especially when it comes to how long you do things. Also, include things such as times to shower, eating dinner, work out, chill time and other extracurricular activites that will most likely occur. In addition, try to figure out what type of planner works for you whether it's electronic (such as outlook) or a hardcopy, use something that is easily accessible to you.
DON'T
Plan your whole day out in your planner without having openings, because you must remember that life happens. Be realistic with yourself and if certain things cannot be done, do not force it. Also, certain things may happen that can prevent you from doing work intended during its designated time. Do not fully book yourself and no space available for doing something unexpected. Discipline is good, but there are times that things may happen that will not be in your calendar but you will need to cater to them.
DO
Make friends with people in your classes and possibly form a study group. Do not feel proud to talk to them no matter if you feel that you are just different from them. Having friends in your classes is a very good thing because you've got someone to get assistance from besides the professors and also the GTAs. Study groups are not good for all classes (well that's my opinion), but I think they're great to have because you get to hear the course material from a different perspective but also get the same message. By studying with someone that you have the same class with also motivates you to continue studying and not get bored.
DON'T
Study near or with people that are doing something completely different from you, because all they'll be is a distraction. For instance, studying with your bestfriends is not really ideal because all they'll be is a distraction, and you won't be productive in your assignment at all. Personally, I like studying by myself most of the time because I have control over my environment, but studying with people in the same course can be very helpful to me also.
DO
Try as early as possible to find a place whereby you can concentrate and study efficiently without distractions. Weigh out your options until you find the most suitable place for you to get your studying done. Be honest with yourself and do what's right, and do not force a place on yourself if you know for sure it's not conduicive for you to study at. There are people that can study in their dorms and some that may need to go to the library, find the type of person that you are and what kind of environment is good for you.
Have a fantastic academic semester/year filled with wisdom, knowledge, and understand. Good luck!!!
Ruby B. Johnson,
Your Miss Sierra Leone USA
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
