After a few years of what I call, my fair share of pageantry and being in the public’s eyes, I was basking in the rhythm I intentionally created – a low key life. The last thing on my mind was to once again…vie for a crown! An LLB (Law) graduate, turned teacher, turned CLE (Certificate of Legal Education) student, turned contract analyst was loving life behind the lens. So, what changed? How is it, I now wear a sash (Miss SuperMed Llyod’s Pharmacy) across my shoulder, preparing to represent my parish in the JCDC (Jamaica Cultural Development Commission) Miss St. Thomas Festival Queen Competition?
Come with me behind the scenes and catch a peak of what’s to come.
From Boredom to Boldness: Miss St. Thomas Festival Queen
After resigning from teaching and shifting to a hybrid work model, I found myself…well, bored. It’s one of the cons I alluded to, which can stem from a work form home job. I am grateful yes, and love my colleagues and the pros of this new terrain. However, I longed for more colour and connection in my day-to-day-life. As hectic as teaching gets sometimes, there’s never a dull moment, haha! Still, it too has its pros and cons.
In my quest to come up with something…more I thought often about what I could possibly engage in that would be fun yet meaningful. I considered joining the squash or netball team at work. I also remembered an article I wrote called “Productive Things to Do in Jamaica to Enhance Your Growth,” and in that article to my readers was this very competition!
At first I ruled it out. The age limit I recalled was 24 years old and I had passed that threshold. Then, I recalled an article shared with me by a colleague from the school I once taught at. The article announced that the age limit for the competition was extended! It is currently open to women 18 -30 years old, a jump from the previous 18 -24 years old.
Notably, that very night, I visited the JCDC website to get more insight. Would you guess, that the deadline was that night?! Yes, at midnight and at the time, it was already after 9:00 PM. Something in me said do it. I got excited. Nothing like an upcoming deadline to get that rush of adrenaline. I applied thoughtfully, truthfully, and just in time.
Beauty, Blotches, and The Decision to Show Up Anyway
The days leading up to the official sashing ceremony were rough. I fell sick, with the cold/flu. Who wants to be coughing none stop, dry cough at that. Those uncontrollable coughs that creep up mid sentence. It was bad, especially since we have been practicing our introductions, having conversations about current affairs and… with these ladies a lot of laughing! My sore throat got so bad. Panadols and home remedies alleviated it but it was still bothersome. I decided it was time to see the doctor.
The antibiotics were doing well for me, until they weren’t! I started to have a reaction to them. The largest organ of my body – my skin, was covered in pinkish/reddish hives! I went back to the doctor, wondering if this was my body’s way of saying “nope!” to the competition. The Sashing Ceremony was a few hours away. I had to pull out now. That’s what I thought.
I received new medication along with something to calm the flare. I still felt sad. My confidence jolted a little. Imagine, pictures would be taken later at the Ceremony and this is happening. Then again, I was all in my head. In hindsight of course. Looking back, I would be so disappointed if I had thrown in the towels in that moment, after all those weeks of dedication.
I’m glad I showed up anyway!
Life is like that. Hurdles come out of no way sometimes. Instead of jumping over them, sometimes we turn back. Jump! I encourage you.
Balancing It All
Life didn’t pause for the competition. I still have a full-time job that ends at 5:00 PM. The Training sessions for the competition start at 5:00 PM. Thankfully, I have a supportive manager, who graciously allowed me to leave work an hour early on training days, provided I make up the time in the evenings.
It’s a juggle. However, growth often demands that we stretch. Not in a way that breaks us. Rather, in a way that builds capacity. I’m learning discipline, time management and how to commit to something outside of convenience.
Miss St. Thomas Festival Queen: Why This Matters
The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Festival Queen Competition is not a beauty pageant. It aims primarily at unearthing, developing, showcasing and preserving Jamaica’s culture. This competition champions women empowerment, community involvement, leadership and nation building.
These are things I stand for and seek to achieve even in the little corner of the world wide web called Rooting For Growth with Fiona DaCosta! It was a perfect combination of the fun I was seeking and the productivity and growth that I am synonymous with.
It is a timely reminder of how important it is for women, especially those of us who are often labelled as “serious”, “reserved”, or “private” to show up in ways that surprise and uplift. To be visible – in front the lens at times , even when we are unapologetic about quiet strength, ‘low key livity’ and prefering to worth knowing than well known.
What Am I Up To? Sneak Peak:
I’ve been working on my introduction. You know, each contestant will introduce herself on the night of the coronation. We have heard each other’s introductions so often that we could perhaps say full lines from each. That’s how much preparation were are putting in. Our trainers are awesome and do a good job at getting up to a higher level each time.
I’ve also been working on my spoken word talent piece, where I’ve chosen to celebrate on of my favourite hairstlyes – Bantu Knots, also known as Chiney Bumps. It is bold, cultural and versatile… like me! Not only is it part of my talent performance, but it also doubles as a preparation step for my curly updo for the evening wear section. Talk about beauty and practicality working hand in hand.
The Bigger Picture: Miss St. Thomas Festival Queen
This journey has made me reflect more deeply on what I hope to leave behind after the competition. I’m working on a parish project that blends civic responsibilities with constitutional rights.
Being Festival Queen or even a contestant in the competition isn’t just about grace on a stage. It is about leadership in real life. It is about using a platform to make something better, Something impactful.
Final Thoughts
I may not know how this journey will end on the night of the coronation (May 31st, 2025), but I know it has already given me a sense of adventure. A renewed love for culture and a reminder that courage sometimes come quietly. Like a late night application submitted just in time.
Maybe too, just maybe, a little girl from St. Thomas will see me, Bantu Knots, blotches and all and think, “If she can do that, maybe I can do it too.”
If she does, then I have already won!
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