Denise Walters, Gleaner Writer

Jennifer Small, Miss National Festival Queen 1995.

Flair caught up with former national festival queen, Jennifer Small, to find out how her life has changed since winning the title.

Q: Why did you enter the competition?

JS: I was excited about my country and to be given the opportunity to meet interesting persons like the Prime Minister and the Governor-General. But, the number one reason above all else was the love I have for my country.

Q: What was the most significant thing you learnt?

JS: We are resilient as a people. Our culture shows our resilience and propensity for overcoming in our songs and dances.

Q: How has it changed your life?

JS: I am more confident, and I love my country and its people even more. I have travelled the length and breadth of Jamaica to places people don't even know exist. I have learnt to appreciate Jamaica and Jamaicans, even the ones who are not so nice because eventually you learn that not everyone will be nice so you take people as they come.

Q: How has it advanced your career?

JS: It has given me the opportunity to meet a number of influential persons as a result of me representing my country. I had the chance to speak to people of influence. I also had a chance to showcase my confidence and communication skills that have become useful to me as I am in marketing and communication.

Q: Why is it important to have a festival queen?

JS: Having this competition is essential in showcasing our culture. The queen has to have the personality as well as the knack to love people. She has to know who we are as a people and be a tour guide. The competition epitomises what Jamaica is all about. It is a reproduction and continuation of our culture. It is all about finding our roots.