Diamond Drayton

"I motivate myself because I know exactly what I want in life and I'm not going to stop until I get it."

Q. Thanks for interviewing with us. Tell everyone who you are and what you do?

A. Hello everyone! My name is Diamond Drayton and I am an animal science major at the illustrious Tuskegee University. So far, I’ve been trying to get my name out there to the campus, but it’s not easy when you’re a person who loves having alone time. But I’ve managed to become a part of the Tuskegee University Golden Voices Choir.

Q. How did you feel to be Miss HBCU Teen Contestant?

A. At first, I felt good. I had many hardships with daily life in general and sometimes I just couldn’t come to practice because of certain life events. But after the fact, I’m going to be honest with myself and everyone else. I was highly upset for like two weeks after the pageant because I felt embarrassed and felt like I didn’t deserve that placement in the pageant. But, I’m fine now. It is what it is. I don’t need a placement to tell me what I am and what I’m not. I’ve met people on campus who recognize me from the pageant such as Ms. Tuskegee University, and I know that bigger things are coming my way and there’s no doubt about that. I had fun meeting the other contestants and having practice with them. And I know what I do is amazing and that’s that.

Q. What made you want to major in pre-veterinary medicine?

A. I wanted to major in pre-vet because I loved animals more than humans. I want to speak up for those who don’t have a voice. And I know that animal endangerment, animal poaching, and animal abuse in general is still a problem today and I want to do everything that I can to fix it.

Q. What made you pick the school Tuskegee University?

A. I chose Tuskegee University because they’re the only HBCU in the nation that produces great veterinarians and I know this school will give me many more opportunities to help me move closer towards my dream career of becoming a veterinarian.

Q. How do you define your purpose in life?

A. This is a hard question for me because I’m not sure what my purpose is yet. But I will say one thing, I know that I’m an inspiration to young girls who challenge anxiety and depression daily. Even though I don’t know my purpose now, I will know later on.

Q. What motivates you to do your best?

A. I motivate myself because I know exactly what I want in life and I’m not going to stop until I get it. Sometimes I think my motivation wants me to go above and beyond, so I just follow my motivation and see where it takes me.

Q. As a teen leader what advice can you give to others?

A. Well, I don’t necessarily think of myself as a leader. I think leaders should work together as equals and put their brilliant ideas together and create something for the greater good. But a piece of advice I will give to others is to stay true to yourself. Live in your truth. Be the odd one out of the bunch no matter how much it may weird people out around you. But never lose sight of your goal and don’t sit around and wait for it to happen. Remember, success is never handed to you. It is earned!

Q. If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A. I would die to be by myself on a nice island resort without a care in the world. Some people don’t understand the art of being alone. When I’m alone, that’s when my greatest ideas come to fruition.

Q. Are you working on any projects?

A. As of right now, I have too many ideas in my head that I can’t really put all of them in action yet because of school. But I definitely plan on building a project that helps the students of Tuskegee University.

Q. Where can the readers follow you?

A. It was great having this interview and giving you guys’ insight on what life is like for me after the pageant! Make sure you guys follow me on Instagram @thelovely.dee.