A BSB is a pageant’s dream girl. This HBCU Belle fell in love with the art of pageantry and became Miss Bennett College. Her story of southern roots and perseverance proves she’s much more than a crown. Learn more about her royal journey from one Carolina to another below.
Name
Sallena Imani Thompson
Title
37th Miss Bennett College
Company/Org
Student Government Association
Hometown
Nesmith, South Carolina
Alma Mater
High School: Hemingway High School
College
Bennett College for Women
May 2017
Favorite thing about being southern
My favorite thing about being southern is that I can be myself. People see me as the country girl that is always determined to do whatever I aspire to do.
What is your personal life motto
Proverbs 31:25. She is Clothed with Strength and Dignity and Laughs without Fear of the Future.
Also,
“You have to fake it til you become it” because no matter how hard things may get or what you encounter, you must not let others see your weakness.
5 Things You Love about Being a Bennett Belle
1. I love the sisterhood and the relationships I have gained with making new friends, having little sisters and big sisters.
2. Building relationships with the alumni
3. Faculty and staff look out for me
4. Being Miss Bennett College and active in other clubs and organizations.
5. Knowing that the little girl I have entered as is now meeting the women I have become.
Who is your favorite character a “Different World”
My favorite character would be Kim Reese
If you could do any job, what would that be?
If I can do any job, it will be a Pediatric Nurse. I have a passion for babies.
Who do you wish you could meet?
I wish I can meet a variety of African-American celebrity women such as Taraji P. Henson, Fantasia, Michelle Obama, Jasmine Sullivan, Cicely Tyson, just to name. The women are a big inspiration to me.
What would your best friend say is the best/most annoying quality about yourself?
They will probably say my passion for helping others is my best quality. They would definitely say my most annoying quality is getting frustrated and impatient when things do not go the way I planned it to be.
What advice would you give your younger college self?
I would have told myself to live more and forgive. I have let a lot of obstacles get in my way during my time at Bennett. Sometimes, my trials were reflected through my grades. However, it made me stronger as a person to get me to the position I am today as Miss Bennett College.
Where can we connect with you?
Email: sallena.thompson@bennett.edu
Comments
Michiel is a Black Southern Belle living a lowcountry life. I love all things fashion, home decor and southern! When I am not running around doing fun stuff for Black Southern Belle, I live in antique stores and have a minor obsession with historic homes :)
