Miss Prairie View encourages students to strive for success

Miss Prairie View A&M University 2012-2013 and senior management information systems major Chasmine Cousins hopes to encourage young ladies to have goals and be the change they want to see.
Getting to PVAMU has been a long journey. "I am originally from Columbus, Ga., but I moved to Houston at the age of 9."
She is the oldest of four and her family means everything to her. "I would be nothing without them," said Cousins.
Although Cousins' family wanted her to attend a historically black college university, PVAMU was already one of her options. "I agree with Jarrick's words in last weeks paper, PV really does choose you," she said.
"Even though I'm not involved in as much at PV, I was very active in high school," says Cousins. "I played clarinet from the fifth grade all the way up until my senior year at Alief High School." She was also a cheerleader, senior historian, and a member of the honor society.
"In my spare time I also enjoy shopping, studying, and doing hair," said Cousins. "Spare time is hard to come by since I'm Miss PV and a PAL."
Miss PV is more than a pretty face, she is a "nerd" at heart. "I get a thrill from notes and sticky pads. There is nothing wrong with a girly girl and smart at the same time," Cousin said.
During her reign as Miss PV she would like to make several changes to the definition of the PV lady. "I want instill a better personal dress code for women. We don't have to use harsh language to get a point across," said Cousins.
"I have goals and I can wear heels at the same time. I want to bring others along with me and being Miss PV would give me the voice and help make a difference on the campus of PV."
After seeing Chelsee Hill, Miss PV 2009, she knew she wanted to become Miss PV someday. "She was a great inspiration to me, my aunt was also a former Miss PV, and I knew I wanted to be Miss PV too," she said.
On Tuesday, she hosted her first seminar, Girls Night In. "Overall it was a great success. It was a great opportunity for ladies to get to know me and for me to get to know them," she noted.
Cousins says, "Even after I leave PV, I will continue to inspire those I encounter and I hope my PV legacy lives on."