02/08/2019
Name: Aiysha Hemmings- Miss Curves
Age: 24
Height: 5’9”
Vital Statistics: 32-26-39
Favorite Food: Chicken Alfredo
Favorite Hobbies: Sewing & embroidery, drawing, sign language, swimming
Occupation: Immigration & Work Permit Agent
Please list your scholastic awards/achievements.
Bachelors of Basic Medical Science in Physiology, Second Class Honors (Upper Division)
Biography:
Aiysha Hemmings is a 23-year-old graduate of the University of the West Indies, Mona, receiving a Bachelor’s of Basic Medical Science degree in Physiology, Second Class Honours (Upper Division). She is currently a Work permit & immigration agent employed with the private company, Garth Ramsay & associates ltd, as well as a model under the belt of Sway Caribbean Modelling Agency. In the near future she plans to continue her study in Clinical Exercise Physiology, Master of Science, and complete her research thesis, The Effects of Unilateral Stiff-Knee Gait Disruption on Biomechanics and Stride Characteristics of the Bipedal Walking Gait. As a model throughout the years, Aiysha has graced the stage modelling for local designers such as House of Clay, Quaint, Yolvinta, Endless Designs, among others as well as taking the runway by storm at the Mission Catwalk 2018 Finals, Helen G Bridal Fantasy Fashion Show and the Evolve V.2 Fashion Show. She was also placed as a Top 10 Finalist in the Miss UWI Mona and Miss Global Jamaica 2017 Pageants, being awarded Best in Gown for Miss UWI Mona.
Miss. Hemmings' individuality stems from her jovial character, her bright eyes, her creativity, her ability to make others laugh, to the warm atmosphere she takes with her at all times. Her friends describe her as a self-aware, hardworking, vibrant, ambivert and energetic personality. She takes great pleasure in acting, sewing, drawing, painting and other extracurricular activities such as swimming and sign language. She also enjoys simple activities such as spending time with friends and family, chilling at the beach and taking part in voluntary services. Aiysha will forever continue to strive for excellence and with the philosophy "the world owes you nothing" serving as reminder to never stop working for what you want.
Life’s Ambition:
To become an extraordinary Exercise Physiologist, encouraging and inspiring all to be comfortable in their own skin, to continue seeking personal growth, to express themselves in a constructive manner and never stop learning something new, as I aim for these as well.
Volunteer Work:
I am a volunteer for the non-profit organization Shashamane Sunrise Foundation and has worked with the Davina Bennett Foundation (for the deaf) and the United Nations pageant, in association with Sway Caribbean Modelling Agency. Through these organizations, I have helped in the repainting of schools and aided children with reading.
I am also a part of the Health Ministry group at the Fellowship Tabernacle Portmore Church, which host various sporting events in different areas in the Greater Portmore community, conducting blood glucose and pressure testing to residents, as well as at the "Left Wrong Do Right" event held twice per year.
Lastly, I was a volunteer in the paediatric department at the University Hospital of the West Indies as a Nurse assistant, ensuring that the children were as comfortable as possible and in good spirits.
Cause that’s Close to your Heart and why?
Helping to support children with behavioral issues is very important. These issues may be hard to identify, however, it is seen in how we relate to each other. I believe, learning how to deal with emotions constructively is crucial in avoiding some of the violent acts we face today. Using arts and literature is one form of expression for children who are typically non-verbal. This I hold close to my heart as growing up, I was not an expressive child and this is what helped me get through my rough patches.
What kind of change do you want to see in the world of women?
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a Nigerian novelist who inspires me, has a speech titled "We Should All Be Feminists", where she speaks of how we teach girls to belittle themselves in the interest of the man. I would love to see a world where we change how we teach our girls to perceive themselves. Not as just a bearer of children or the right hand to a successful man; but that they can be just as successful as a man, in whatever department they choose. Teach them that marriage or having children is not a must but to compete for jobs and accomplishments instead of the attention of men. Most importantly, show them that they have a choice without being stereotyped or objectified and that self-acceptance is key.
Fortunately, we now live in a generation where some of these changes are in the making, however, a quote by Bette Davis is being proven till this day, "When a man gives his opinion, he's a man. When a woman gives her opinion, she's a b****" I want to see the kind of change where the double-standards against women are diminished.
What are your five-year goals?
Within five (5) years, I expect to have completed a Master of Science (MS) programme in Clinical Exercise Physiology. I would’ve made my mark on the international modelling market and have a recommendable non-profit foundation on the basis of supporting children with behavioural issues through arts and literature.
What are three (3) Fun Facts about you?
1) I've always had a special admiration for animals since I was a young girl, caring heart towards them. I've done a few things others might not have, for example; crawling into gutters to save young pups and staying up all day and night to pluck an endless amount of ticks from a strayed dog. Throughout the years I've owned 4 dogs, 11 hamsters, 2 birds and a few fishes. At the moment I only own 3 hamsters but I'll definitely be adopting a pup soon.
2) Sewing bags, embroidery and making art was very therapeutic for me. It was a form of expression as I was not a very articulate child. During the first 3 years of high school all I'd ever do in my spare time was make funny comics in which my classmates took great pleasure reading. For my final CSEC Visual Arts project, I made the comic "Animal Tales" which ranked top in the Graphic Design and Communication division for Visual Arts of that year.
3) Despite not being recommended for CSEC Biology in 5th form of high school, I successfully acquired a Bachelor of Basic Medical Sciences Degree with a Second Class Honours (Upper Division) and throughout this journey I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Micheal F. Rowe, in order to complete my research thesis, "The Effects of Unilateral Stiff-Knee Gait Disruption on Biomechanics and Stride Characteristics of the Bipedal Walking Gait", for publication in the near future.
What motivated you to enter the pageant?
My closest friends are my strongest motivators and they encouraged me to enter the Miss Universe Jamaica pageant using this platform as a grand opportunity to display my passion for helping as much children as possible develop and mature as moral citizens of Jamaica.
Who is your hero?
My father and best friend
What is your proudest personal accomplishment (Not Pageant Related)?
I am one of six recently selected as the first new faces of A Model Management from Jamaica to represent in the Paris Model Market.
What is your absolute favorite place/attraction in Jamaica that you have visited?
Dolphin Cove
