When wife and mother of two, Charmaine Richardson, enrolled at Southwestern Christian College three years ago, the last thing on her mind was becoming College Queen.

However, in the April issue of Ebony Magazine, Mrs. Richardson's photo appears with 88 other Black College Queens for 2003. According to the criteria, they have shown that "with beauty comes grace, style, intelligence and a desire to make life better for all".

Mrs. Richardson is a junior at the college in Terrell, Texas and is a religious education major seeking a master's in marriage and family therapy. For the year she will carry the title Miss Southwestern Christian College.

Her husband, Robert, is also a student at the Southwestern Christian College, studying to become a Minister, while their two children VerNeil and Jade are also honour students at Terrell Christian Academy.

Mrs. Richardson is the daughter of LoWaynne Woolridge and Gary Woolridge and she and her family are members of the Church of Christ in Devonshire.

"I don't know how she does it, to be quite honest, being a mother and a student and staying on the honour role, " says her mother, LoWaynne Woolridge.

Mrs. Richardson admits that running for Miss Southwestern was not something she initially thought about doing.

"Running for Miss Southwestern Christian College didn't come to mind until the Dean of Women asked me if I had received a package as one of the qualifying contestants (qualifying is based on a GPA over 2.5 and student conduct on campus)," explained the Bermudian student.

"After deciding to run, there was much to prepare for. I had to write an essay of why I was running for Miss SwCC and come up with a talent. The pageant committees work with the contestants to smooth out your rough edges. There were two performances, one in Chapel where students and faculty vote (60 percent) and the other on a larger audience with judges (40 percent vote) who are alumni of SwCC.

"In chapel we were required to give a speech which I memorized, my talent was a monologue of Mary Magdalene, and answer random questions. Four days later we met with the judges to answer questions and that evening was the big night. It began with an African scene, selected questions, talent, and evening wear."

Mrs. Richardson's responsibilities as Miss Southwestern Christian College began the next day with the opening ceremony of the Women's Health Center by Dr. Reba Williams-White, and alumna of SwCC.

"Since which I have represented the school at the Terrell Christmas Parade and Martin Luther King Day Programme," she added.

"February, Black History Month, was a very busy month (SwCC is a historically black college) with several speaking engagements, including Middle Schools in Forney and Terrell. I have also spoken at various Women's Day church programmes."

The Richardson family have settled into their new environment since moving to Terrell in December, 2000.

"My husband and I left our jobs in Bermuda to continue our education," explained Mrs. Richardson.

"Robert is studying Bible and I am pursuing Religious Education, with minors in Counselling. It is our goal to work together to serve the Lord.

"Our children VerNeil (11) and Jade (six) have adapted very well here in Terrell and have been successful in being on the Honor Roll. They are both involved in extra curricular such as soccer, cheerleading and VerNeil recently made the Junior Varsity Yell Leader team.

"Our lives are quite hectic, but we work together as a team with housework, cooking, and laundry. Sometimes I feel a bit overwhelmed, but Robert reminds me why we are here.

"Robert also qualified for Mr. SwCC, however, he chose not to run as he had 19 semester hours, plus he was auditing four hours of Greek. He is also the Assistant Youth Minister at our congregation. We have both maintained our GPA's each semester over the 3.00 level and have been on the Dean's List several times.

"Robert and I appeared in the 2001-2002 National Dean's list. I was nominated by the faculty as Student of the Month for January 2002 and was Student of the Year 2002. Robert was nominated Student of the Month for September 2002."

Mrs. Richardson admits the support she receives from her husband has been invaluable, as well as that from other family members.

"My husband is great!! He has and always supports me and my goals. We usually discuss major decisions as a family unit," she said.

"We have a wonderful family that have been very supportive. Our parents, especially, have been very inspirational to us (Robert's parents are Judith Brooks, a recent Master's graduate at Walla Walla College, and Robert (Peter) Bell)."

The Richardsons have set clear goals for the future and know which direction they are headed.

"We look forward to graduating with our Associates degrees in May and will graduate with our Bachelor's in 2005. We hope to go on to obtain our Masters at Abilene Christian University (ACU)," said Mrs. Richardson.

Robert plans to pursue a Master's in Theology with a minor in Pastoral Counselling and Charmaine a Master's in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Mrs. Richardson added: "It is through God's blessings that we are here and he continues to make ways for us to continue our education."