Today we’d like to introduce you to Aryana Bosh.
Aryana, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born in Palestine, Texas, and was raised in Jacksonville, Texas. I am a proud 2017 graduate of Jacksonville High School. While in high school, I was the captain of the drill team and played the flute in the school band. After high school, I attended Kilgore College and graduated with an associate’s degree in Pre-Occupational Therapy. Even though I enjoyed being around friends and family in East Texas, I wanted to move to a larger city to get out of my comfort zone. In 2019, I transferred to the University of North Texas (UNT) and graduated Magna Cum Laude with a 3.9 GPA in April 2021. Currently, I am a Doctor of Occupational Therapy student at Texas Woman’s University. During my last semester at UNT, I became a member of the illustrious sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and transferred to the Alpha Xi Omega chapter after graduating. Becoming a member of the sorority and being surrounded by influential black women encouraged me to take my desire to help others to the next level. In November 2021, I saw an ad on Instagram about the Miss Black USA organization and was immediately intrigued. After doing research, I submitted an application and remained hopeful that I would hear from them. About a week or so later, I received an email from the organization and that’s where my journey to Miss Black USA began. After multiple interviews, I received the title of Miss Black Denton. This was my first experience in pageantry, so I was excited and honored to have received that title. Few months later, I received an email that I was one of the top ten finalists in the Miss Black Texas pageant. My heart fluttered with excitement and nervousness as I realized that this was going to be a life-changing event. Leading up to the pageant, I practiced speaking and answering practice interview questions to prepare. On the day of the pageant, I prayed that I would be able to remain calm. When it was my turn, I gave the judges my all and showed my authenticity. After it was over, I took the deepest breath and left it to God. I had peace in knowing that what’s for me won’t miss me and that I did the best I could during the interview. Later on, that night, I received an email about the Miss Black Texas results, and my anxiety heightened. I had no idea what the email was going to say, but I wanted to know the results. Once I opened the email and read it, I was in shock. The email informed me that I was awarded the title of Miss Black Texas USA 2023. I had to re-read the email multiple times to make sure I’d read it correctly. I called my mom immediately to share the news with her. After telling her, I cried tears of joy. Today, I am working to fulfill my platform, “Commitment To Hope,” by serving and advocating for individuals who are homeless. There is so much work to be done, and I am willing to do as much as humanly possible to shed light on this important issue.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Luckily, the road to get to where I am today has been relatively smooth. The only challenge that is present is balancing graduate school and pageantry.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Doctor of Occupational Therapy student. Occupational therapy is a healthcare profession that helps individuals do what they want and need to do. For example, if a patient has a hard time making coffee for themselves due to muscle weakness in one or both of their arms, it is the occupational therapist’s job to create interventions that will assist the patient to achieve that goal. I am most proud of being accepted into my top graduate program choice. I enjoy learning about occupational therapy every day and it feels great to be working towards the goal of being an occupational therapist. What sets me apart from others is that I’m not afraid to stay true to myself no matter what setting I am in.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
To always believe in yourself and your capabilities. It’s very easy to doubt yourself and potentially talk yourself out of being a part of life-changing opportunities, so you don’t want to live life always thinking “what if.”
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Image Credits
Deon Casey
