What are your hobbies?
Singing, volunteering, dancing, playing tennis and basketball, shopping, reading, traveling, exercising & spending time with my family friends

What makes you special and unique?
Just being who I am makes me special and unique! I contribute all of my energy to being a positive role model for anyone! I love life, people, having fun and trying to make a difference while being the best I can be! I'm also unique because my birthday happens to be 8/8/88!

What is the best advice you have ever received?
"Never give up." I have heard this statement many times throughout my life and I live by it everyday! In every situation that I encounter, I have to remind myself to "never give up," because my determination and hard work will help me reach my goals!

Name one thing you cannot live without.
I cannot live without my digital camera! I keep it with me at all times, because I never know when there may be a moment that I want to capture, and I love to take pictures!

What is the most valuable lesson you ever learned?
The most valuable lesson I ever learned is to never take anything for granted. After Hurricane Katrina, I traveled with a group of classmates to the Coast to volunteer. When we first arrived and I saw the damage that had been done, I realized that I should be grateful for and cherish everything that I have!

Who is your most valued role model and why?
My most valued role model is my mother. She is a strong and independent woman who never backs down from anything! She has been a very positive influence in my life, and she's the most supportive person I know! She works hard at everything she does and always manages to overcome any obstacle! I hope to someday be as great as she is!

What was your most unexpected moment?
On my 17th birthday, I went to a restaurant to celebrate with my family, and as we were leaving I saw my younger brother drive up in a new car with balloons attached and a big bow on top of it! I had no idea that I would get a car, and it's definitely a memory that I will never forget!

What is your workout routine?
My workout routine consists of daily cardio, working on my abs, arms, legs, and learning those dances for the Miss Mississippi pageant production!

What has been your biggest accomplishment to date?
Winning the Miss Hinds Community College pageant and being able to compete in the Miss Mississippi pageant has been my biggest accomplishment!

What is the best compliment you have ever received?
The best compliment I've ever received has been from my Mom. She said that I am special because I touch the heart and soul of every person I meet, and she knows they'll never forget me!

What is your secret wish?
It's no secret that I want to be the next Miss Mississippi, so my secret wish is to be the next American Idol! I love to sing, and I would love to have the opportunity to compete on the show and WIN!

What was your most embarrassing moment?
Being the humorous and outgoing person that I am, I really haven't had an embarrassing moment!

What is your biggest guilty pleasure?
My biggest guilty pleasure is Dove chocolate! I love all kinds and once I eat one piece, I can't stop!

What is your favorite movie and why?
My favorite movie is "Legally Blonde." I love the movie because it's a great comedy, yet it also has a meaningful message! It teaches that people should never base others on stereotypes, because they may surprise you in ways that you least expect!

What is your favorite color and why?
My favorite color is red. Red is associated with energy and love, and I can relate with both of those associations quite well!

What do you like to do for fun... relaxation... recreation?
I always have fun when I'm with my family and friends! I love to travel with my family to the beach for both relaxation and recreation!

What would be your dream vacation or destination?
My dream vacation would be in Spain! I have studied and learned a lot about Spain and I would love to spend a week there learning more about the culture and more of the language!

What do you like best about your hometown?
IN A WORD - Beautiful! "Vicksburg has it all!" I love that the Mississippi River flows through the city and that the downtown area offers such beautiful scenery! I enjoy walking down Washington St., going to the riverfront, and seeing the beautiful painted murals. My favorites are the Antebellum homes, the family-owned restaurants and businesses, the "hills" and YES, being a part of it!

What do you like best about the state of Mississippi, besides our food & hospitality?
I was born and raised here in Mississippi. I love the hills, the trees, and the spring breeze! I like the historic sites that Mississippi has to offer, because they show where we were at one time and where we are now! Mississippi is a great place to live, and it will always be the place that I call home!

What's in your CD player or on your iPod right now?
In my CD player right now, there is a CD with a mixture a variety of songs on it! I love music and I listen to all different genres!

Where do you see yourself in ten years?
In ten years, I see myself living a happy and healthy life! I hope to have established a successful career as a Nurse Practitioner, having positive impacts on the lives of others!

Who am I?
I am De'Lisha Wiggins; most people know me as "De'Dee." I'm 19 years old and I'm a sophomore at Hinds Community College. I was born and raised in Vicksburg, where I have been given many wonderful opportunities throughout my life. I have always known that my mission in life is to help others in any way that I can. I am working towards becoming a Nurse Practitioner, which will allow me to fulfill that mission.

I am a very optimistic person and I love to interact with lots of people! Singing is my passion, and I enjoy sharing my talent with others. I am very blessed to have such a supportive family and wonderful friends! God is above everything in my life, and with Him I strive to be a better person each and every day.

I have several different roles as a daughter, a sister, a relative and a friend! Each of these roles have a major part in my life. They reveal who I am and help to me become who I want to be!

Tell us about your occupational experience.
I am currently a Student Worker in the Admissions office at Hinds CC in Vicksburg. I LOVE working in the office and being able to interact with everyone who walks through the door! As a student worker, I have had the opportunity to meet many people and learn numerous skills that will truly last a lifetime! From meeting a variety of people to learning how to appropriately deal with certain situations, it is a job that has been a great experience!

Tell us about your platform.
The platform issue that I am committed to is promoting awareness about the health of babies. I have chosen to partner with the March of Dimes. The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. The mission of the March of Dimes is to "improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality." The March of Dimes partners with individuals, families, and businesses across the U.S. for fundraising events that support research, local services, and education. Some babies are born healthy, and others need help to survive. With my local March of Dimes chapter, I am helping to organize the March of Dimes March for Babies. Along with the March for Babies, I organize other activities and events to raise money and take donations for the March of Dimes. I have a strong passion for the March of Dimes because babies born too soon are more likely to die, or have lifelong disabilities. With the help of volunteers and donors, the March of Dimes is able to fund research to find out why these problems arise.