82 Quotes by Halima Aden

People I looked up to a lot were, you know, Oprah because she had a rough childhood but overcame so many obstacles and broke barriers to become who she is. It was really eye opening to me: just because I had a rough childhood doesn't mean that I can't make something of myself.

What I have learned is that designers are willing to tell the world that they are here to empower women from all different backgrounds and different walks of life.

There's always room to volunteer. I think that's a huge space to be involved with.

I love speaking at schools. That's always my favorite because I wish I'd had someone who was like me come speak at my school.

Back in high school, I didn't ever see a Muslim homecoming king or queen - there was never even anyone nominated. It just seemed for a lot of those events, Muslim kids were not being included, and it was probably our fault too - no one was going for it, but no one was trying to push us to do it, you know?

I think to be Miss U.S.A., first of all, you need to represent everybody, all of us here.

I don't want to be taller; I want to be myself.

I want to go see Somalia because I've never been there, and I feel like I'm missing out. I want to learn that heritage; I want to learn about my culture.

I made a lot of mistakes growing up, trying so hard to fit in. I got so lost trying to please everybody.