KAREN MAGINNIS

Q&A

KAREN Maginnis, 26, is member of Drumbo Presbyterian Church and will head a team going to Uganda in July to build a school. She is a primary school teacher and has been a Christian since she was 17.

What do you like doing on your day off?
At the weekend I like meeting up with friends for coffee/lunch and hitting the shops.

If you were to choose your favourite meal what would it be, where and why?
My favourite meal is definitely Christmas dinner �love the full works. I guess the best place to have that is at home with my family.

What has been your proudest moment?
Would have to be getting my current job at Ballycarrickmaddy Primary. It was my dream job and the first interview I had ever done.

What was the most frightening moment of your life?
Last summer when in Uganda we spent some time in the North of the Country in a town called Gulu. We went to offer what help we could. One morning when we arrived at one of the displacement camps we were not allowed to enter. Our bus was surrounded by hundreds of people, soldiers with rifles, we didn't really understand what was happening, we weren't allowed to get off the bus and we could do was sit and wait for our Ugandan friends to tell us what to do. The entire time that we were in Gulu was a time of fear and devastation. I've never seen such poverty, oppression, helplessness or evil.

How would you describe your taste in clothes?
Don't really have a specific taste in clothes as such � I like anything bright and colourful.

What would you do if you won a million pounds?
Without a doubt I'd give it to Abaana - a charity that supports children in Africa. If a couple of pounds can feed a child for a week just think what difference a million could make.

What was your most embarrassing moment?
It was a summer's day � I was out in my flip flops, town was packed and it was lashing. Mum was waiting at the doors of the Mall and I was making a dash across the road to get in out of the rain. As I reached the entrance to the mall my feet went from beneath me and I ended up flat on my back.

What music do you like?
I love all types of music. I'll listen to anything from classical to R&B, to worship and dance.

What sports person do you most admire?
Andrew Trimble. He's someone who recognizes that the talent he has been given is not from himself but from God.

Describe your best ever holiday.
Not a holiday but my best ever trip was my trip to Uganda 2006. It was quite literally a life changing experience.

What is your greatest remaining ambition?
I want to make a difference in this world, to not just let life pass me by, but to make the most of every opportunity that's given to me. I want to fight against the injustice, be a voice for the oppressed and stand up for the invisible poor.

If you could spend a day with a celebrity whom would you choose?
Adam Sandler � I reckon we'd have a bit of a giggle.

If you were stranded on a desert island what three things would you want with you?
Photos of my friends and family, my bible and my ipod.

Ulster Star
18/04/2008

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