Tell me about your mom.
She's hard working and very caring. She's a God fearing woman. She's always doing for others. She does for others even though most of the time it's not reciprocated. Although sometimes it would be nice to have the favor returned, it is better to give than receive. There are so many not as fortunate as you, in some way shape or form.
What’s your favorite thing about your mom?
She taught me to be independent. Sometimes it's annoying, but it's going to pay off in the long run.
How has she taught you to be independent?
She taught me how to catch the bus. She taught me professionalism. In school, lots of kids depend on their parents to call teachers about grades. We're going to college, or trade school - you have to have the skills and be willing to do those things yourself.
I hear you’re going to college in the fall?
I'm going to Old Dominion University. I am a first generation college student. I plan to major in communications and minor in marketing, or international studies. I plan to be involved in campus. I'm also applying for FSI - freshman summer institute. You move in early and learn leadership skills and community service. Anywhere you go you should be involved in community service. That’s very important.
What do you want to do after college?
If i'm financially stable enough, I've always wanted to move to Los Angeles. There's a lot of opportunity there. My brother has always wanted to live there to pursue gaming. My dream has always been to become a talk show host, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and author. I hope to have it all together by age 30.
Why 30?
I think that 30 is the perfect age. I don’t know why, but in my mind 30 is the perfect age. I want to write a book and develop and produce my own short film. Thats one of my big dreams. I just believe there's so much opportunity for filmmakers and people who are their own brand In LA. I need to start networking and producing myself as my own talent.
What kind of stories do you want to tell as a filmmaker and journalist?
I'm interested in more of the underdog stories. Things that are not so popular in this world that deserve credit. Or have a meaningful story behind them. I think that's something worth reading. I think that's something people should know more about. I like print journalism, but I'm more interested in television or radio. I hope in college I get to explore all aspects of journalism. I hope to do more internships. I have one now. I feel like in journalism, years of experience is what you need to get a job. Most of them you have to have a minimum amount of years of experience.
How did you your mom helped you with this dream? How has she encouraged you?
Ever since the 3rd grade, I wanted to study broadcast journalism. She involved me in a media program in school, and she also sought out for me to audition to a performing arts school where I went for media arts. My mom has always been there to support my dream. That means a lot to me. I’ve had these dreams for years, and they've changed or evolved to something bigger and better. She's always supported me. She's wanted me to go to different schools, but she's always supported what I wanted to do - that means a lot.
What do you most respect about your mom?
I respect that she never gives up. She's one of the strongest people I know, if not the strongest. She's taught me to be stronger mentally, physically, and emotionally. She's always there. You only have one mother. She's always taught me that as well. You only have one mother. I'm constantly learning the best lessons in life from my mom. It’s mind over matter.
