What High School do you attend?
North Gwinnett High School
Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I have lived in Suwanee all my life, and have loved every minute of it! I am a dancer, and train in Latin and Ballroom styles (commonly known as “Dancesport”) and I am currently working towards competing solo on a national level. Prior to Dancesport, I have been trained in ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, modern, and acrobatic dance for about 5 years, and I have been in numerous North Gwinnett Dance Department productions, such as “Nutcracker: All Jazzed Up!” I also manage a part-time job and played defense on our school’s Varsity Flag Football team, all while maintaining a 3.6 GPA. I love college football (Go Dawgs!) and traveling. While I’m not dancing or working, I love to volunteer at various community events. Fun Fact: I have volunteered at every Suwanee Fest since 2017! My parents were both born in Jamaica and both lived in Queens before moving to Georgia. I have a younger brother, Ajani, who is a freshman at North Gwinnett.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to attend Arizona State University and major in Hospitality and Tourism Management while minoring in Journalism. I am also interested in auditioning for the dance team! My dream job is to either be a writer at “Saturday Night Live,” or work as a stadium operations manager for an NFL stadium, such as the Mercedes-Benz.
What are two of your favorite restaurants in our community?
Tequila Mama and Bottles & Bones
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
I have always wanted to go to Tokyo, Japan! It is like the New York City of the East to me, and I love the Japanese culture and of course the food. From the Cherry Blossoms to the real authentic sushi, I have always been drawn to Tokyo.
What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
My favorite movie of all time is Fast and Furious, and I love “The Office.” (I am currently re-watching it for the 3rd time)
If you were asked to give advice to your senior class and the younger students at your school, what would you say?
Do not wait to look for scholarships! It’s never too early! Especially if you want to go to college out of state, it never hurts to get a head start on those essays, or at least make of list of those you can apply for come senior year, because they are harder to find than you think.
If you were able to be cast as yourself into a television show or series, what show would you want to be in?
Saturday Night Live!
If you could choose anyone to have lunch with, who would you choose? Why? And where, locally, would you meet for this lunch?
I would take Emma Slater, my favorite Dancing With the Stars dancer, to Cafe Amico in Town Center. I admire not only her dancing but her confidence and her kindness; she is always the first person to give a hug and is always thinking of others, which is a characteristic that I want to instill in myself. I know she LOVES coffee, and when they go on tour she is always on the lookout for a new fun coffee shop so I think she would love Cafe Amico just as much as I do!
What is your favorite thing about our community?
The events, there’s always something fun going on.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Working towards my masters degree at Florida International University while working for Groot Hospitality, starting my career.
What is something on your bucket list?
Perform as a backup dancer at the Super Bowl Halftime Show.
What is your go to band / singer when you can’t decide what to listen to?
Nicki Minaj
Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?
Month- September, because that’s when all the fun fall festivals and fairs begin, and school is just starting so it’s chill and not too much work. It’s like a new beginning.
Holiday- Christmas, because it’s just a beautiful time of year. All the pretty lights, festivities, and excitement is always fun.
Day- The day after Thanksgiving, because that’s when the Christmas season begins.
Who inspires you to be better?
My aunt, because she is never afraid to call me out when I’m wrong but she does it in a way where I know she only wants the best for me.
