"I feel honored to be able to help others in this way."
Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky
PBS Mentor Station: KET
Six-word Memoir: Grow through what you go through.
Why did you choose to get involved in storytelling?
I chose to get involved with storytelling because I wanted to be the voice for untold stories. Whenever I first started finding my passion I knew from the start this is what I would want to do, I feel honored to be able to help others in this way.
What story are you most proud of?
Of the stories I have conducted, the most memorable one was on a local community service that helps the less fortunate. Southwest Community Ministries advocates lower income families and provides assistance to community members facing difficult circumstances. SWCM is part of a government funded program that was unfortunately facing budget cuts. The purpose of my story was to shed light on the amazing things they do for the community and the impact made with their sanctioned funds. After the positive impact of my story I was invited as a special guest at their annual fundraising event where they showcased my SWCM story.
How can youth media change the world?
Youth media can be used as a platform to stress the importance of social distancing, proper hygiene, staying safe at home, and other guidelines expressed by the CDC. With instances such as quarantine parties, spring break events, and other situations portrayed on main stream media; I believe this platform would give Generation Z an opportunity to show that the younger generation is taking this pandemic seriously. Not only can we show that we informed and we can take a proactive approach, but most importantly we can set a positive example for our generation.
Who is your role model?
My role model is my mom. Out of everyone she is the only one who was truly there for me and she helped me when no one would. She gave up money she didn’t have for me to pursue my dreams, making it possible for me to travel to Seattle for the STN competition in 2019. My mom has always told me “I never had to be just one thing”. My mom leads by example, she was a single mother with a full-time job but still managed to pursue her dreams of being an artist. She has been invited all over the country, from New York to L.A to compete in body art competitions, reality shows, and body acceptance movements. She has even been to South Africa! Even when her position was eliminated after 18 years at corporate America it didn’t stop her. She dove into a new industry that allows her to use her art everyday. Within two months of being exposed to the auto body industry she became lead painter. Now two years later she has her own successful auto body custom paint shop. Despite all of my moms accomplishments she has always been there for her kids and always had the time and effort to show us our dreams were closer than we thought.
