Who is this not so familiar face?

For this interview i chose to pick someone who seemed interesting to me but i never really got a chance to talk to.  This assignment took me out of my comfort zone and forced me to use my reporter skills. I went to the student employment office where i knew i could find Adajo, a girl who seemed to be every where on campus. I informed her of my assignment and she had no problem with me interviewing her. I did not have a tape recorder, i took an old school approach and pulled out my note pad and pen. Before i started questioning her i introduced my self, told her my major and where i was from.

Me: What year are you? Adajo: This is my third year, i am a junior. Me: What is your major? Adajo: English and political science Me: What do you want to do after you graduate with those degrees? Adajo: I want to be a english teacher. I also want to open up a school for young women, a place where they can learn to beat the odds and gain skills to make it on this world. I also am really into politics and would like to be city council women for Queens, NewYork or something of that sort one day. Me: Have you done any internships yet? Adajo: Yes last summer i interned for the congressional black caucus, i worked up on the hill and gained a lot of contacts. Me: Do you feel like you have been able to gain contacts through howard as well? Adajo: Well i believe howard has taught me how to hustle which has lead me to create my own contacts. I love this school and i always say in the end i wont mind the payments i will have to make towards my loans because i have made every cent count. Me: What clubs are you involved with a school? Adajo: I am a campus pal, i am vise president of the NewYork club, I am a member of Street Business and i work with kids in the neighborhood through jumpstart. Me: Sounds like your really busy do you find time to socialize? Adajo: Yes i make sure of it, well probably not as much as i would like but i do make time for friends and myself on the weekends. Me: How would you describe your self? Adajo: Loving, outspoken, talented, caring, optimistic and focused young lady who will not stop until all is achieved. 

In between questioning i shared with her things we had in common. For instance we are both from NewYork and have a interest in political science. This interview was more of a conversation and i didn't go in with any set questions. I now have gained a friend and we have also exchanged numbers. :)

My Suite-mate and now "SOUl" friend !!

Alot of times we think we know people but the truth is if you don't ask...well we are only assuming...

I reside in a double suite in the West Towers with a student named Tokumba Ade Owalabi. Before my interview I thought I  knew her pretty well. Nigerian background, raised in Brooklyn, NYC,  21, cant cook and loves fashion. Knowing the basics i decided to take this assignment as an opportunity to get to know her a little better. I figured it just made sense to pick her since this is the person I not only share my cooking skills with but a bathroom as well. 

My first question to her was If you had to leave the country today what one item would you take? Tokumba: "My bible, with that i would be bringing along wisdom, strength for my weak moments, love for my soul, and i wouldn't feel alone".  Me: What is the one thing an enemy might say about you that is true but you see nothing wrong with? Tokumba: That I am cocky and brag to much, but what someone who doesn't like or know me might not understand is that i am confident, i love who i am, and that i was raised to walk with my head in the air! I also love fashion and am excited when i get knew things, i don't talk about what i have to brag i do it because i am so excited and absolutely love fashion! Me: How would a good friend of yours describe you? Tokumba: Funny, caring, and very dependable with an "in your face personality". Me: What is it you want to do with your life? Tokumba: I want to get my masters after i graduate with my bachelors in supply chain mangement. When i am done with school i want to work around the world with a business that will allow me to do that. Preferably in Europe or Africa. I want to be successful and  well dressed boss! Me: What makes you the person you are today? Tokumba: everything i have been through and overcome. Me: Can you elaborate on that ? Tokumba: Well i have been heart broken and have had to build my self up on my own. I have had so many family problems that have caused me to have tuff skin. Me: If you could talk to the younger you that didn't have as much knowledge what would you say? Tokumba: I would tell her not to change a thing and to keep doing exactly what she is doing since that is the reason i am who i am today.

After this interview i now feel like i understand my suite-mate a lot more than whats on the surface. If tapped into her soul.