What inspired you to write your book, Earth Saver Girl, at such a young age and start a nonprofit?
I was inspired to write" Adventures of Earth Saver Girl, Don't be a Litterbug" after noticing the litter in my community. I wanted to educate youth about how harmful littering is to the Earth. Initially, I started writing a letter to my teacher, hoping she would read it to our Earth Savers Club. I kept writing and writing. I really wanted to get people's attention and thought to add a superhero would do the trick, and so Earth Saver Girl was born. From the book, I created an interactive litter prevention program. The program includes reading my book, doing trivia, coloring activities, and an interactive skit where I turn into Earth Saver Girl. My second book, "Bullies Change of Hearts," is a chapter book about different types of bullies one girl faces throughout a year.
Who was your role model and/or inspiration?
My mom. She’s one of the most hardworking people I’ve ever met. She inspires me to be better and do better for myself and my community, and I just want to make her proud.
What does your future look like? What do you plan to do?
Short term, I would like to continue to galvanize youth and empower them to make a difference. I hope to continue to give speeches and presentations about the environment, bullies, and Black Lives Matter. I also would like to continue to encourage youth to register to vote and vote!
What is the best piece of advice have you received that has helped you be successful?
Stay focused and don’t let anybody tear you down. Being an African American girl in STEM, there isn’t a lot of representation, so tune out the haters and stay driven on your mission
What motivates you?
I want to make the Earth a better place for the next generation. We were handed a bad card, and I don’t want to do the same for the generation after us. I want to make the world a place that is better, cleaner, and has equal treatment of the people living in it.
What do you do in your free time?
I try to relax and do some yoga. I enjoy hanging with friends and just chilling. I spend a lot of time sitting think about ways to make this world a better place.
What does a day in your life look like?
Right now, I am finishing a college bridge program. It should have been on campus, but due to the pandemic, it was on Zoom. It lasts all day. It's been very informative and makes me super excited to start college.
What’s your favorite tv show at the moment?
Scandal - I think I have re-watched the series five times. Kerry Washington is amazing!
How has your life and daily routines in regards to your nonprofit changed as a result of COVID-19?
Quarantine started during the spring, which is when my nonprofit is able to go out and help others and do talks, but I wasn’t able to do that. I started doing online readings of my book and speaking with teachers on how they can still do Earth Day activities via Zoom. I would’ve done camps over the summer, but that’s been cancelled too.
If you could go back in time, is there, if at all, anything you’d do differently?
I wouldn’t change anything because everything happens for a reason, and I’m so grateful for the way everything’s turned out. I feel like the project found me rather than me finding it. It’s becomes such a big part of my life.
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
Tell Me No by Whitney Houston
In your opinion, who do you think is the most impressive person in the world right now, and why?
Oprah WInfrey because she went through so many obstacles in her life to be the business owner and amazing woman she is. She didn’t have things handed to her and she worked hard for everything she has in her life today.
What advice do you have for fellow/younger students?
My advice to other young people is to register to vote then vote! I would also let them know that they are too young to make a difference. Lastly, I would like to encourage them to be open minded and not prejudge people.