What does your future look like? What do you plan to do?
I don’t think my future is linear. There’s different industries that I want to tap into, tech, business, public policy, and possibly law. I’ve always known that I wanted to travel the world and help people but those are very broad criteria. I definitely plan on going to grad school and living abroad while doing so. Ultimately I want to build a nonprofit organization that works on creating educational and professional opportunities for young girls in West Africa through travel, mentorship, and development.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received that has helped you be successful?
I definitely think No is worst that happen but you won’t know if you don’t try so try again, fail again, fail harder. We forget that in this life, our potential is limitless, learning is process, so I’m not afraid to fail, or of hearing no.
What motivates you?
I’m very self-motivated, I believe that I’m my own competition. My habits, accomplishments and failures are what I compete against, to be self-aware enough to be a better version of myself, a more helpful version. Being a first generation student, a Black woman, a Togolese-American woman also motivates me because there have been so many strong women that have shown me that no matter what you can never lose sight of your dreams, so I always look to those women in my family, or my mentors.
How has your life and daily routines changed as a result of COVID-19?
I’m supposed to be in France right now so I think that’s the most significant change but I’m used to being on my digital devices, and I typically like to stay home so it hasn’t change all too much.
What do you think are your strengths and weaknesses?
My strengths are definitely my communication skills, and adaptability, I love meeting new people and talking in general and so I strongly believe in all the different ways that we communicate whether it’s through food, languages, art, music, etc.. Because I’m always exploring new things, I’m not afraid of change and so that adaptability has helped me through whatever situation or environment I know I’ll find a way. My weakness is definitely that I’m a perfectionist living in a life that is never perfect. I’ve learned how to let go, and find beauty in the imperfect and become better at delegating so that’s helped slowly turn that weakness into a strength.
If you could know the absolute truth to one question, what would you ask?
Life is so subjective, personal, and so I don’t think I’d ask anything.
If you had a theme song, what would it be?
If I had a theme song, it would be African Giant by Burna Boy
What do you do in your free time?
I’m usually browsing through fashion pages on Instagram, working on a project/creating content for Vyntage, reading up on information for the Bystander Education training program that I work with at school, or delving into Black feminism and the French empire (my research interests).
What were you like in high school?
I was president of Model United Nations, the student senate, and co-captain of the cheerleading squad at one point. I was always heavily involved because school culture and community were the most important things to do. High school Grace lived in a bubble, and while she was fearless, outspoken, and always fighting for the cause, I’m grateful for the person I’ve become through my college experiences.