☂ my life in 20 questions ☁

Which film could you watch 20 times over and not get bored? Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. I love films with different acts (or segments), and it's film that executes each act in a way that feels different yet connects. If you divide the acts by evil exes, you're essentially watching 7 films in one sitting - sign me up ;D

Which niche, random topic could you talk about for 19 minutes straight without notes? The life of Kurt Cobain. As someone who's listened to tons of his projects from Fecal Matter to Nirvana to his solo projects; someone who's watched countless interviews, even letting them play before I sleep; and someone who's literally read this man's diary, I can attest that I'm an expert on his life. I can also attest that I can talk about him for literal hours without stuttering, breaking attention, or shifting topics. Don't tempt me, because I will do, lol.

In your opinion, what is the best debut album of all time? The Badlands by Halsey. It's a concept album about a dystopian, entrapped city divided by regions, and each is an allegory for a mental illness. The tracks are non-skippable, lyrics are transcendent, and overall message is astounding, especially given that Halsey wrote it when she was 19 and based it on her struggles with bipolar disorder.

Is there a perfect number of books read in one year? Ideally, one should read 12 books in a 12-month periods and add one each year. Right now, I'm reading 24 a year, which is... err... mama's working her way up. I'm on 7 and it June, but I read a bunch in the fall, so technically I'm on track, teehee.

What is the wildest or most memorable birthday you've ever had? Probably this upcoming one. I'm going to an aquarium - same one I loved as a kid - and I'm pretty stoked. I've had some pretty chill birthdays over the years (e.g. theater-hopping with friends, going to buffets, letting people spoil me with gifts), but this year I'm going back to my roots.

Can you tell us a behind-the-scenes secret that surprised you about working on-campus? The amount of free stuff you get is insane. I once got a fridge worth of Chick-Fil-A for free. Someone in HR just bought them from a party, and even after all the workers took some home, I still went home with a fridge full. The school gives free merch, invite you to exclusive parties and luncheons, sends you gift cards, and even pays you for volunteer trips. It's actually insane.

What did you hate at 14 that you love now? Narnia. Ughhh, I used to *hate* (capital-h Hate) Narnia with a passion. I rewatched it as an adult and was like, "...Whoa, wait. This movie is actually fire." I reckon reading the books helped heal the wounds, so now it's one of my favorite fantasy film series. Full-circle, lol.

What's your favorite memory from your experience on The Decision Podcast? The overall atmosphere was very chill and supportive. It was my first podcast interview, so I was going in with moderate expectations only to be blown away by the production, hospitality, and impact I had on the host and crew. Like, one of the producers literally cried at my story because he related to it. That was touching. Also, one of the backrooms was a set of a sitcom, and the podcast host, a friend, and I chilled there after the podcast. The set hallway also had comic posters of rappers and hip-hop stars. It was so sick.

What was the first song you learned how the words to? Lesson Number One from Mulan II. Ironically, growth has been a recurring thing for me, so that song stuck with me in a away. Finding that equilibrium of strength and peace is an ongoing quest, but I'm happy to trek if it means a better life for myself and my descendants.

What's your favorite line you've ever written? ...Oooh. That's a tough one... I've written so many projects and pieces over the years. Even just random lines in the showers, but I'll count the ones I've either typed or written. Um... I'll say, "Let the scorched claws that streak my back serve as a relic," is a good one. So is, "I'll understand them how you'll never understand me," and, "his sins reflected under him like a funhouse mirror, outing him as the jester he was." Those stick out to me; those are three contenders.

If you could relive any 10 minutes of your life so far, what would it be? That's thing, though. I've had such an extensive life - like, I've had lunch with Malcolm X's daughter, been to award shows, buried a half-eaten bird, and hiked a mountain. That said, probably the last 10 minutes of me and my friends, Khloe and Ethan, swimming in the pool at night. That was 2020 when I lived in Alabama, so 6 years ago. Still a core memory.

How do you choose your think piece topics? On the fly, really. I'll come across a subject of interest and be so charged that I must write about it. Or other cases, I'll be struck with an epiphany, such as realizing Spiderman 3 was an allegory for toxic masculinity whilst I was on the toilet.

What was your biggest fear when you were 8, and did you ever have any funny encounters because of it? I was petrified of the Grinch from How the Grinch Stole Christmas, starring the legendary Jim Carrey. So much so that I once stayed up for 24 hours because I was scared of having nightmares about it. On a school night, mind you. Now, I look back and chuckle.

How did you land on the novel title "The Guardians of Camoria"? It was quite simple, really. I dubbed Duke and his team The Guardians from early planning stages. Thereafter, I came up with the word Camoria, meaning 'all in existence' in celestial tongue. Then I googled if anyone had copyrighted Camoria and the rest was history.

If you could invite six celebrities (dead or alive) to go on the ultimate night out, who would you invite and where would you go? 1. Adam, 2. Hawa (aka Eve), 3. Michael Jackson, 4. Isaac Kappy, 5. Malcolm X, and 6. Eartha Kitt. I'd convince the first two to not reproduce and commit murder-suicide, the other four and myself there as testifiers as to why. Where we went is irrelevant; what matters is our mission: Prevent humankind from populating - thus polluting - the planet.

Can you name five things you can't live without? 1. God, because every breath I take is because of God. 2. My stories, because storytelling has literally saved my life and helped me grow. 3. Psychology, because mental health has always been essential to me since age 12 - before it became popular to discuss it. 4. Nature, because Mother Nature is a healer and grounder whom we all need to appreciate more. 5. My devices, be it phone, laptop, tv, etc.

How would you describe yourself in four words? Imagineer, go-getter, one-of-a-kind, and rockstar.

What are your top three tv shows of all time? Right now, I'm literally obsessed with The Last Kingdom, a viking show on Netflix. I also love 227 as late, which is a throwback for me because I loved it as a kid. Lastly, I will always love Once Upon a Time. I literally would watch it every Saturday, same time and day, as it aired. That last season was trash but I trudged through it because I'm a dedicated motherfucker.

Name two things on your bucket list. Having an indie film marathon with my friends and traveling out of the country.

Who or what is your one true love? Myself. If I could marry myself, I would, but as of now it's illegal. Ugh, I'd have love to get that tax write off. Also, imagine waking up to yourself, like, "Babe, omg, I love you." Having twin sinks and hers & hers robes. So cute!!!