Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: To attend Northern Arizona University and study dental hygiene.
Q: What inspired you to go into the health sciences?
A: I’ve never had a bad experience with my health appointments, and I’ve always wanted to help people while working with my hands.
Q: You mentioned liking to work with your hands. Why is that important for your learning style?
A: I feel like some people get lost choosing jobs that are easy or just pay well instead of doing something they actually enjoy. I want to do something that lasts and doesn’t keep me sitting at a desk all day. I want to be active.
Q: Does being active match your learning style?
A: Yes, for sure. I like to work with others – I can’t really sit in a room all day. That’s just not fun.
Q: When did you realize that about yourself?
A: Around the start of my junior year. I realized sports won’t always be there or be reliable, but academics can get you far in life.
Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of during high school?
A: Being able to say I’m going to graduate high school. High school has a lot of challenges, and it’s a big feat – especially because my father didn’t graduate. It’ll be great to be the first in my family to go to college.
Q: What does it mean to you to be a young Black student?
A: It means a lot – more than people know. I go to a majority-white school, so being one of the few African-American students means a lot. When you see someone who resembles you, there’s an automatic connection. It’s nice to be different.
Q: Who or what has inspired you most, and how has your identity shaped your goals?
A: My father, Lee Lewis. I’ve seen him on his journey since I was 6 – not coming from much, but now living the dream he wanted. That inspires me to choose what I want and go after it.
Q: How do you think your identity will impact you as you move to Arizona and meet new people?
A: I’ll carry my identity with me. I know I’ll still run into situations where I’m one of the few people of color, but that doesn’t change who I am. I have a proud background and ancestors behind me.
Q: Is it hard to be one of the only Black students in the room?
A: I’m OK with it. I’ve gotten used to being the only one, even though some topics can be hard to talk about. But I manage.
Q: What message would you like to share with younger Black students?
A: Stay true to yourself. Don’t change who you are to fit in–those groups usually aren’t the best for you anyway.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
A: Just enjoy the little moments in life.