When and where were you born?
May 24, 1989, in Little Rock, but I’m from Springdale, Ark.
Do you have any siblings? If so, what are their names and how old are they?
I have eight siblings. Tanesha, 23. Rahmon, 20. Tariqah, 19. N’nandii, 18. Baiyinnah, 17. Maxie the III, 15. Khalil, 14. Markeith, 13.
Where did you go to high school?
Little Rock Central High School and Springdale High School.
Were you involved in any extracurricular activities in high school? If so, which ones?
As many as I could! Spanish club, French club, multi-cultural club, hip-hop dance club, Eternal Impact (Christian club), Mu Alpha Theta, Thespians, Troubadours, Merry Makers (yes, I am a clown…a legit white-faced clown), the Arkansas Repertory’s Young Artist’s Program SMTI and, of course, choir.
Who was the most influential person in your life growing up? Why?
The women in my life have made such positive influences in my life. My grandmothers, my aunts and especially my mommy, are all such strong women, who have always looked out for their family. In addition to that, they are God-fearing women who are all-together fabulous. I only hope to one day be as amazing as they have been all throughout my life.
Why did you decide to come to Ouachita Baptist University?
Because of the stellar fine arts program. The professors here are very much concerned about the individual, and I really enjoy that I’m not just a number on their roster, it’s like a family, and I love each and every one of them! Dr. Stanley has helped me grow so much as a singer, and not even to mention the wonderful theatre professors who are always available and ready to watch and critique anything I have for them. It’s such a great community. I love it!
What is your major(s) and minor(s)?
I’m a musical theatre major.
What on-campus activities do you participate in at OBU?
The International Club and Theta Alpha Phi.
What are your goals after graduation?
My goals are to find a job.
What is your ideal job?
My ideal job would be making a comfortable living doing what I love to do… perform, whether it’s singing, acting or even clowning. I just would love being able to do what I love.
Why did you decide to try out to be a Tiger Tunes hostess?
I thought it might be really fun to work with a small group of people getting to do what we all love. Making good music with people is one of my favorite things in life, so this has been a blast.
Did you look to anyone for advice as you thought about trying out? Who and why?
Yes, my voice teacher and my friends, because I knew they would be honest with me, and tell me whether I’d like it or not or even if they thought I was good enough to do it, I’m so glad they were supportive and encouraged me to go for it.
What was your reaction when you first learned you had been chosen as a hostess?
I remember it so vividly. I was performing with Ouachita Sounds and Joey called while we were changing into our costumes. I was in the restroom with the rest of the Sounds ladies and I squealed and so and they were all like, “Are you OK?” Then they were like, “Oh, Tiger Tunes.” Joseph, MaryLacey and I received the calls simultaneously and we were the most excited during the rest of the performance. Needless to say, it was a great night.
What do you want people to remember most about the 2013 Tiger Tunes show?
I just want them to remember having a great time, being completely engulfed in the show… and leaving wanting more!
What has been the funniest experience so far as you all have been practicing for Tiger Tunes?
Just being able to play with friends and having tons of “inside jokes” has been spectacular. However, I think the funniest moment was when Grace, our choreographer, told us that if she was a returning hostess, she “would push us out of the way, take center stage, and out shine all of us.” She’s been such a fun part of this process.
