I decided to interview myself, if I don't trust myself to be earnest and good-intentioned, how can I expect others to? So I suppose this provides insight into the way I think, answer questions and just about me in general. I think its possible that when writing a bio and when asked questions, the results may be different, so here's my interview with myself!
--Always Jo'Nella Queen
1. What do you do for a living?
Be me, I'm actually a student. I'm honored and privileged to be a part of Brown University's class of 2015. I am beginning my second year as residential peer leader in the freshman dorms, I was a minority peer counselor last year and pleased to be a women's peer counselor this year. I work with the third world center on campus and every summer since '09 I've worked at a non-profit.
2. Who do you love?
Jesus, but I also love my family, dog, and my friends. My dear wonderful friends. I love the people I worry about. I'm naturally a paranoid person, but as far as I'm concerned if I don't worry about a person I'm not loving them. It's hard work, so many people to pray about/for but I do it because I love them. I want to show the people I love that God's love never fails the best way I can.
3. Do you have enough money?
This is a difficult question to answer simply because people have different definitions of the word "enough." I will answer it this way; my parents, grandparents and ancestors worked hard so that I would have enough money. I come from a working class background. I'm on financial aid, but I don't have a full scholarship, I have to take on loans. I like shopping and buying things for people especially if it's on sale, it's even worse because it prompts me buy more things...post college I won't have enough money. #Debtstopay But I will work towards acquiring it because I want to support myself financially and be able to support traveling, and a family in the future.
4. Are you healthy?
Thanks be to God I'm healthy!
But, I could work out more...
5. Do you think you are a good person?
That's what I strive to be. One of my favorite writers, Oscar Wilde said "It is absurd to divide people into good and bad. People are either charming or tedious." I like to think I am both charming and tedious but something that is very important to me is seeing myself the way that my loved ones, but more importantly the way that God sees me, and if they think I am a "good person," I must be doing it right.
6. How old are you?
I'm 20! And lovin' it. My birthday is July 17th, I'm a cancer and I'll be 20 and a half in January! But even though I'm 20 I often fall between mother and child mode.
7.Who's your best friend?
My best friend is Shadura Lee, I've know her for a year and I don't know what I'd do without her. I don't think I understood what a best friend is until I met her, or rather, the definition of what it meant to be best friends for both of us until I got to know her. She's always smiling, like me and has a big heart. She's sensitive but also so strong. She's always looking to improve and empower herself to "be a better person" but does the same for everyone in her life. She inspires me, and makes me feel like family. We have the ultimate bromance, ask anyone and we do tell each other everything, every thing. I apologize in advance. I've never had anyone I felt that comfortable with or had anyone feel as comfortable sharing with me all that she shares until her. She's shown me that it's never to late to rekindle or dig deeper into close friendships that I already have in order to make them even stronger, and reminds me that my words, regardless of what they reveal about feelings and circumstance past or present are important. That they ought to be shared and stories told even if the sentiments are fleeting, confused or going to change...It's a way to chart your growth and make people feel, affect their lives simultaneously and inspire them to create art all their own. That's my best friend, Shadura.
8. What's your childhood dream?
To be famous. I think I meant to say a rich, cultured, successful, married philanthropist by the time I'm 35.
9. How often do you laugh?
Daily, post sentences I speak, sometimes between words and phrases. a lot and often at myself.
10. What makes you smile?
Knowing that I'm making someone happy. Random acts of kindness/generosity and children, I love children.
11.Who's your most dangerous enemy?
Probably myself. Is that cliché? Can't I be the anti-hero in my story?
12. Where do you live?
I live in El Barrio, Spanish Harlem. It's technically in the Upper East Side in Manhattan but not Gossip girl. South of Harlem, slightly North of Yorkville if you're looking at a neighborhood map.
13. Do you think you're strong?
I do, I think it helps us as people endure. Emotional strength, I believe is key. And playing Rugby has affected my physical strength, naturally. ;)
14. What was the most important thing you've done so far?
Probably go to Brown. Going to school away, I applied early which was a big risk, but honestly getting into Brown is only a glimpse of what is to come, the work doesn't stop here.
15. What was the most stupid thing you've done so far?
I have two, most recently, watch Springbreakers honestly I think its my one regret in life and you'll have to watch it to understand...Ninety four minutes of my life I will never get back. But I would say another stupid thing I am guilty of is the act of caring too much. Some believe that caring can never be a "bad" thing but if this caring is detrimental to others but especially detrimental to yourself, I would say its "stupid." But once this revelation is made, its an opportunity to grow!
16. Do you love yourself?
Yes, I do, and I probably love you too.
17. What do you fear the most?
I fear running out of time. Running out of time and not having a plan. I fear not being able to spend "enough" whatever enough is-time with the people that I love. I fear losing control of myself- myself which is the only things I really have control over, and ceiling fans. Honestly, I think they're a hazard and you wont be seeing any in my future home, just no.
18. What is your favorite word?
This is a hard one, because words are so important to me, I love them. But in this moment, regardless of whether or not it could potentially change in a couple of moments, my favorite word is: "always." It means at all times, invariably, for all time, at any time, without exception, uninterruptedly, in any event, forever. It inspires me to be consistent, enduring and reminds me of God's love for His people.
19. When was the last time you cried?
Pretty recently, this month for sure, but often its been a struggle for the tears to fall. Don't know what that's about. Crying feels good sometimes...after, eventually.
20. What is the best thing that could happen to you right now?
Lol. The most life-changing best thing that could happen to me right now would equip me with a superpower of sorts. I would say the ability to get and keep whatsoever I want, with my words.
(ie. Me: Oprah, I 'd like to take over your fortune
Oprah: Of course dear! Go on and take it all!
Me: FLOTUS, can we be besties, forever?
Michelle Obama: Yeah girl, let's go shopping!
Me: Brown, can you pay for my entire education and give the clubs/departments and resource centers that I'm a part of more money?
The University: Duh, you want us to pay for your grad school too? Things like that.
21. What is the worst thing that could happen to you right now?
I'd rather not discuss it.
22. How do you see yourself in 5 years?
Oh my gosh. Five years from now I will be twenty five, in my prime, on my grind. I see myself happy with my life so far, content and humble but also ready to continue growing. I may or may not go Beyonce blonde, maybe the world will be ready for this jelly in 5 years. And I want to have been on an episode of SVU.
23. Do you regret anything?
See question 15 where I discuss the stupidest thing(s) I've done.
24. What's the first thing you do in the morning?
I reflect on the dream, nightmare or lack of either I've had.
25. What are you thinking just before going to bed?
I hope I remembered to set my alarm. My preferred thought is just that everything is going to be okay, and that my loved ones are okay.
26. What was the highest point you've ever been to?
College hill. jk on a plane probably. I haven't climbed any mountains, sorry.
27. If there's one thing in your life you'd want to change, what would it be?
Nothing, everything happens for a reason an plus, with that power I received in an earlier question, I think I'm all set.
28. What are you proud of?
Myself. Scoring my first try in a rugby game during my freshman spring. And getting into Brown, but that's a given.
29. How would you describe your life thus far in one sentence?
I'll have to get back to you on that one.
30. Name the thing that annoys you the most?
When men shout things to womyn/girls in the street.
And when people take a long time to respond to emails.
31. What is your number one question to God?
What will my life be like? What do I need to do and not do?
32. Do you have secrets?
None of my own, and they aren't my secrets to tell.
33. What makes you laugh?
Me, I make myself laugh a lot. My friends and family, Kevin Hart...
*34 Are you happy?
Lies. There were supposed to be only 33 questions. But yes, I'm happy. :)

This work by Jo'Nella Queen Ellerbe is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
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