As Seniors prepare to exit, the Class of 2021 takes over.

By Tameka Shockley

Amaya Smith

Miss Amaya Smith is an 18-year old freshman from Washington D.C. She is a Mass Communications major with a concentration in Convergence journalism, taking her first-time experience at this University day by day. An eager young lady, ready to excel and get her hands on all things newsworthy, Miss Smith sat down with us and gave us the scoop on what she has going on.

Hornet:  Can we get to meet the woman behind the title?

Where were born and what was your upbringing like?

Amaya: I was born and raised in Washington D.C and like many similar situations, I had a single mother who raised two kids starting at the age of 20. She couldn’t afford much, but her family helped take care of us even though it took a toll on them. They always kept us because they loved us.

Hornet: Who has been the greatest influence in your life that has impacted the woman you are today?

Amaya: I think the greatest influence on my life is the woman who raised me and that is my great grandmother. She always took care of me and raised me to be a very independent and intelligent woman and I thank her to this day because we are still very close.

Hornet: What about your family?

Amaya: I think my family is very supportive. They pick me up when I fall and I don’t know what kind of person I would be without them.

Hornet: Can you tell us  your  goals or life ambition?

Amaya: My education meant something to me because that was the key to my freedom. I know knowledge is power and a college degree on top of my high school diploma would open doors for me. I knew my career needed a degree for me in order to succeed.

Hornet: Can you tell us of your job experience prior to attending Delaware State University?

Amaya: My job prior to coming to college was an internship for high school seniors where I worked from last February to August.

Hornet: What was the most memorable point at that job?

Amaya: My most memorable point was not one thing, but the overall good feeling that I got from helping people.

Hornet: Your thoughts about where you’ll be 5 or 10 from now.

Amaya: I hope to be graduated and living in New York and to have a good job in Journalism. And also to be happy in my 20’s.

Hornet: What informed your decision on doing what you’re doing now?

Amaya: I really wanted to be involved while I was in college because I could gain experience and opportunities.

Hornet: As the new Editor – in – Chief for The Mass Comm. Message Magazine at DSU, what are your plans for the future?

Amaya: As the new Editor-in-Chief for the Mass Comm. Message at DSU, my plans for the future are to add more writers to the staff and to get the name out by doing a social media page.

Hornet:  What kind of advice would you offer a student, who is undecided on his or her career path?

Amaya: If you are undecided that does not stop you from taking general classes until you figure out your career path and if you don’t know, I would say to go to career services because that is what they are there for.

Hornet: How would you describe the state of higher education in America today?

Amaya: I feel like the state of higher education is even harder than it has been in previous years. It is difficult for a college student to afford so many fees and everyone should be able to attend college. I feel that education is a human right that should be controlled. The debt/loan repayment system is unconventional and I hope America can get its act together on this matter.

Hornet: What does the future hold for America?

Amaya: We never truly know the future for America. But one thing we do know for sure is that history is always repeating itself– even in the White House as we now have a celebrity in office like the Reagan administration. I can only hope that in the next three years the future will be bright and that we all realize the importance of voting. So, please vote!

Hornet: What are your thoughts on DACA?

Amaya: I feel like the people affected by DACA should stay in this country. I feel most of them have helped this economy and they work hard and show the true meaning of being an American. America is supposed to be the land of the FREE. This land is your land and this land is my land and they are living the true American dream and so, nobody has the right to take them away from their homes.

Hornet: What are your hobbies or extracurricular activities?

Amaya: I am a youtuber and have been for over 3 months and have reached over 100 views. If you would like to view my YouTube channel my name is @Maya Saraya. I am in a lot of clubs and I am a part of the National Association of Black Journalists and I also write feature stories for the Hornet newspaper. I am into writing and photography and I love black and white photos.

Hornet: Let us end this interview with your philosophy of life. How do you see this life and what principles get you grounded and moving forward?

Amaya: I have a lot of things to say, but one thing I can tell you is to not be afraid to live but also to know your right from your wrong. Just because you take advantage of the opportunity of life doesn’t mean there aren’t consequences along the way. Also, to have dreams and be motivated because you will come across hurdles all the time and make mistakes, but it’s all about how you handle things.