D’Aja Christopher

Representing Brooklyn, New York, Brittani-Nicole grew up with parents with both Costa Rican and Jamaican backgrounds. Thus explaining why she is the perfect fit for her position as Vice President of the Caribbean Student Association. This Wednesday, I had the pleasure of interviewing her. In doing this I learned more about her background, upbringing, her family, and just more about her personally. 

Hornet: Can we meet the woman behind the title? Where were you born and what was your upbringing like?

Brittani-Nicole: I was born in Brooklyn, New York. My mother is Costa Rican and my father is Jamaican. When they both came to this country they came straight to Brooklyn. So although I grew up in New York, I grew up with Caribbean principles and beliefs and also in a Christian household. 

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

Brittani-Nicole: I would say my parents.. but as far as impacting the woman I am today, my mom. My mom has taught me that if nothing else, to do nothing without purpose. With everything you do, make sure you have a purpose. 

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

Brittani-Nicole: Before I came to Delaware State University, I went to a performing arts college in Manhattan, New York. The American Musical and Dramatic Academy, AMDA for short. I graduated from their 2-year program in May of 2017. 

Brittani-Nicole

Hornet: Is this where you thought you’d be 5 or so years ago?

Brittani-Nicole: Not at all. I wasn’t really sure what I would be doing right now, but I’m not mad at where I’m at in life. 

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

Brittani-Nicole: After graduating from AMDA, I realized I was learning things on performing arts but I also wanted to get a degree that would help me out with the other aspects of the industry like production.

Hornet: What are your plans for the future? 

Brittani-Nicole: Besides performing, later in life, I would like to open a black school for performing arts. Essentially creating an Historically Black College and University (HBCU), without the history behind it. Something like a black Julliard. 

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

Brittani-Nicole: I would say find what you’re passionate about. Find the thing that you wake up in the morning thinking about. Find the thing you always want to work on and improve on. Find a career path that will turn all of that into income. If you can’t, find something you wouldn’t mind waking up every morning to do, and then use your passion as your hobby so you have something that you could just enjoy alongside making money. 

Hornet: Have you ever traveled outside the United States? Where, and how does life outside compare to that in the U.S.?

Brittani-Nicole: Yes, I prefer it outside of the U.S. I have been to Canada, Jamaica, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, and Mexico. Every country I have visited has broadened my spectrum for what I want in life. I most likely will own a home outside of the country when I am able to and eventually gain dual citizenship in Jamaica. I plan to continue traveling because of the love I have for it and hopefully be able to touch each continent at least once by the time I turn 35. 

Hornet: Are you interested in politics? What is your take on the state of politics and the future of American democracy?

Brittani-Nicole: Yes, and no. Yes, because I feel like you need to be informed of the things going on because of the climate in which we live in, in today’s society. But also no, because as I’ve gotten older I’ve grown to realize the harsh reality of what our government stands for and the principles of which they stand on. 

Hornet: What are your hobbies or extracurricular activities?

Brittani-Nicole: I sing, dance, act, write both poetry and music, and I am a freelance make-up artist on the side of everything else. Everything I do as a hobby, I plan to do as a career. It is my passion. 

Hornet: Let us end this interview with a memorable quote from you. How would you describe yourself to the world?

Complete this sentence for me: I am…

Brittani-Nicole: I am resilient. As other people, I have been through a lot in my life and I just feel like no matter what I always come out stronger. I don’t stop and I don’t give up. There’s a difference between letting go and giving up, and you obviously have to learn discernment and learn when its time to let something go but, something I don’t do is give up. So above all, I would say that I am resilient.