GASP: What is/was your major and why did you choose it?
Anastasia: Three and a half years ago, when the decision of choosing a major was due to be added to my degree plan, truthfully I wasn’t sure what to major in. All I knew was I had made it to college and I wanted to be successful. At that time, success meant to me, making the most money I could. In my mind, Business Administration was the way to make the most money as possible. I could possibly open a restaurant franchise or become an overnight sensation as an entrepreneur. Thankfully now, I define success a lot differently than I did then.
GASP: Where did you go to school?
Anastasia: I am a proud graduate of the Illustrious Miles College. While have recently obtaining my undergraduate degree at Miles, I have big aspirations to become a Bulldog and attend Samford University for graduate school.
GASP: What do you hope to do post graduation?
Anastasia: As of now, my hope is to really focus in on what my passions are. Society does a heck of a job at rushing recent grads to just pick any career. Fortunately, I don’t want just another job, I want to make an impact in my career field and that takes passion.
GASP: What is your dream job?
Anastasia: This question is freighting because no matter what my answer is I don’t know what the future holds. Right now I am very passionate about poor urban communities and the gap in society when it comes to that. In my mind, becoming an attorney will allow me to either change and/or put in place policies that benefit urban youth.
GASP: What do you hope to learn while interning with GASP?
Anastasia: Above all, I hope to gain a sense of what It feels like to work in the non-profit world, but also how to navigate life as a working adult. Graduating from college feels like being released into the jungle known as the real world and I don’t think anything could have prepared me for the post-grad experience.
GASP: Why is our mission to reduce air pollution important to you?
Anastasia: The mission of GASP is important to me because It’s honestly where I’m the most passionate. As an HBCU grad in a particularly “rougher” city, you see first hand not only what the lack of resources can have on an area but also the lack of education and advocacy for that particular city. People need to be educated to know what is best for them but also encouraged to have a voice to speak up when they are being subject to unhealthy conditions. The mission of GASP should be important to every person that can breathe in the Birmingham area.
GASP: What is your favorite food?
Anastasia: I am a huge foodie so I love a variety of foods but I would have to say my all time favorite is Jamaican oxtails.
GASP: What are your hobbies?
Anastasia: As previously stated I am a foodie so one of my hobbies include trying new restaurants. Birmingham offers so many fun places to eat. I also enjoy reading, hiking and fellowshipping.
GASP: Who or what are your influences?
Anastasia: My biggest influence is Jesus Christ. Not to sound cliché but the way Jesus lived his life is really my blueprint. I pray my biggest influence is my local church. It’s important to have a community to hold you accountable, bare your burdens, and celebrate with you.
GASP: What are some other fun facts about yourself?
Anastasia: I’m from Niagara Falls, New York. I don’t have tonsils. I did theatre in all four years of high school and love acting.
