My name is Sha’Niya Ashley. I am a sophomore at Cristo Rey Columbus high school, where I am currently interning at 2nd and 7 for the work-study program. I am someone who enjoys staying active and learning about new things. One of my favorite things to do is to play and watch sports because they give me an opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone and continuously push myself to improve. I have participated in sports such as cheering and dancing since I was four years old, and volleyball since I was in sixth grade. Over the years, competing in various sports has taught me valuable lessons about teamwork, dedication, discipline, and perseverance. They have shown me that talent is not enough; consistent practice and determination are essential. Although sports are a big part of my life, education is equally important.
I have always considered myself someone who genuinely enjoys learning. Growing up, I would look forward to going to my English class, especially when we were reading a book. Reading and writing allow me to explore different topics on a deeper level and express my own thoughts and ideas. When I was a kid, my absolute favorite book was The Princess in Black. I remember always looking for a copy of it whenever the annual school book fair came around. As a child, I enjoyed the story because it was exciting, easy to follow, and entertaining. As I’ve grown older, so has my interest in literature. Today, I enjoy reading a variety of genres, including fantasy, romance, and science fiction. However, I am always willing to read something that captures my attention, no matter the genre.
My interests extend way beyond literature and sports, especially when it comes to creativity. I started to enjoy drawing when I was a child because it gives me a way to express my imagination and bring my ideas to life on a sheet of paper. Experimenting different styles allows me to be creative and build patience by taking my time perfecting my art. I also enjoy watching anime, which has become another way for me to explore my creative mind. The creativity behind illustrating, developing storylines, and animating intrigues me. Drawing characters from the amines I like allows me to connect two of my favorite hobbies.
Along with having interest in creativity, I also have developed a liking in science, more specifically chemistry. Chemistry combines logical thinking with curiosity and allows me to understand the reasoning behind why things happen. Learning about the way substances interact with one another makes science both challenging and exciting. My interest in chemistry has made me ask more questions about everything because you’ll never have knowledge of everything.
Overall, I am very excited to be interning at 2nd and 7, especially being a student athlete. Most people think that just because I am an athlete that makes me less intelligent in a sense. But, I love the fact that I have a choice to receive education, that is something I will never take for granted. I am ready to help children build their literacy skills and interest in reading in writing.
- Written by: Sha’Niya Ashley, Cristo Rey Work Study Student