For this week, I decided to do a Q&A, aka "Get to Know Me Tag" article. Since it is also my first week here on Odyssey, I thought I would also open up with an introduction article that tells you about myself. Down below are several questions that I find myself always being asked about myself and about my life.

1. You're tall and look really athletic. Do you play basketball?

This is the number one question that I get asked from people when I first meet them. No, I don't play basketball anymore, but I used to when I was a kid. I had a small passion for it when I was little, but when I progressed through high school, the passion slowly died down. Whenever I would meet people, and even to this day, people ask me if I play sports. However, being 5'8" and being very lean, I guess it's no surprise.

2. What's your college major?

I'm a rising junior in college and majoring in psychology.

3. If you could pick any animal to communicate with, which would it be and why?

I would communicate with dogs because dogs have a way of knowing how us humans feel. Whether we are sad, happy, nervous or anything, dogs seem to have a fifth sense when it comes to our emotions. But vice versa, I've always wanted to know what dogs think and feel.

4. How do you feel your experience as an African-American differs from others of the same race/culture?

Being an African-American definitely has its ups and downs. Being black in America is noticeably different compared to other races. As an African-American, you feel constant pressure to present yourself in the best light. From going into a job interview, dressing, speaking, or even driving on the road. For example, it is proven that it is harder for black Americans to get hired than whites. And it is no secret that blacks get pulled over more than any other race group in the country.

Because of this, I have to make sure that I am always following the law and never give anyone a reason to make a complaint or get me in trouble. I was raised in a mostly white neighborhood in Gwinnett County, so I had to learn all of this at a young age the hard way. Because of racial bias and stereotypes, I and others like myself grow up with a different amount of pressure to be the best we can be. My family personally values education and success, so doing well in school and striving to be great is a must in my family. Being black has definitely taught me how to appreciate the good times when I am not dealing with bigotry in racism; even from other minority groups.

5. What is something you wish people knew about you or understand about you right off the bat?

I wish people would understand that behind my the quiet and nonchalant vibe I give off at first, I really am an easy going and open person to be around. I don't usually open up to people as much when I first meet them, which makes me come off as kind of closed off, but when I get to know people and am around them more, I open up and express myself more and a lot easier. It is easier for me to laugh, joke and relax when I am around someone I know well and am comfortable with.

6. What are two beliefs or opinions you have that conflict with each other (or are total opposites)?

I believe that social media is the worst thing to happen to my and other generations. I think social media (Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, etc.) have all changed the world for the worst.

It is no surprise that social media can cause people to develop anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. Social media also causes drama, heartbreak, arguments, and misunderstanding in relationships. Therefore, I deleted most of my social media and never looked back. However, I do still go on YouTube and am trying to pursue a YouTube channel this upcoming summer. These two ideas kind of contradict each other seeing that YouTube/vlogging is still social media, but I am determined to see if it really makes a difference and is different from the other common platforms of social media.

7. If you had to travel anywhere in the world and live there for a year, starting life afresh and brand new with no help, where would you live and why?

If I had a choice to live anywhere to start over, would live in New Orleans – hands down. When I first visited New Orleans, I knew right off the bat there was something about it that I would be able to call home one day. New Orleans is the most friendliest, laid back, culture-heavy and beautiful city I have been to. Sure, I love my city of Atlanta, but New Orleans had a more at-home vibe to it that anyone could see.

From the food, the party and city life, to the history and culture, the city New Orleans has a culture and flare like no other. It's a city where you can go there and start fresh and not have to worry about not making new friends or worrying about meeting new people because almost everyone is open and as friendly as they can be to where you actually feel like you're just at a home away from home.

8. Pick something in your room right now that holds meaning to you and what does it mean to you?

My book "Closer to God Each Day" By Joyce Meyer holds a very close place to my heart. The book gives you Christian advice, quotes and scriptures for every day of the year. This book has gotten me through the most stressful, painful, and difficult times in my life. Being a Christian, I am very influenced and driven by the concept of prayer and reading self-help Christian books. This book teaches me how to reflect on my blessings each day, and most importantly, remember that no matter how hard life gets, each day has a meaning and is also a blessing in some way.

9. What song, book or movie affected you deeply and has influenced you in life?

My favorite movie right now is "Get Out," and when I saw this movie, I could not stop watching it. This movie brought so many issues black Americans face in this country today, from the micro-agressions, stereotyping, racial bias, body objectification, fetishization of black bodies and the concerns of interracial dating to racial violence. This movie highlights serious issues we face in America but at the same time adds humor into parts of the movie to help ease the tension. Over the past several hundred years, African-Americans have been dealing with some, if not all, of these issues and Jordan Peele brought all of these issues to light with this movie.

10. Favorite hobbies?

My favorite hobbies include writing, journaling, listening to throwback music, sketching/drawing, cooking and food, traveling, psychology, reading self-help books and photography.

11. Something unique we don't know about you?

I was born on Valentine's day. I usually always liked to keep this a secret from people when I was growing up because I thought it was kind of embarrassing being born on "love day," but now I embrace it.

12. What is your favorite song/book/movie and why?

My all-time favorite song would be "What They Do" by The Roots. This throwback 90's song has a cool neo-soul vibe to it which instantly relaxes me whenever I am feeling stressed. Unlike most rap/hip hop songs, The Roots has a way of expressing their music in a way that is classy and poetic. This song talks about the importance of doing your own thing and not being persuaded into fitting into the status quo; especially mainstream media and the celebrities that portray a negative image to the younger generation.

This group articulated the negative effects of idolizing the culture of a lot of hip-hop/rap artists in today's society, such as women being objectified by dancing on tables, flashing luxury cars in music videos, cheating on your spouse with multiple people, drugs/alcohol, and money, the root of all evil. I've had new songs that I've like recently but at the end of the day, this is probably one of the only hip-hop songs that truly speaks to me.