Meeting The Original Five Star Stunnas

   I am a firm believer of the idea that everything happens for a reason. As a result, I do not have an urge to change anything that has previously occurred in my life. Although, if I had to, I would change the day I met Mindless Behavior. Even though I enjoyed that day, with better preparation I would have enjoyed the experience more.

   Mindless Behavior is a group of four teenage boys that produce pop and R&B music. I was-and still am- crazy about them. When I found out they were having a meet and greet in Cleveland, I quickly purchased my admission, days before the event. 

  On the day of the meet and greet, I did not attend school in order to have my hair freshly done. In addition to my appearance, I had on a very cute but not very warm outfit. I refused to wear my winter coat, and I instead wore a fall jacket. This was only the beginning of my regrets. We ended up waiting outside in the winter cold for hours. It was so cold that my fingers were numb when I finally got inside. As a result, the first thing I would change would be my attire if I could go back to that day.

   In addition to my unfortunate preparation, I did not plan what I was going to say to each member. I ended up forgetting to wish two of the members who had recent birthdays, a happy birthday. I also forgot to introduce myself to them. All I could muster to say was "I love you", most likely with a dazed expression on my face. I am sure that I looked like a definite fangirl. To finish it off, when I exited the building, I screamed of excitement and happiness. I am positive that Mindless Behavior heard it. Going back to that day, I would also make sure to sound like the educated, logical human being I am. I would also introduce myself so that the member of Mindless Behavior that remembers most fans, would remember me the next time he saw me.

   If I could make the changes I previously mentioned, I would have a greater benefit from that experience. Although, reminiscing to that day, my actions are now comical but still a little embarrassing. Regardless of my unfortunate experience, I enjoyed myself in that moment, which was all that mattered. Now that I think about it, I am glad that they did not remember me the next time I saw them.

A picture my chauffeur snuck...(I am not in this picture)

Me after the event...LITERALLY

A Five Star Stunna Can Not Simply Value One Person

I value almost everyone I encounter in life, for many different reasons. Other than my mother, one person I greatly value would be my older sister, Mia. She has taught me so much, both intentionally and unintentionally.

To begin, Mia is a loving, hilarious, hard working, intelligent, and annoying person. As we were growing up, I looked up to her tremendously. She was always gorgeous, smart, brave, and loved by those who genuinely knew her. She is also athletic, daring, social, ambitious, caring, and exceeds academically. Everyone that has been graced by Mia's presence knows she has absolutely no problem confronting others. As a result, I still look up to her today.

In addition to what was previously stated, Mia has shown how confident, determined, and brave she is by graduating from high school, with no interruption, regardless of her unplanned pregnancy at the age of 17. She did not let the birth of my beautiful niece effect her negatively. Instead, she has become a loving, fun, and protective mother. Recently, Mia has graduated from Bowling Green State University with her Bachelor's degree at the age of 21, making her one of the first to do so in our family. She has now been accepted into a program that will lead her to achieving her goal of becoming a midwife.

Throughout the years, Mia has been one of the best older siblings anyone could ask for. I am so privileged to have her as not only my older sister, but my confidant, walking diary, personal tutor, protector, entertainer, chauffeur, and most importantly - my best friend. I can only hope that I can be as great of an older sister and role model for our younger sisters.

The Summa of a Five Star Stunna

This summer, I did not do much. My days consisted of playing on my phone, gaming, watching movies and shows on Netflix, sleeping, snacking, beating my family in UNO, and the occasional hangout with friends. Every Tuesday and Thursday, I had research lab. My summer was very uneventful, yet my family made it fun for me. They always do!

Nearly every summer, three of my male cousins that I am closest with, stay with us until school begins again. My siblings, my cousins, and  I are all relatively close in age. As a result, we get a long really well. Together, we have a lot of fun whether it is playing sports, going to water parks, playing pranks, randomly going to fast food restaurants at 3 in the morning, sharing stories, or just simply being who we are. They are like the brothers I have always I never had, yet I have always longed for.

Because of all of the fun that we had, the day my cousins were leaving was very saddening. I could definitely tell how upset everyone was. As an addition to the mood, a close family friend had passed away amen, and we would have to attend their burial in the same day.

The morning of their departure, we left on time for once. We stopped at a local gas station for snacks, and we were on our way. The ride to our destination was nearly silent. We arrived downtown Cleveland, and of course, we could not find the Megabus station. After we found the station, we could not find parking. Finally, we found a place to park, with time to spare. Waiting for the Megabus to arrive, we took a million "selfies" that did not turn out that great. People stared at us, bus this did not bother us the slightest bit because we pride ourselves in not caring what others think. Unfortunately, the bus then arrived. We all left one another with a few choice words, hugs, and kisses--on the verge of tears. My cousins then boarded the bus, setting in the fact that we would not see each other in months. In no time, my older sister, my mom, and I guested into tears. (We are all super sensitive.) As the bus pulled off, we each gestured an inside joke to my cousins. We then went on our way to the burial that I previously mentioned. Overall, the day was very emotional.

Although my cousins and I were together to the point where they began to annoy me greatly, I miss me dearly, to this day. Regardless of all of the repetitive pranks that were played on me, I cannot wait until the summer simply because I know "the crew" will soon be reunited.

My name is Nya.

My name is Nya.
It kills me.
I hate it!
People often misspell it.
I wish it was simple.
I want a new, normal name.
Maybe then, I could find a cup with my name on it.
And I would not have to pay extra for personalized items.
I am also saddened that I might not ever find another Nya;
And if I did, it would not be spelled the same.
I want a nickname that is a shortened version of my name;
But name is already short.
Three Letters;
Two syllables:
Nya.
What would they call me?
Na?
Ny?
Ya?

My name is Nya.
It is as delightful as a new box of 'Wheat Thins'.
I Love It!
People often misspell it.
I no longer wish it was simple,
Nor do I want a new, "normal" name.
And do I really need that cup?
What is a few extra dollars for being special?
I now value the fact that I have not yet encountered another Nya.
Although, I am still pretty sure that it would not be spelled the same.
I now have a nickname,
Nine letters;
Three syllables:
Nyra Banks!
But I am finally content with just being referred to as...
NYA!

My #1 Rule

Embracing the fact that no one in the world is exactly the same is very important to me. As a result, my number one rule in life is to be myself, regardless of what others think. Applying this rule to a vast majority of my life, I have learned to influence myself and others around me to value being themselves.
Sometimes, being myself is a challenge but I know that it is easier to be myself than to pretend to be someone that I am not. At times, people might feel the need to change themselves in order to satisfy others as a way to fit in or avoid bullying and negative judgement. Although, not every person encountered in life will like the other individual for who they are but some will. For example, I, personally, have encountered many people who do not like me simply because of the way I talk. People often tell me that I do not speak as urban as expected. I even recall a time where I would speak more urban around certain individuals. Doing so, I eventually came to the realization that I was not being myself when I spoke that way. With this in mind, I chose to discontinue that action and found friends that liked me, regardless of my speech. That was when this rule became very valuable to me.

I now influence others around me to maintain their confidence and pride in themselves when it comes to the way they dress, speak, think, and more. Because of this, I greatly embrace diversity, as well as, a person genuinely being themselves.