stats: 16, Senior at Dallas County High School
notable: Children of Our Future President, FBLA Club Member, Dallas County HS Band Member
quotable: “Smile, because you have another day to make it right.”
her story: Zantia is actively involved in bettering her community and empowering those around her. As president of the Children of Our Future (COOF) Club, she spends her time and energy helping young ladies plan for college, reach their goals, and build self-esteem. She shares, “I became interested in COOF when I saw that girls my age didn’t know or understand their history, and had very low self-esteem.” Zantia is also a member of Destination Liberation, a community-based organization designed to educate and empower young women of color through mentorship, service, and global learning experiences. At Dallas County High School, she is a member of the volleyball team and band, as well as HOSA (health occupations Students of America) and FBLA ( Future Business Leaders of America). When asked to share what makes her unique, Zantia answered, “I think what makes me different is my personality. I am always the same, no matter what. I’m a peacekeeper and a smile-maker.”
what’s next: Zantia hopes to become a neonatal nurse in the future.
PG (parental guidance) rating: When asked to share the best advice she has ever received, Zantia relayed the words of her mother: “Never give up, and always give your all.” She explains, “My mother is a fighter. You never see her stress. I want to be like her when I grow up.”
parents’ perspective: Towanda shares, “I admire that Zannie does not give up. I show no fear, and always let her know she can be anything she wants.” She adds, “Zantia is unique because she is always willing to help others. She is like Supergirl.”
parent-to-parent: “The hardest part of parenting is knowing one day I will have to release her to the world. It brings tears to my eyes,” Towanda admits. Her advice to other parents? “Be your child’s role model.”
