Shalom Akinkunmi is a Sophomore.

Question: What’s on your bucket list this year?

Answer: Nothing spectacular I’m just trying to pass algebra, and maybe enter a few art competitions as well.

Q: Who inspires you to be better?

A: I don’t think anyone really inspires me but if I had to say, and I know this is generic, but my mom. Just seeing how much work she put into us, I don’t wanna end up being a bad investment you know?

Q: Where do you like to shop for clothes?

A: I haven’t shopped for clothes in a while, my mom usually buys them. I do love shopping for rack room shoes! Shoes are clothing items. And any type of online clothes shopping is always fun even if you don’t end up getting anything.

Q: What school activities did you participate in?

A: The most prominent school activity I participate in is speech and debate. I’ve always wanted to do it so it was really exciting to finally participate this year. I’m also a part of a KPS. And we planted flowers near the Kerr theater, it’s always very relaxing.

Q: What two languages would you like to be fluent in?

A: It’s really hard to pick just two! But I’d have to say French because it is such a pretty language, and Spanish because it is so sought after in the workplace, and then I could finally watch telenovelas without subtitles.

Q: What board game do you like the most?

A: I don’t play actual board games on board, but I really love to scrabble. I play it almost every day online, and Uno if it counts (never online). Honestly anything but Monopoly. 

Q: If you could get rid of one disease, what would it be?

A: I know a lot of people would say cancer, but honestly, it has to be with something like Parkinson’s or pneumonia. With Parkinson’s, it is almost like a family curse where you know if one of your family members has it the chance that you’re gonna end up having it is much more likely. It’s not talked about much but young people get it too. And cancer definitely sucks but only 5-10% is hereditary.

Q: What are your major goals in life?

A: One of my major goals in life is to own my own off-grid house and an out-patient clinic. It would be really cool to know that I was able to accomplish that by myself. 

Q: Who is it that inspired you to be more spiritual?

A: My Mom and my Pastor. I feel like he’s a great example of a pastor who genuinely cares about the people in his church and speaks and addresses them like human beings.   

Q: How do you define a good friendship?

A: A good friendship is one where you both gain something from the connection you have with each other. You help each other grow and even in arguments are to respect each other’s boundaries. Friendships, where you don’t grow in them aren’t really friendships, just accountancies, or situational gatherings.