Q&A with student-of-all-trades Niki W.

By Taylor M.

Niki is fifteen and she is a sophomore here at Airport. She and I  have been friends since the beginning of this year, and she is a really kind and understanding person. She is currently involved in our upcoming play, Brainstorm, a play about teenage brains, and she also has a very wide range of knowledge and interests. As I am also in the play,  during our break at rehearsal, I got a chance to interview her outside the auditorium. Students at Airport may be interested in learning more about this unique person. 

Taylor: This is Taylor Mack of the Eyrie, interviewing Niki Windham. I have a list of 15 questions. Answer honestly. How do you feel about being a sophomore this year?

Niki: Honestly, sophomore year hasn’t been that bad. Freshman year was honestly pretty bad because of constant panic attacks and issues, and other things. But now that I’m out of orchestra and I avoid a certain group of people, I’m a lot healthier, I could say. That’s for sure. 

Taylor: Which subject has surprised you the most?

Niki: AP Seminar. Ap Seminar was…It was great. I loved it so much. But also, it was really rough. So I’m just like, “You want me to present in front of all of these people?” And I was like, “Okay, I can do that. Let me turn on my radio host voice for you!”

Taylor: What has been the most challenging part of this school year so far, and how are you dealing with it?

Niki: Rehearsals. Not, like, in a bad way. Just…Rehearsals are very draining on me physically, and I am chronically ill. So it’s really hard for me to deal with it. But otherwise, like, I’m handling it pretty well, and I’m gonna get a knee brace so when I keep on landing on my left knee, I don’t break it or dislocate it. Again.

Taylor: Are there any teachers or staff members who have had a significant impact on your life?

Niki: Mrs. Williams over at Fulmer Middle School. She was my eighth grade history teacher, and I loved her so much for various reasons. But she also was part of the main reasons where I was like, “I want to make it to graduation. I want to make it.” and I wasn’t so sure back then if I was going to be able to. And she’s my current motivation, other than a few other things, of course.

Taylor: What do you enjoy doing when you’re not at school or doing homework? Or at rehearsal?

[Laughter] 

Niki: Apologies for the laughter, Dr. R…Definitely writing, for sure. Writing, potentially doing D&D stuff, and working on my own personal projects.

Taylor: Are you currently involved in any clubs or other after-school activities?

Niki: I am in STEM club, I am in drama club, I am in rehearsals for two different plays, I play cello at home, I have to help…I’m my family therapist. It’s going wonderful.

Taylor: If you could change one thing about Airport High School, what would it be?

Niki: Um…I don’t like Mr. Pumphrey. He personally creeps me out. But that is my own personal opinion, and I’m sorry if you hear this. I just think you’re weird.

Taylor: What are your plans after high school?

Niki: I plan to go to Coastal Carolina University, get my doctorate in conservational biology, and get a master’s degree in political science.

Taylor: What do you see yourself doing as a career?

Niki: Conservational botanist, for sure. Because we’re going to die and the plants are going to live. That is one. So, I want to make sure enough plants live so the earth can be rehabilitated. Or, like, I could definitely see myself being a journalist. I’m not taking journalism, Dr. R!

Taylor: What is a moment from this year that has been the most memorable?

Niki: When we got our cast listings for The Snow. That is our thespian festival thing. I don’t know what it’s called. And I got one of the narrators, which is the role that I wanted, and I’m really happy about it.

Taylor: What’s something about you that most people don’t know?

Niki: My voice is this deep. I know it doesn’t sound like this often, but my voice is this deep.

Taylor: Who do you look up to?

Niki: My mom, the person who’s interviewing me at the moment, and a couple others. But that’s about it.

Taylor: If you could give someone one piece of advice, what would you say?

Niki: Anthony C. -- There are times where you need to stop talking. You don’t have to talk all the time.

Taylor: What’s a dream you’ve had since you were a kid, and has that changed?

Niki: I wanted to be both a DJ and a scientist when I was a kid. I currently have a radio station set up in honor of my grandfather, and I’m going into science. So, it hasn’t really changed.

Taylor: And last question. What’s one thing that always helps you when you’re stressed and more overwhelmed?

Niki: Music. Music. Not classical music. Classical music makes me more stressed and more overwhelmed. I don’t think people understand how scary classical music is. But music definitely helps me calm down a lot.

Taylor: Well, thank you for that!

Niki: You’re welcome. Bye, Dr. R!

Taylor: This has been Taylor for the Eyrie, and I have just interviewed Niki Windham. Bye!

Thank you, Niki, for allowing me to interview you and sharing your remarks on who you are as a person and who you inspire to be. I enjoyed listening to your answers and how genuine each one felt, and how some had a small story to it. It was very fascinating to hear about what you plan to do in the near future. It shows how dedicated you are to your long term goals, and I hope you’re able to achieve them.