Naiima Senior Spotlight

As Secretary of Masterman’s African American Cultural Committee, can you speak on why this club is important to you?

I think it's important to have a space where Black people at Masterman feel welcome and be able to connect with others. Since middle school I felt like an outcast because I was one of few Black students. AACC has always been important to me because it's a space where I get to see people like me and talk to people with shared experiences. Being Secretary has helped me not only connect but take leadership, speak out, and create things that will benefit Black people at Masterman, which I really appreciate. 

What was your favorite part of Blacktivities Week? 

I really liked the basketball tournament  because everyone is hype and it shows the school spirit at Masterman. I also like the cookout. Besides the stress it's nice to see people enjoy the food, come together, and have a good time eating Black food. 

As a member of the Girls Varsity Basketball team, what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned from playing highschool basketball?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that you definitely have to face adversity and not be afraid to speak out because things don’t change without using your voice. I've also learned the importance of making sacrifices. I definitely had to put things to the side in order to show up for the team and I think that will translate later on in college where I have to make certain sacrifices. 

Captain of the Girls Varsity Track Team, favorite memory from track?

I like whenever we do the core workouts because we always just joke around. The vibe of the track is very bubbly  and goofy and I love the track meets because our hard work is executed at the track meets. It's always a family connection and I like being around that group of people. 

You recently performed in orchestra for your last Masterman musical production. As first chair trombone, how did you get your start? What will you miss most about orchestra?

I started playing trombone in middle school. I wanted to play the trumpet but they didn’t have any more so my music teacher said, “Oh, you might as well just play the trombone. I have a couple, you’ll like it.” I tried it and ever since then I’ve never put it down. It definitely sometimes gets annoying having to wake up early. It's a big sacrifice and task to take on but I really love it. I’m able to express myself and it's a unique instrument. 

Current top 3 favorite songs?

I really love “Telegraph Avenue” by Childish Gambino. That’s definitely my favorite song. “Headlines” by Drake and “Since You Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson take two and three. 

As a longtime Tropical Smoothie employee, what would your go-to order recommendation be? 

If you ever go to tropical Smoothie get a Kiwi Quencher with coconut and a little bit of extra kiwi and get the Chicken Bacon Ranch Flatbread with baked Lays chips on the side and you’ll love it. 

After failing your first drivers test what preparations did you do going into the second test and what tips would you have for future drivers?

The reason I didn’t pass the first time was because when I stopped at a stop sign my car was over the line. Afterwards my dad made me go around the block and take full stops at the line before passing. In general I would say to practice parallel parking because that’s really important. 

What are you most looking forward to after highschool?

Going out with my friends. At school I’ve been so occupied and I never have time to hangout. Once I graduate I’m definitely going to make sure I go out and enjoy myself. I want to spend more time with the people I hang out with at school and make the most of it before we go our separate directions in college.