Hi everybody, here is the 2nd interview. This one was an interesting read. I really enjoyed the maturity in her answers.

I present 17 year old Jasmine. This is worth reading, she is very mature and has an interesting story to tell.

1.What is your full name? Why did your parents select this name for you? Did you have a nickname?

My name is Jasmine Iman (last name deleted for privacy). It was my mother's choice. She chose "Jasmine" because she liked the name because of the flower. "Iman" came from the Somalian model Iman. I found out Jasmine means "God's gift" so I am honored to have this name. My nicknames are Jazz, Jazzy, and Jay.

2. When and where were you born?
I was born on February 1st, 1994 at Sinai Grace hospital in Detroit, MI.

3. What world events had the most impact on you while you were growing up? Did any of them personally affect your family?
The biggest events that made an impact on my family would have to be the election of President Barack Obama. It was a huge impact as an African American in this generation because we normally have stories of the negatives. We needed to have something positive to tell our children.

4. Generally speaking, what was your childhood like?
My childhood was a little crazy in the beginning, and eventually mellowed out. So all in all, I view it as kind of normal.

5. What was it like where you grew up?
My neighborhood was pretty good at the time. The 90's seemed like a good time. The city was booming and bustling and full of life.

6.Describe your most important friendships.
Many of my friendships that are considered really important happened after elementary school. One of my best friends in the whole wide world is Kiara. Her mother and my mom went to school together, which made it easy for us to get along. Another good good friend of mines is Eric. I hated him in elementary school, but now were pretty much inseparable, as we have strong musical backgrounds and interests, as well as outgoing crazy personalities. And of course I couldn't forget my dearest friend Danielle, whom I met in middle school. She has helped me thru many tough times as did I with her. We sort of compliment each other. I have many other friends as well, but these are the most important.

7. Are there any teachers or subjects you have particularly liked or disliked?
I have always had an interest in the Arts, English, and Science. I don't care for Geometry, US History, or Chemistry. I love world history as well. I have grown to love Trigonometry as it comes pretty easy for me. Some of my favorite teachers include Ms. Brockman and Ms Lewis (from pre kindergarten), my music teachers Mrs. Lewis, Mr. Gardner, and Mrs. Ferris, my third grade teachers Mrs. Young and Ms. Burns, my middle school teachers Mrs. Baars, Mrs. Scott, Mr. O'Connor, Mr. Rock, Mrs. Ndu-Nwagu, Coach Filie, Mr. Cairo, Mr. Dean and Mrs.Williams. High school teachers include Mrs. Quader, Fr. Jose, Ms. Dougherty, Mr. LaCross and probably many more.

8.Are you involved in sports, music, drama, or other extra-curricular activities?
I played soccer in middle school. I loved it. But after a semi serious knee injury, I was no longer able to play. I LOOOOVE music! I sing and play piano. I also played classical violin on elementary and middle school. I loved it. I'm on the yearbook staff as editor in chief. I also am called the Spokesperson for Detroit Cristo Rey.

9 What did you want to be when you grew up when you were little? What about now?
As a very little girl, I wanted to model. I don't know why. As I got older I wanted to be a singer (like a big superstar). Now I want to be an Astronomical Engineer and possibly teach music as a side job. I would like to become a locally know musician as well.

10.What are your biggest fears?
My biggest fear is losing people I have become close to. Also, I fear that I can let people down or be too needy or bug people, when that is far from the case.

11. What do you think love is?
I see love as an unconditional feeling for someone or something, an admiration for a person that is very hard to lose.

12. What do you think makes a person beautiful?

A person with a kind and giving spirit is extremely beautiful to me. Also someone who is self less and wants to help others.

13. Do you follow any religious tradition?If so which one, and what is it like?
I consider myself a Baptist Christian. I am the type to follow the rules as they should be followed, yet at the same time, doing what I already know is right. I do not belong to a church home now, but I do actively participate in services.

15. What role does your faith play in your life today?
My faith has kept me on a humble path, to always remember my place, what I came from and what I have, because I know it could all be taken away very easily.

16. What were the most joyous, fulfilling times of your life?
Some of my most happiest times have been spent with family and friends I care deeply about. Also, giving of myself to help those in need and my music have been the most fulfilling moments ever.

17. Any sad, tragic or difficult times you'd care to share such as losing a loved one, a job, or something you cared about?
When I was four, I lost my mother to Lupus, an auto-immune disease. This left my maternal grandmother to take care of me. My dad is not around much. It has been hard before, trying to get by with one parent who seems not to care even if that's not the case. Since I am just about done with high school, things have gotten emotionally rough for me, as I feel extremely alone at times. Things are hard as I am trying to come,to terms with my mother not being there, and my father, who has caused me a great deal of pain, sharing in my success, which I feel is very unfair. The stress of starting school in the fall has its normal scary moments. I've also lost other family members very dear to me; ones I thought would be here to share in my success with me. Periods of extreme sadness have overwhelmed me throughout most of this year but some type of way I magically get through it.

18. What lifelong lessons did you learn from these tough times? Joyous times?
I have always learned to keep a positive face throughout anything. It's not always easy but I do so. As for the hard times, a quote from director Tyler Perry, who has had his share of tragic moments, said: "Take the negatives of your past and use them as positives towards your future."

19. Were there any moments you recall as true breakthroughs in any area of your life?
Forgiveness. I've always been able to forgive certain people, but one person has always seemed the hardest: my dad. It's not like I am bitter but I guess I still care. I feel like I can forgive him, because I've been more than ready to let him go. He hasn't shown me any signs of him wanting to do a 100% job, but at the same time I don't want him there at all.

20. If you could do one thing differently in your life, what would that be?
I don't think I'd want anything different. Everything that happens happens for a reason.

21. What have you learned over your lifetime that you'd like to share with the younger generation?
It is important to be yourself and not let society or any other person over rule you. Try to always find the brighter side of any situation. Take responsibility.

22. Who inspires you/who is your role model and why?
I have a few: my mother, whom I take after when it comes to keep up strength. While sick,she managed to go to school, work full time, and take care of a child. Also my grandmother who has taught me to be independent and strong as well. My older sister Brittney is a huge inspiration to me. She is in school managing a 4.0 GPA while working and she is taking complete care of herself. One of my celebrity inspirations would be Michael Jackson. He has helped over millionss of people through various charitable work and thru his music. His philanthropic acts and selfless attitude has had some impact on me as I try to do the same. One person who has been a huge inspiration to me also is Megan Carolin. Her giving spirit and loving personality has definitely rubbed off on me. Her helping me with creative writing and with other personal problems of mines has gotten me thru alot during my high school years. Without any of these people I have recently mentioned, I wouldn't be the person I am today.