Why did you choose to attend SFSU?
Initially I was going to Howard University in Washington, D.C. But right when 9/11 happened, my mom was like, "You know what? You need to stay here in California near me." So I applied to SF State and was accepted. I said I'll stay here for two years and then go ahead and transfer.

But as the years progressed and I became more aware of the cultural environment at SF State, I'm so happy that she made me stay because I'm really, really relaxed. It's like a home to me now. I feel really comfortable with people, all the things I'm involved in now that I had no idea I'd be involved in.

What was your first job?
At the age of 15, I was working at McDonald's. ... It was really close to my high school so all my friends would come to the drive-through and make fun of me or come inside and snap pictures and things. There were pictures of me in the yearbook.

What inspires you?
Since I came here I've been fortunate to take a few Black Studies classes. The history of my ancestors really inspires and motivates me -- to see where we've come as a people and take us to where we are going and will be in the future.

What is the last movie you saw?
"Feast of All Saints." That is actually one of my favorite movies right now, just because it depicts the story of a young man who is biracial and is not aware of his African ancestry. He just believes that his people were never slaves, and he's so blinded by that. When he comes to realize it, his opinion of everything completely changes.

Name a guilty pleasure of yours.
Food and shopping -- those are my best friends.

Other hobbies?
I like reading. I actually love studying and doing homework. I enjoy spending time with my younger siblings, as well as bike riding with the family, going camping. We're very outdoorsy.

What person, dead or living, would you like most to meet?
My great-great-great grandmother on my father's side. I've heard the stories of when she was a slave back in the day, long ago and the things she went through ... just all the struggles and trials and tribulations and how life was for her as well as her family back then. She would be someone I'd like to really meet and just sit and talk with and better understand, from a family perspective.

What is your favorite quote?
"Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

-- Matt Itelson