Imani Sykes was born and raised in Athens. She attended Timothy Road and Whitehead Road Elementary schools, Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School, and will soon graduate from Clarke Central High School and the Career Academy. While at Clarke Central, Imani was a part of the Odyssey Media Group, a member of the Black Culture Club, and the Gifted Minority Achieving Club. She played Softball for CCHS and played with a travel softball team as well. Imani worked on weekends at the YMCA in the Child Watch program. Imani plans to attend Georgia State University and major in biology with the goal of becoming an Optometrist. She lives on the Westside of Athens with her mom Stephanie, dad Reginald, sisters Alyshia and Rosie, and their dogs Princess, King and Coco.

 

What was your favorite class in high school?

 

My favorite class in high school was probably my Journalism 1 Class – Intro Into the Odyssey with Mr. Ragsdale. That class molded me to be the person that I am. My teacher and mentors taught me a lot outside of just journalism.

 

When you are not sheltering in place, what do you love to do in Athens?

 

I am always at the YMCA, or I am at Holland Park because I used to help out with tryouts for softball and play softball. I played for a very long time, but I am currently not anymore. I also used to work there at the concession stands too. So, I would just be there or at the YMCA.

 

What are you doing with all of this extra time at home?

 

At first, it was just technology, technology. But, as we got more into it, I am trying to cook a lot more and learn how to cook different meals, reading books, and doing homework. Just trying to stay off of the internet as much as I can because that is a very time-consuming thing, especially because I am a teenager and not an adult.

 

If you could travel anywhere in the world and there were no restrictions, where would you go and why?

 

I would probably go to Mexico, the motherland. I love it there. That is where my mom’s family is from, and I love going there. It is amazing, the people are great and it is just a great place to be.

 

If you could see any band, or show or musician, dead or alive, anywhere who would it be and where?

 

I would probably see one of my favorite rappers J. Cole just because I really like the way that he tells stories. I always learn something or take something away when I listen to his music. It really would not matter where I would see him. I would go anywhere.

 

If you could have lunch with anyone, dead or alive, who would it be and where would you want to have lunch with them?

 

If I could have lunch with anyone, it would be with both of my parents. I say this because I feel like not enough credit is given to my parents for molding me into the person I am today and how I am with other people, speaking to people with intelligence. So, if I could have lunch it would be with those people. It really would not matter to me where. I could eat anywhere with them.

 

If you could give advice to someone just entering high school, what would you tell them?

 

I would tell them that a lot of mistakes that ninth graders make have to do with them thinking it is just 9th grade, and they slack off. What I would tell them is come out the gate fighting. Come out the gate wanting to have A’s in all of your classes and take it seriously because 9th grade lays the foundation for all of the rest of your years in high school. So, If you come out fighting and willing to get all A’s and strive for greatness in your classrooms then I think that you will be much better off.

 

What is your favorite movie or TV series?

 

My favorite TV series is Grey’s Anatomy. I love that show! I love it! I could re-watch it all the time.

 

What is the best advice you have ever received?

 

The best advice I have ever received is probably from my dad. When I started playing travel softball when I was nine and I stopped when I was seventeen. He would always tell me to give 110% with everything, whether it is softball, personal things, homework or school, you always give 110% in everything that you do.

 

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

 

In ten years, I see myself as an optometrist, but I also have ambitions of opening up my own practice for people with correctional lenses. So, probably in ten years doing that and being my own boss. Not people telling me what to do, but I want to be my own boss. I want to be the head of everything.

 

What three words or phrases do you think of when you hear the word “home”?

 

I think of smells. You know, when you come home you have those certain scents that remind you of home. I think of smells, food and family.