Taylor Brooks - University of Michigan
“I put my everything into that performance because of where I’m from doesn’t make me anything less than you.”
From Me, The “Other” film
I’m the only child of two working-class parents I’m a rising Junior at the University of Michigan. My major is Screen Arts and Cultures. I’m an African-American female first generation college student. A community I’m a big part of on campus is the black community which makes up 4% of the student body. We’re pretty close but skin color lightness and associations through socio-economic differences creates interesting dynamics but we do stick together pretty much. I hope that my story can help others. We rarely hear about the less common groups of people, but that doesn’t stop them from existing.
Who is a hero or heroine in your life?
A heroine in my personal life is my Nanna because she is so selfless and she holds our whole family together while also doing great things in the community.
A historical hero I would’ve liked to have met is Maya Angelou because she came up from the bottom and not only did she make it, but she also helped many through her writing.
I’ve loved singing since I can remember. Before I was born, my mom said I used to kick whenever she played music. I’ve been singing my whole life. When I was five I sang “God Bless America” in front of my whole church. Once when I was at driver’s training my instructor thought it was funny that I sang the directions he gave me. I sing every single day. I can just feel music and when I sing, I’m a part of it.
Tell us about yourself?
This photo is from my first ballet recital. I was two and my aunt, Nanna, and cousins all traveled from Michigan to Alabama to see me perform. Right before I went on, I told my mom I had to use the bathroom and I ended up missing my entire part. Looking back I realize just how much love my family had for me to first travel across the country to see me, and then not disown me when I wasted their time and money!
Not many people know I have performance anxiety, but there’s nothing I love doing more than performing. I’m a walking contradiction.
My favorite place in the world is wherever my family is. I know it’s corny but I’ve moved around so much that I realized that it’s not the location that matters.
To relieve stress, first, I pray. Then I reach out to those who will listen and try to channel my stress into motivation to get work done.
I don’t really have a favorite movie, but the first movie I loved after the Disney movies was Pay It Forward.
I have a ton of favorite books but the first one that comes to mind is Sarah Dessen’s “Just Listen”.
