Name: Elyse Owens

High School: Atherton High School, Louisville, Kentucky

Mascot: Ravens

Grade: 12

Birthday: Oct. 28, 2004

Age: 17

Favorite subject: English

Extracurricular activities: School newspaper and Black Student Union

Favorite superhero: Catwoman

Favorite song: “Rocket Love” by Stevie Wonder

Favorite slang: Y’all

Parents: Akram and Dorothy Owens

Siblings:  Michael, Isaiah and Lebron

Dream college: Spelman College

If you could have a movie made about your life, what would the story line be? Who would star as you and what’s the movie’s title? “The movie would be about a woman stepping into her confidence. I would like my niece to star in this movie. The title would be called ‘Embracing Her’ because the confidence has always been there; she just had to embrace it.”

What are your three must haves? “Shea butter, rings and mirrors.”

What’s the best part about social media and the worst? “The best part of social media is that you can share things. The worst thing about social media is how fast you can get addicted to a fantasy life. A fantasy life is more of seeking a perfect body and a perfect life for you to be happy.”

What do you admire about Gen Z? What do you dislike about Gen Z? “I admire how focused Gen Z is on mental health but I dislike how tapped in we are to social media. We always grab our phones when we first wake up, and spend hours on it.”

How has the pandemic affected you? “The pandemic allowed me to become closer to God. I was also able to read more African American literature and bible study.”

How do you handle your mental health during these difficult times? “I journaled to handle my mental health, as well as writing poetry. My family has been a great support system.”

Where do you see yourself in 10 years? “I see myself 10 years from now in medical school pursuing my doctorate in forensic pathology.”

What is your ideal life/dream job? “I want to travel around the world and try international cuisines.”

If you could live anywhere in the world for one year, where would it be and why? “I would live in Jamaica because I have Jamaican roots. I enjoy Jamaican food and listening to reggae music.”

Who or what inspires you and why? “I’m inspired by my mother because she is very ambitious and goal driven because, despite challenges, she went back to school and got a degree.”

If you could trade places with the president of the United States for one day, what would you do as president? “If I could trade places with the president, I would send relief checks to everyone in need.”

What do you consider you greatest accomplishment? “Publishing a chapbook (collection of poetry) is what I consider as my greatest accomplishment.”

What do you see as your biggest regret? “Thinking about the past too much.”