Monday, September 12, 2011

Coming soon to a stage near you: Natasha Okpala




By: Wesley Rollins, ENGL 336.002

Sit down with Natasha Okpala and it becomes readily apparent that her warm smile, approachable demeanor, and outgoing personality have the ability to make anyone feel like they've been long-standing friends with her. But she's more than just a great personality, she also has plenty of intelligence and integrity to boot. It could surprise anyone, all of the hopes and dreams that are embodied in this one person, but no one (having interviewed her) could doubt that she could reach any one of them.
Natasha Okpala was born in April of 1990, in Takoma Park, MD. She was raised in nearby Beltsville and graduated from High Point High School in 2008. She then attended Prince George's County Community College before transferring to Frostburg State University. Now at FSU, Natasha resides in the dormitories at Gray Hall, where she relishes being surrounded by her peers, being independent, and being a social butterfly. She did say that she thinks about her family often, and that she feels homesick at times. She is known to kick back on some of grandpa's old cough medicine, but after displaying an ornery grin, she stated, "I try not to get drunk because I'm known to backslap my friends and forget about it, in blackout fashion." Luckily for her friends, she explained, "I don't typically binge drink; I just drink to have a good time with my friends."
When being questioned about her family, Natasha lit up like a candle. She began boasting about how proud she was of her three siblings, two of which have begun their collegiate career, while the youngest will soon be graduating high school. Natasha smiled vibrantly as she recalled that she and her sister both have birthdays in April, while her two brothers were born in November. Her enthusiasm about her family is contagious and genuine, and it's obvious that she shares a close bond with her siblings.
A mass communication major and a journalism minor, one of Natasha's main passions is writing. She particularly enjoys writing short stories, poetry, and song lyrics. Astonishingly, she has written over 60 R&B songs, many of which she has posted on YouTube. Smiling about as wide as one could smile, she eagerly told me that her immediate goal is, "To get noticed for [her] music!" Her long term goal is to be a professional singer-songwriter, or a dancer. When asked if she'd rather sing songs or write, if given the choice between the two, she noted, "Everyone knows the song writers make all the money".

Natasha is a self-proclaimed "blast in a glass". In layman's terms, she's a fun girl to be around. If asked, her friends would probably tell you that they don't know a more caring person than Natasha, and that if they needed someone reliable they'd know exactly where to go. However, if you asked the same friends to name someone who they know would show up on time for a girls' night out, there might be a better option than her; Natasha expressed that her weaknesses are her lack of punctuality and her tendency to procrastinate.
An avid sports fan, Natasha expressed that she can't wait to see the Ravens beat the Steelers this year. Her other interests include playing video games, especially Mortal Kombat and The Sims, and watching the television show Jersey Shore. When asked what she liked about Jersey Shore, she laughed hysterically and proclaimed, "Everything!" Although she did specify that her favorite cast member is Pauly D.
Natasha Okpala has huge dreams which won't be easily attained; however, Natasha has the ambition, the skills, and the perfect personality to attain her long-term goals. Until she is discovered, she will reside in the small college community of Frostburg, where she plans to earn a Bachelor's degree in mass communication while she awaits her induction into the entertainment industry.

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