Becca Bassett and Breyanna Hooper

00:04 My name is Brianna Hooper. I am 23 years, old. Today is Thursday, April 1st 2021. I am currently in Columbus, Mississippi. And I am speaking with Becca Bassett today. And our relationship is that she's my mentor for the alumni program at the Sunflower County Freedom project. My name is Becca Bassett and I am 33 years old. Today is Thursday, April 1st 2021 and I am in Hampton New Hampshire. Today. I'm speaking with Brianna Hooper or I guess I call her hoop and she is a minty of mine.

00:50 Okay, baby, so I do want to start off. I know earlier you were mentioning. If you never heard about CFA, then you would have never known anything about the Delta. So what Drew you to the delta?

01:06 That's a really good question, honestly, cuz I'll be totally Frank. I ranked it like lower on my TSA ranking list, like the first, it was like San Francisco. I was so streams. But, you know, my mom is from Memphis, and my grandma lived in Memphis at the time and I have family from Arkansas. So like, I've never really been to Mississippi, but the South didn't feel like a foreign place to me cuz I had, you know, visit her a lot and I grew up. So I was interested.

01:47 And like it was pitched as at 5:30 of it as like a place where there's not a lot going on. And so you like really bond with your Corp, like the corps members around you, and it's like a really powerful experience. You know, it's not like New York or like you can just go do whatever you want all the time. So he doesn't really you no matter. So that's how I ended up there. But I think what kept me in the Delta was where my students, my third grade students in line, Mississippi if they were just like so funny and smart and perceptive and just like wonderful and I just one, I didn't, I didn't want to leave. I wanted to keep, you know, working with students like that, but I was tired of giving them standardized test questions, which is like what we were required to do.

02:50 Okay. I own, I can relate, you know. Well, until I joined the freedom project and just became a part of the staff. You know, what, the entire Freedom project. I always thought the Delta was like a boarding place, but only because I was born in Delta,, and I've been in death of my entire life. So, you know, I never, really just paid attention to all the things that the doctor has to offer. But, you know, as a staff with the freedom project. We've got a chance to tour the Delta and I was able to see parts that I never saw before. They were actually beautiful parts of the Delta, for example, in Cleveland Downtown, Cleveland be so beautiful at night. But, I mean, I never, I'm just paid attention to it because I went to Cleveland every day, every day after school. I was on my way to Cleveland. So I didn't pay attention to all the things that he has offered. So I was kind of with you all know, you know, it's not much to do in the Ducks until I started exploring it to a good point. Because like, what if you mean when there's like nothing to do

03:50 So it's like, I don't know, maybe. Yeah, there's a lot of restaurant. There's not a lot of, you know, like attractions. But like there's a rich history. There's great music. There's great food. There's great people. And I don't know, I think ultimately that's what I figured out, like, it doesn't matter where you live. That's what matters, most. That's what you want.

04:16 I'm curious who, but what's your first memory of the freedom project?

04:21 Okay, so I know I'll never forget this but I was in Middle School. I think maybe 6th grade at the time because I remember the exact date when I don't ruin the exact day, but I remember Alan came to our school and he was headed out the papers for the freedom project. And, you know, around our area. There aren't a lot of things for children to do after school. But I was like kind of a shame I guess to join the freedom project because a lot of my classmates are like, that's not cool. I don't want to do this. I don't want to do that. But you know, we were young at the time. I was like, maybe I don't know 10 or something. And so I kind of I was ashamed to join it because none of my other classmates wanted to but I ended up taking a paper house, my parents still, and my mom thought it was something great for me to do until I started and I was still shy to come, but when I got there, I actually like the freedom project so much, what the thing they drew me to it. Was you Allen Moseley? It was, you are like a staff, drew me. And then I started meeting everybody.

05:21 It actually made me feel better because you know soon after that. I schools consolidate be so rude buildroot sunflower. We were all at school together, but because I had been in the freedom project in the freedom project Services students in the entire Sunflower County. I feel comfortable with the transition because I already knew a lot of students there. And so, you're my first experience with the freedom project is always going to be remembering Mr. Allen come to the school and just pass out those papers and tell us about the current president.

05:53 I really don't. Like it was just a cool guy. He just seem cool and like real down-to-earth. So, yeah, he was just a real cool guy. Without first medal, a cool guy.

06:08 So yeah, I think so interesting. As I don't know if you know this but with me and for two years and you know, we didn't really know what we're going to do next. I thought we going to stay teaching at our schools. Are we going to leave or we have to stay in the Delta? Like, you know, there's just not a lot of jobs in the Delta and so we were like, I don't know what do we do? And that's when I talk to you either reached out to his Afridi to mr. Allen and was like, we need a new Edie, are you interested? And that's how he found out about. It visited and started working there and I didn't have a job. I have stayed in the Delta for him. And, you know, in the hopes of finding a job. I was unemployed for like, 6 months.

06:59 And because I've never had to do, I was like, well, maybe I can volunteer at the freedom project. So that's how I started literary magazine club was cuz I was like unemployed. I don't want to help out and do something with you guys in like love poetry. So that's how I ended up there.

07:18 And did you and Alan teach at the same school district? I know you said you started lying. Okay, so where did he teach? And he taught in Clarksdale car? So Unified School District. So like Clarksdale City and I was in the large, so I'm here. Where is 4th. Grade math program at the freedom project and I actually was not into poetry until you know, but I still don't think, you know, I know I'm not, you know, to wield it poetry, but the other Freedom fellows, like, for instance, plus should I love? You know, how she grew poetry, and I just love hearing her excited. And so, yeah, that was always wanted to meet him so I can get into it the way that they did. But I did enjoy hearing them beside it.

08:14 God wishes for a tree is so powerful. That was such a cool, a cool way to learn about her and her thoughts, and, you know, her perspective on the world and also it was cool that we got to read other people's, you know, poetry that we have to the anonymous. That was like, I wonder who's, who's thinking this? You know? Yeah, so and it's a shame too, because no one else is doing it. You know, I think you came with TK, TK, why'd you keep coming back to the freedom project? What? What brought you back? And then it was like you all were exposing us to things that we could be exposed to from our communities, you know, like I couldn't travel much with my parents because of their job that couldn't take off. So we were able to travel at the freedom project and then you are introduced us all these things.

09:14 What is karate? There was no good painting needing. So many things that I never done before. And I had so many opportunities and I was like, yeah, I have to keep doing this and then I really have never been good at reading and writing, but I was able to start at 7 at the freedom project working with you and Alan and mr. Smith. And you all just made me feel so much more confident in my abilities. And then it was just a family part, you know, you can't get over that. I feel so comfortable with you are and, you know, just showed me a little bit outside of my family that I knew. I meant that I wasn't aware that I can get from, you know, people outside of my family and you are asking the game family. So, yeah, I hear that. That's why I feel like like, you know, it's like, you never leave the freedom project family first year in the middle school and then you go through them all things and you go to college and then like we have you become staff members in 4 hours.

10:14 Just don't want to leave because it is it is kind of weird being on the other side because when I first started interning at the freedom project, I think I was maybe like 19 and I still felt like so young you do. And I was like, how can I do this? And I was just in there shoes, you know, a few months ago. So they kind of felt weird, but being a part of the staff that has helped me learn about you all more. I got to work with shastri, you know, learn more about her outside of just, you know, being a teacher, you know, just getting to know her as a person in learning what she likes to do outside of work, you know free time. Just learning about her life and we even got to meet her brother One Summer, you know, so just meeting family and getting to know the teachers better has been really fun with me and it's so hard to not let you know address you all about mr. And mrs. Cuz that's what we're so used to do it. Anytime is just rolls off my tongue and you are like, you know, you don't have to do that in the

11:14 I don't like well, you know, just let me work my way into not addressing you like that. But yeah, there's so many different parts of the freedom project. That's fun. Cuz like I said for me to transition is like you guys like for the cause of going to call me Bassett. Because it's not miss that, and I feel like it's less. It's like a shift like a more casual by know that like Becca feels I don't feel too weird for song, you did Miss Hooper, you know that I feel much more like calling you Hooper hoop feels much more normal to me than calling you like Brianna, Brianna. So what so what am I listening to my memories of you?

12:14 Change the freedom project and we're he was like, you know what? I just looked like she came with TK and we were just like yeah, like they are bringing the culture. Like they are like embody the lead principal they are bringing like but showing and like what it's all about and I feel like that is really really stuck at to me about you over. Time is like you don't just like you embody the thing, you know, like you act like it you you you bite into it and like believing it in a way that feels like it just it's it's powerful because other students since that and feel that and want to be like you and like by into it too. So like I don't know if you know that I'm sure you didn't felt like we stole a pair. You with the more difficult younger fellow on this trip because we knew that you were such a good

13:14 Influence of role model that like it was a hundred percent trust in your ability to help steer that freedom fellow in the right direction. Without being overly like do this, do that. Don't you know? Yeah. And you know, I know another thing that just drew me to the freedom project was that I'm the only child because it was like, I had a bunch of siblings that one time. You know, I just enjoyed that being with someone after like, I didn't have to go home. So just, you know, my parents are TV, because sometimes I did wish I had a sibling growing up, but I really enjoyed that part about the freedom project as well. And it's a long-lasting friendship for me. Also, because everyone that I went to the freedom project, we, we still talk like, you know, not daily, but it's always good to catch up with each other and talk about the old memories and, you know, this really enjoy ourselves. So, I really liked that part about the freedom person is well, and

14:14 I know like super talking about all the good things. I think. Like my my worst memory at the freedom project was the day that you and Alan live. It was like, it was bittersweet. It was so heartbreaking that me and Myesha, we still talk about it. And laugh about it to this day because of how everyone was crying. So much. And we still look at those pictures. But yeah, like I just I really you ain't. Mr. Allen. Todd has so many things and it was like, you know, you are there for a while but when you left it seem like you have been there any time at all. It was just like wow, like this is actually happening. And yeah, I think that's like the not a bad memory, you know, but it was kind of something that I didn't look forward to. For sure. Know that's like the most that's my hardest most painful memory. For sure of the freedom project is like I should

15:14 I couldn't make it through the poem. I was just bawling and just crying and then I saw you cry and I usually crying and I just

15:26 I think I saw a lot of Gil. You know, I didn't like I knew we had a awesome staff and like the freedom project is like, it is us, but it's also the whole family, right? It's the staff who came after us. It's a staff who were before us, you know, like, it's not something that's just about me, but at the same time, I really felt like I had a responsibility, you know, to you all. And I felt like we felt really, really guilty about leaving because we felt like we were

16:05 You know, I'm leaving you all in a while and we knew how and in a relationship we go with strong and we had like, work so hard, you know, develop those relationships. And and I think that's why I started the college success program because, you know, when I left my she was starting or mykita was starting college and I felt super responsible for her cuz I had like hell to get into Elon and, you know, really helped her pick that school. And so I started talking to her and, you know, keep in touch and supporting her especially as I guess you was having a really hard time. And I felt really like me. I didn't think, you know, it was going to be such a hard thing for her, but that's because I had

16:57 I think I had not realized how how much of a culture shock it was going to be and which is my own. Like, that's my own. It would have been a shock for me, but I'm not my Kia and I mean, I didn't win the Delta, my whole life. You know, I'm white. That was a predominantly white school, like so I think that's when I realize, like okay, if we just help you all get into college and don't support you, once you're in college, like we're not doing right by you all. Like that's not enough and that's why we started doing the check-ins and then it was Ashley's tuition premus and that's it. And it started to become weekly calls with them. And then the kind of program just kind of developed after that.

17:47 Yeah, and I love the mentor program and unlike you feel like you are I did leave, but you were still there, you know, like you found ways to be there, like you came and visited still you checked in on this year at graduations. You disappoint us. Anyway on that, we need you all to, but the mental program is really helped me so much because I know in the beginning, I was there a lot, but, you know, this time went on. I kind of disappeared from the calls, but it was just like so much was happening, you know, just in my life, but then I realize like with you are a very kind of made me push on more, just like when I started back being more active, active in the calls, be here, like you are and help me get through the semester. Like, seriously. I'm just checking in with one another and seeing how we're doing mentally, how we doing physically, you know, we don't even talk about just like educational cuz I like how is your life going? You know, what are some things that are draining you and that's what we need because we don't often have a people to discuss those type of things with and you're like the group is has actually helped me.

18:47 More than I thought that, you know, it was raining me and I feel like I was just too tired. Sometimes the kind of come on. But when I finish talking to you all most of the time, I have a better day cuz I, I relieve, you know, what's holding me back. So I really do appreciate the support group. I like seeing my calendar, like, like last night. I was like, all, like I got a call at 7 p.m. To like, okay, like that was just feeling kind of, like, stress about my day and like, paused and I'm like, wait, like this is your favorite call of the day. Like you think this is this is the best like yes. It's a to do is an item of my to do list cuz I feel like I was really in the recent, you know, I have to show up but it's like I same thing. I always in the salad. It's like I'll be in a bad mood before. I'm on the call, and after the call, I'm like smiling eyes.

19:47 Energy, I just feel better.

19:51 Yeah.

19:54 I'm so glad I'm so glad yes, what I was going to ask you about that. I could I was going to ask you like why like what brought you back to the group when I know like, you know, your life got really complicated and really difficult in a lot of ways and you do you I didn't hear from you as often and I was wondering about you and then but then I remember you can't you like really clearly came back in my life. I want to be more involved. Like I want to be making these calls. I want to be here, I want to do it and I was just I was curious like what what made you come back? Yeah it will you are. I guess sometimes when you know, you're going through things you're trying to forget that you have support and so, you know, just remembering that I got their support from you all and kind of Make Me Wanna

20:43 You know, come back to you. I'll because I miss you all and I needed that support again. So it was bad.

20:51 Ya know, I under percent. I just sent I

21:00 I'm so glad, I'm so glad that you felt that, that we were there and we were, you know, and I hate that something to that. Want to make sure people know is like, you can always come back. Like, even if you got a tough couple of weeks, like, we're here to help you get through it and there's no judgement, you know, no judgement.

21:18 And I really found myself being on track light. Now, you know, now that I'm back into the calls cuz I'm like, it's a way to hold myself accountable again, and I feel like when I wasn't on the calls, I wasn't hurting myself accountable. I wasn't meeting deadlines. I was heading to business. I just wasn't into anything like my school, to not work. But I mean, now that I'm back and I with the group was support each other. And then, it's the thing that, you know, if trust there. Like, we don't judge one another, and that's a really big thing, because, you know, we can always voice the things with our families that we blessed to one another. It like, we trying to understand it because I thought it was bad, you know, I needed that again.

21:59 Yeah, yeah.

22:03 Yeah, what, what is it like for you? Seeing the younger Freedom fellows on my call? Like going through some of the things that you got through text? Liam is funny. And it actually makes me think about when I was up in tourney at the road to Freedom project, too. Because it's like, I'm seeing all of these images of myself and younger fellows. And then now, they're coming, you know, to the causeway. And, you know, they have so much of their own personality. Like, for instance, Jessica. I love Jessica. When I first met Jessica, I was like, yeah, I love her personality. She so outspoken, you know, I just love that about her but I did not realize on the things that I was going through when I was going through those things if that makes sense or till I see the younger Freedom fellows going through the same thing that college and I know, you know, we can give them advice but it doesn't mean that will stop them from those situations, but I kind of see, you know, like the conversation that we were getting from you all when you were trying to

23:03 The less, you know, not tell us the decisions you need to make. What kind of give us an idea of on how things will go when we talked to them. I often think about those situations going on like you as I should have took that route, you know, so it just kind of makes me feel like I'm doing them. I'm good by speaking out our experiences that we had, so they don't go through those same experiences. So you'll feels really good to have them on the cars now and place. We were upperclassmen condo study. We didn't really get a lot of time to spend with them. And so, you know, being on that car, we get a chance to actually talk to each other and learn more about. I want to know they're so we were just able to see and we were able to see, you know, how they were but like not get to know them because, you know, you can see how a person ask, but not interact with them and that's what we were doing since we were upperclassmen, you know, but now we're actually going to learn them and I enjoyed that part of the mentor program.

23:58 Also talking to them, you know like afterwards if someone at need something we just messaged each other in the group like Beyonce. I'll talk to her a few times or Jessica or something like that, you know, just giving advice outside of the group because it doesn't end on the calls, you know, it's something that goes on after the car is like Myesha. We talk a lot of Shield, maybe text me and asked me if I can help her find something for a paper or something or just anything, you know, it doesn't just end with the cause it goes further and I think we all need that support. You know, it did me and myiesha are both in the same area in GTA stuff. You know, we need that. I want to know and that's that's like, I love that. I love it. You guys have continued relationships that are Beyond just that one hour that we get together each week. Cuz like, you know, I think about how powerful it was that you guys got to go through the freedom project in middle school and high school together and how like, you know,

24:58 You guys like. Like you really bonded, like we were going to Texas for a week, hardcore, camping, like like powerful experiences together and the idea that like, then you go off to college and like lose those people like that. And I hope you know that like gosh you I think you're just like, I know I do this all the time, but like I just feel like you're such a powerful example of resilience and of like, generosity and of adapting. But also keeping your, your focus on your goals of giving your time to others and like being a leader on your campus. Like, I just know that when you say something like, it is like 10 times more powerful.

25:58 Then when I say something, just because, you know, the younger brother like Jessica and Katara Beyonce, like, see themselves in and you in a way that they, you know, we'll never have the same relationship with me, which is like, totally fine, and and right, but you are like, the type of advice that you give an affirmation that you give. Like, I think for them to know that you struggle through the same thing that they are struggling with is like,

26:31 Give him so much hope, you know because they're like, oh well, like hoof is like like going to graduate soon just like managing all these things and president of her sorority like she's just like, wow. She's a thing. I want to be in yet. She also.

26:50 Maybe struggled. I make some friends at the beginning like I did too. Yeah, I really did I think and I do think it's cool, you know, because most of the time there aren't a lot of groups where you're able to express that, you all are going through the same thing because we're so afraid of judgment, you know, and I never had anything like this. And I think that's another thing that you can't answer the freedom project. The fact that there was no good and I could just become so, I could be myself around anyone. You know, that was definitely one of the things they threw me in.

27:24 Yeah, yeah. What what? I'm just so curious, like, as you're in it, like, exiting College soon. Like, and what ways has College your college to directory been different than you expected. It to be, when you were about to go into college, you know, as a as a little high school for starters. I did imagine staying on campus the entire four years, but I mean, I got a little big head and I kind of wanted my privacy, you know, because I was college campuses. You don't have a lot of practice. And another thing I did not imagine to be a r r. A that was like what the best experiences I've ever had in my life. Like that was so funny. I just feel like, I don't know. It's our age. We were like, you know, the Cool Kids on Campus. Anyway, I guess, because people came to us for support. We, we build trust with our residents and they actually came out.

28:24 Do you know. Just people that we supervise? But you know people that turned out to be a lifelong friends and then I made lifelong friends with my co-workers as residents also, and since I'm majoring in family science and psychology as an RA, we did things like hosting hall meeting. We did board bulletin board. We did other programs, and do some things that will help me when I get into my career. And then another thing,

28:58 What is it? I did not expect to have a kid. Now. That is something that's all different. I did not expect to have a kid so young, but I love you though. I mean, I feel like all the things that I've been through, have made me who I am, you know, how much stronger person that I ever imagined. Like, I did not know that I could get through half of the things that I got through, but it was like the support, you know, and I do know if I did not have this before. I probably wouldn't have gotten so far. I did not imagine working a job. I started working my the end of my freshman year, or my first real date with my first job on campus was at the speech path Center. What is the Speech & Hearing Center? That's what it's called because I was majoring in Speech, Pathology, but then I realize, you know, I want to work with children, but on a more personal level like, I want to get to know you all, you know, I didn't really want to work in speech path. Until I end up changing my

29:58 But yeah, it's just so many things that I've gone through that. I did not think, you know, life would be this way by the time I graduated also I owe. This is actually my fifth year in college and I did not imagine being in college five years as well. So, you know, that's another thing, but all in all, I have really enjoyed my college career and it's not over yet. So I have an internship coming up and I'm going to be working at Tucker, learn and play daycare center. And I'm excited about that for my internship. So I'm looking to see how that's going to go. But yeah, I'm over all. I'm really excited and I can't say that I did it with my college career and I did not plan on being so active. Oncology was just like things look. So let me try to use the night. Ended up, getting it so much more than I imagined, like a sorority, three social club. There's just so many things that kept coming and I'm like, let me try this. Let me try that.

30:58 But all in all, when I first came to call it this time, my parents only child. I never really been away from them. But I chose the completed up you because I was like, I want to be close to them but not too close to do. And I found out like, in the beginning. I thought it was a bad decision, but at the end, they helped me grow a lot. Cuz if I was, you know, cuz he ain't want to be around them. I would have remained shelter, but, you know, being 2 hours away. I was able to learn something and figure things out for myself, even though when I did leave, I started crying like I cried for so long and I stayed in my room for so long. But yeah, I mean, the college experience has really saved me to be a stronger person that I was my first came to college.

31:41 Yeah. No, I mean it's it's I think about your first two years in college and like my my I was like, so happy that you were just like, embracing. All these things. You're the speech passenger. You were going to the Social Club staff, you're getting all this stuff like, you were trying to be an art, like all these things. And the my only worry is was that you were like had too much on your plate, you know, and that like it was taking up too much of your time and that you wouldn't get enough rest, which is like, you know, I mean, I think I think ultimately hear you, you realize that at times you had taken on too much and had to make some choice, but I think it's like it's a problem of successful people write like, you are such a, like I said, like you bring the culture, like you bring like the eighth, the spirit.

32:41 The like the vibe and you when you come into something you do it, you come through and I think that's why I like every organization was like, yep. We want Hooper. Yep, and we want you to be president. Do you want to step back? We're not going to let you step back.

33:02 So it was a good problem. I think that people really recognize how valuable you are to their organizations. But at the same time it's a lot of time. All those are navy a real time with me. And then you were a waitress at Cracker Barrel at school, but I can't say like one of the good things about it is that we worked from maybe 7 to 1 and so during that time I was able to complete my school work. I can't say that's a definitely a plus, you know, from a job because after this I was able to complete my school work instead of trying to help you say on my grades because, you know, we had to have a certain GPA up to be an RA. It didn't allow me to get to know more people on campus as well. And then my residence, we started building, really good relationship. And sometimes I would get my work done because they came and said that that's it possible to 1 a.m., But you know, it was something I enjoy, you know.

34:02 I complained about it cuz I really did enjoy it.

34:05 Yeah, I mean I just I thought you were the first student in our program to be in a gray actually. And I think like, why did why you should want to be in love you and I I don't know. I think a lot of that had the seat beside you and you having such a tough. Like, you knew what you were so good-natured towards your residents like you were like, yeah, sometimes I love my residents there gray. I'm trying to, you know, and I on the calls we would hear you like. Oh, hey. Hey, how are you? Hey, how's it going to the dorm?

34:44 I think made them want to do it too. So yeah, I'm curious to hoop like

34:55 I know this is like a really big question. But how has like being a mom, changed your perspective on your future on on what you want to do. After college on what's important to you? Like I'm just interested that, you know change some of your your goals and mindsets of being a mom may be more focused but I must say in the beginning, was it always like that because I don't really have any real responsibilities after I had Ava. And I say that because you don't stay with my parents and so that would help me a lot with her. And I came back to school in January as a r. A s. I really wasn't around her much and I was traveling home like every weekend because you know, I'm still working at Cracker Barrel as well as Ben R A, but I mean, in June.

35:50 July July, July, I can remember last year. That's when you know, I actually had to start being a parent everyday. If that makes sense because she moved with us, do to like, you know, family issues that were going on. So she had to move here with me and you're like, once you moved here. I had to be focused like when she wasn't staying with me. I knew I could still have fun and do what I needed to do, but I learned to be more focused than nothing. It because you know what, the kid? There's really just a note. I'm not no downtime. Let me say that know that. And so I had to be more focused when it came to get her ready for daycare when it came to cleaning the house or something like that. And most definitely, when it comes to work in school. I have to be really focused when it comes to those things and my schedule is like always on go mode. So from like 6 to 7, I'll get her ready for daycare 84. I'm working 4 to 10 is Ava, 10 to 12. I'm doing school work, you know, that's my daily schedule, but I was kind of going.

36:50 Through a depression of before I got pregnant. I was like I just wasn't feeling it anymore. Like nothing. I wasn't motivated than schoolwork or anyting but when I got pregnant with her account and gave me a different outlook on life, you know, and I started to know that I couldn't give up because I had someone looking up to me. And that's the thing that kind of made me push more because I was having her, and I knew she needed someone to look up to, because I would have kind of felt a little weird that my daughter was looking up to my mom. Not that she can't, because my mom is a great person because I look up to her. But, I mean this thing, and I want this thing to look up to me, you know, so she pushed me and I know, you know, motivated me to want to work harder, and it is difficult sometimes. But, you know, as a pair like, the difficult things are great as well. Like she'll be doing something and I like, it was just start laughing. I'm like, girl, you know, like yeah.

37:44 Yeah, I remember when you first got pregnant. I think you were talking about how like you're eating healthier and you were like, exercising more. And you were like starting to think about your body in a way. That was more. Like, how do I be the healthiest? Like, you know, carrier and support for my future daughter, which is like, I think

38:07 Not like not like options. Think about their body that way. Yeah. So what do you have for Ava? Like, what do you hope for Ava in the future?

38:20 I hope she grows into a, a girl, you know, that has her own opinions about everything. I don't want her to ever feel like she has to fit in and I always want her to know that she can trace me because I know just speaking from you know, cup growing up in a low-income Community. It's like these different relationship that we have set between kids and parents. Like we know you don't talk to your parents about these or you know, don't address your parents. This way, that type of thing. I do want to have like a level of respect with her, but I want her to feel comfortable enough to come to me and talk to me about anything. Like I know there were times where I had so many questions. I could talk to my mom about those questions because I know she would like. Give me the response that I needed or she just wouldn't tell me exactly how it was kind of, you know,

39:10 Use other things to answer, you know, not giving me the answer. I need it. So I want her to know that, you know, less respect one another but come to me because I would want to be the person to give her the advice that she is about everything.

39:26 Yeah, I might, I mean, my hope I think that I've no doubt. It's going to have a lot of opinions about lots of things, because she's going to see how, how smart her mom is, and how thoughtfully her. Mom thinks about the world, and I have no doubt that. And I just think that you speak up so well for like, you are going to do a great job of being honest. Like when you're struggling with things but also like celebrating things and speaking, like giving people real talk, when they need it too. So I have no doubt about that. And I hope that she, I hope she's in a school that challenges her and inspires her, and that she finds a community of people like the freedom project.

40:26 Project is still around so that, you know.

40:44 I'm not sure if we have any more time or what?

40:51 I do. Okay. Okay, when last I should get it, I do have a question. Okay, bestie, so I really don't know like what did you all do? After you left the freedom project? They were when you left, what did you all do? So we had gotten jobs at this education, company called Pearson Education that I think I told you, which makes a lot of like textbooks. So we moved to Boston and lived and worked in Boston and it was crazy because, you know, we have been making like not a lot of money in the Delta as teachers in at the freedom project is. Also, we are getting paid, paid more, and we're in this big city. So we just like a towel and like, like leaned into being in the city and we are just like, wow, but, you know, that's where all so, we like new things and new experiences. So, we joined this week.

41:51 Got into this company. It's funny. Cuz we end up working all the same jobs, new master,, but they moved us to a different office. So we did, we worked in Boston for you. And then we moved to London for a year. And then we moved to New York for year. And then I start my Ph.D program.

42:11 So, I think we were in New York when you started college.

42:20 I think. What year did you start college? 16? Okay. Just kidding. We were in. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.

42:34 How much longer do you have in the PHD program?

42:39 I'm supposed to be graduating next to me really fast this year. You're supposed to look like in 5 years. But yeah, I mean, hopefully, I'll graduate next year or just six years and then my goal is to get a job as an assistant professor and like, you know, part of the reason, like I study why universities how universities can change to better support their first generation and low-income students. Because I was so,

43:22 Frustrated at the way that you do, my Kia in tuition payments, and I'm so frustrated the way that their universities were undervaluing them and like under supporting them and I was like, you have been given this gift. Like Trisha is a gift is a gift and you're not you're not really offering them any support or help or I didn't think treating them in a way that I would I would hope that they that they would and that's why I was like, I want to be part of the solution and so I need to be working on the rest of these. So I'm studying like what they need to do to change. But then my goal is to like be the college professor who has you and my class and Mikey and my class in my Asian Jessica in my class so that I can be a professor who supports you and values you and you know, helps grow and develop your thinking about the world and you're

44:22 Play, send it and ultimately like change how universities function because they too often like

44:32 Pay too much attention and give too many of their resources to students who come in with the most money in the most resources in the most privileged. And I do think you'd be a really great Professor. Easy Style official on so much passion and everything that you do best. It's like even like the small things. You just so into them and then you encourage people in a way that you don't even realize, you know, and it's your voice as well. Like you either have the spirit that like no one else got to have. Like, it's our own thing that I don't think you noticed that you have. So I think that you'll do really great, you know, as a professor and then you know, I just feel like you're a great person as well. So I know, you know, you'll do great in whatever it is that you tackle. Appreciate that. I appreciate that. Hope. Ultimately, maybe, maybe one day I'll be working at places like the W or Mississippi State or Southern and be a place that you know is recruiting our students from the freedom project and saying like we want you.

45:32 Yeah, that be cool and it would be back in Mississippi at some point. I have no idea.