Mini WOW, Inquisitive Texan, Goalsetter, Dallas, USA

I love getting texts from my latest mini WOW Woman. From the moment she got a hold of my number, I have sporadically kept up with Delaney’s math and science test scores, or the latest sports she’s taken up. We have exchanged book updates and shared commentary on Adele’s latest album. I’m hopeful about the future when I speak to Ms. Delaney N. She is full of excitement about her career as - fill in the blank - an actress, an engineer, a volleyball player - all three?! At the moment she is just excited to be at the top of the class in mathematics.

I’m gleefully rubbing my palms as I read about Delaney’s wish to expand her horizons and learn about the world; her superpower should allow her to do just that when she is a bit older.

1. Your name.

Delaney N.

2. Where are you from and how do you think your background shapes you as a human?

I am from Texas. My small town within a bigger city offers a lot of activities. At school we are opened up to so many activities that interest us and we are encouraged to try them all; from traditional sports, to clay shooting, to bass fishing.

I am proud to say I'm a Texan. Things truly are bigger in Texas. All the way from the physical size of the state, to the pick up trucks, to the football fans. We have The Alamo, Cadillac Ranch, Dallas Cowboys, Billy Bobs, The Stockyards, Tex-Mex food and TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY!

3. What makes you feel happy in life?

What makes me feel happy in life is volleyball and musical theater. I say this because whenever I am on the court playing volleyball I feel the excitement to score points for my team. It also feels good to play as a group with my friends. I like acting because I like being on stage pretending to be a character and escaping the real world and letting go. My mamma always said I was a drama mamma so it's fun to be dramatic on stage!

4. What is the hardest thing you had to do in life (it can be school/and or life related)?

The hardest thing that I have had to do was have surgery on my teeth. When I was younger, I knocked out my two front teeth playing a game with my friends. This caused the nerves in my tooth to die off a few years later when I was in 5th grade. The doctor had to put me under anesthesia and give me a root canal. I was very scared going in to this surgery because I did not know what they were doing to my mouth.

All is good today and I'm always surprised at how many people shared and continue to share their tooth trauma stories with me. I'm very thankful that there are doctors to help us through these tough moments and fix the problems we have!

5. Where is your most favourite place on earth (where do you prefer to spend an afternoon or a holiday for example)? Why?

My favorite place on earth is Disneyland. I love being at the Disneyland because it is fun to go on roller coasters with my dad and I love the weather. We always stay until the park closes at midnight!

7. If you could change something about your city and country (your neighbourhood for example) to make it better, what would it be?

I would change the hate that people give off. People today or maybe always, tend to jump to conclusions about others usually in a negative way. As a society it would be so much better if we all supported each other and cheered each other on.

8. If you could change something about our planet to make it better, what would it be?

I would change the planet to have no mosquitos. They are the most annoying thing ever and there is not one good reason to have them!

9. What are you reading now (name of the book)? What is your favourite book and why?

I am reading Counting by 7s by Goldberg Sloan. My favourite book is Wonder by R. J. Palacio. I enjoy the story, and appreciate reading about people with different views on the world and how they share them.

10. Who is your most favourite adult and why? Which girls/women/female characters (real life or in books/movies/on TV inspire you?)

Samantha Bricio (Olympic Volleyball player), Katherine Johnson (NASA mathematician), Reese Witherspoon (actress). I look up to these women because they seem to work so hard to accomplish their goals, and they inspire me to work hard to be just like them.

11. What do you want to learn about the world and where would you like to visit?

I want to learn how each country was established. Specifically, I’m interested in Italy, and want to learn about Venice. I would love to travel there because I could learn how this city, on water, was formed.

13. What are the three top wishes you want to come true?

- For COVID to go away!

- To go to a good college.

- To become an actress on Broadway or/and a volleyball player in high school.

14. What are three best qualities you like about yourself and why?

• I'm adventurous. I like this because I am never afraid of a challenge.

• I'm kind. I like this because I always make people feel loved.

• I'm a hard worker. I like this because despite any challenge I work through it.

16. What is your advice for other girls (your age or younger)?

Always be yourself.

17. If you could give adults advice about understanding young girls, what would you say?