Maniya Porter Class of 2020

Interview by Aneara Burns. Photo by Flonora Merritt.

Friendship Collegiate Academy encourages alumni to use their voices to speak up against injustice and help their community, and Maniya Porter is no exception. I sat down with her to discuss “Fading Color,” her career path and her aspirations.

Aneara: What college do you attend and what is your major? 

Maniya: I am attending SUNY Oswego and I'm majoring in illustration.

Aneara: What inspired you to pursue a career in illustration?

Maniya: I was mostly inspired by anime and comic books. Plus, I’ve always loved to doodle and imagine things which helps me express what I can’t say easily. 

Aneara: What are some struggles you face as a college student?

Maniya: I've actually had to take out some loans. Even though I have scholarships, they still are not enough to cover the costs of going to school. Also, trying to find work on campus is hard, because most of the good jobs on campus have been taken. I also tried to file for a work study with the financial aid office but they said I have to wait until they get more money. 

Aneara:  What do you have planned for your career path? 

Maniya: I'm thinking about either going into human resources or going into animation illustration and being a graphic artist for comics, since I have a friend who wants to start writing comic books. As I improve my art, I may also maybe become a freelance artist. 

Aneara: I know you were a part of making the Friendship News Network documentary, “Fading Color.” What was it like working on that? Do you think it will inspire the next generation of FNN students? 

Maniya: Working on the documentary was somewhat of a privilege and a great learning experience for me. Being able to work with those I see as almost family was a great experience. They pushed and encouraged me when it came to editing it. For the upcoming generation of young black kids, as an eldest sibling I see how my younger siblings are on social media and making videos almost all the time. I hope the project encourages them to make videos on topics that’ll bring what is hidden, or that is harming our community to light, and will bring about a wave of new activists.

Aneara: What impact do you think this documentary will have?

Maniya: I see this impacting people who have been in the same situation, pushing them to take action, by bringing in a new generation of kids who are more knowledgeable about gentrification.

Aneara: What is one lesson that Collegiate taught you that has helped you after high school? 

Maniya: To be honest, it taught me that you can't just judge a book by its cover. I struggle with social anxiety, so it has always been hard for me to make new friends, but I learned that you have to actually talk to people to get to know them.

Aneara: What advice would you give to the current Collegiate students? 

Maniya: Time management. Please pay attention to your time. Study. Remember you do not have to memorize everything, just  make sure you have an understanding of what you're supposed to be learning. And be smart about who you choose to be friends with.

Aneara Burns is a sophomore at Arizona State University.