H.C ~ So Adaja Jachelle McWhite! How’s life treating you?
It’s pretty great, its amazing. based on what I been through, previously this is truly a blessing. To know where I came from and here I am today, in college, doing what I love.
H.C ~ Knowing you since freshman year, you rep Tampa, FL the hardest! What about your hometown gives you pride?
Just the diversity there – Very opening. Although its not where I needed to be to pursue my career it gave me a lot of motivation to become the person I am today.
H.C ~ So tell me about your life growing up?
So growing up, I had a pretty rough childhood – if I can say so myself. When I was first born my dad wasn’t necessarily in the first seven years of my life. My grandmother and mom basically raised me in my grandmothers home. My mom was trying to make it for my older brother, sister and I. She was in and out of jail and there was one time when she was incarcerated. So my grandmother had asked my dad if he could help raise me (she was taking care of me by herself) and he took me away at age 8. So coming into his environment, I didn’t know much about him or the people around me. From there, I acted very rebellious towards everything around me, since I was confused about everything. Then there came a time when I got abused by him and he went to jail for it. So I did have a rough childhood, but it made me the person I am today.
H.C ~ How does that affect you now?
It made me become independent, driven, happy, and positive about life. Because back in the day it was very dark and cold. To go through all of that was a blessing. If I hadn’t gone through that I wouldn’t be the person I am today.
H.C ~ Do you think that your struggles made you stronger as a young woman now or do you blame those struggles as something that hindered you?
It made me stronger. If you allow your past to affect you, then your doing something wrong. It affected me positively and not a lot of people my age can say that. I am very grateful.
H.C ~ I know you’ve dealt with a lot concerning your mother and father but if you could give each of them one word that you think of when you think of them what would it be? And why
A word to describe my mom would be “go- getter”. If she doesn’t have something, she knows how to get it, especially to support and provide for her family. For my dad, I would say “control”, it can go as a negative or positive connotation. He’s a very controlling person, but I still love him.
H.C ~ So your now a sophomore at Clark. What’s your major and what do you plan to do with it in future?
My major is Fashion Design with a concentration of business administration. I want to pursue entrepreneurship and have my own clothing line. My brand is to have everything a person wants in one store and have different levels of variety. You know the struggle to go to different stores to find the right outfit? I want everything to be in one store. For each ideal person, for example – a gothic, you’ll have a section for them. Or for the classy cute, a section for that. The store will have multiple floors and each floor has its own vibe. Yass Hunny!
H.C ~ What motivates you to keep moving forward?
My family, my younger sister in particular. She was diagnosed with Leukemia cancer twice. She is one of the main reasons why I am so driven because this 12 year old little girl went through cancer when she was 2 years old and again when she was 7 and from there she lost her ability to walk so seeing her not give up and today she’s walking, running, dancing, and going to school motivated me. So I have no excuse to give up.
H.C ~ About last month, you did a vision board project! Can you tell us what you have planned for the next 10 years +?
In ten years, I’m going to be in my field, doing my dream job. I want to give back by opening multiple Boys & Girls clubs. I want to do multiple things – become a fashion designer, interior designer, and real estate agent. Also I want a matte black Audi RS7 (whatever year that’s out).
H.C ~ So girl, you just came out a relationship and your a free woman how does that feel?
Its bittersweet. I’m focusing on me now and not looking for a relationship. I’m learning about myself each day and when your in a relationship, your sacrificing yourself for them. So now I focus on, “What does Adaja like to do?” . Because now when people ask me “What do you like to do for fun” my fun then was being around my boyfriend. So now being single, I found out that I like to paint and listen to music
H.C ~ Coming out of your relationship, I feel like you learned some things to look for in the next relationship. So what are some of your Must Haves in a guy and or relationship?
He has to be on his sh*t. He has to want things in life, dreams…. no matter if its big or small. Be driven! You have to be motivated, encouraged, and positivity. You have to know what you want for yourself. For the encouragement part, I want to encourage you to be better and you do the same for me. Be a gentleman, love yourself (and me), and Jesus. And also be respectful. Like I said before, want something for yourself don’t be wanting for someone to hand it to you, go get it. I want someone who is on the same level as me or higher.
H.C ~ What are some new things that have happened in your life?
Well coming into college I became a Coca Cola Scholar, I directed this year’s CAU Homecoming Fashion Show, and I am in Delta Phi Delta Dance Fraternity. I am so proud of myself.
H.C ~ Lastly, Thanksgiving is happily approaching! What are some things your thankful for?
I’m just thankful for life, everyday. Push and push to reach my goal. I’m thankful for the people surrounding me, my friend Therecia *laughs. Because where I came from was a very dark and depressing place so every moment in life I soak it in and think “this is amazing”. So here I am today continuing to innovate and push to be better.