Veyane Braugher is an honor student senior from Texas. At the age of twelve, she got her black belt in Martial Arts, and has competed at World of Dance three times. She is currently in the process of creating her own brand.
AMPS: Tell me a little about some of your achievements.
Veyane: At the age of twelve, I got my black belt and in the dance world, I have competed at World of Dance three times: twice with my own team, and once with my sister team. I’m currently in the process of creating my own brand even though it hasn’t formed yet, and I haven’t come up with a name yet, just the fact that I have gotten the chance to design it, that has been a big accomplishment for me. Getting past my creative blocks has been an achievement as well, because it’s when I am the least progressive in my own expression. It will just come along, and it will make me have no progress in anything. Another one of my achievements is that I have been an A student since I’ve started in school. It can be difficult at times, but it’s also rewarding because it lets me know that I can accomplish anything that I put my mind to.
AMPS: What is your favorite subject?
Veyane: Well, in the school that I go to, we must take three additional courses compared to most other schools. It’s mandatory to take Spanish and Mandarin Chinese as well as a leadership course. I like subjects that have a lot of broad things that I can study, so I really enjoy Mandarin Chinese, because I love learning not only the language itself, but also about the culture that surrounds it. I also like world history, and English. I like any subjects that involve art to any of the subjects, but I’m ready for any of them, honestly.
AMPS: What do you like to do when you are not studying?
Veyane: I have always been very active. When I was younger, I did competitive cheerleading, and martial arts. Now, I’m into dancing and orchestra. I’m usually working on some type of art. Art has become a way for me to express myself: my words, my thoughts, my actions, and my emotions., So, when I’m not studying, it gives me a chance to express myself. Choreography, free styling, or just listening to music, and then art via drawing or painting. Anything that lets me roam free, in a sense.
AMPS: What are your plans for after you graduate high school?
Veyane: I’m still deciding whether I’m going to college. I do want to go to college, but I’m not sure where I want to go, because I haven’t had time to research them yet. I’m still going to find a way to do my different arts while going to college. I’m not sure what my major will be. I know I want to go to college for the experience and the education that I can get, as well as for all the connections that I will make. I have been told that that is one of the greatest experiences that you can have, and I think it will be worth it.
AMPS: What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Veyane: My strengths are my tenacity and my ability to be very resilient. I know what I must get done and when I must get it done, so I know that I’m going to get it done. My weaknesses… Sometimes a little bit of my organization, but that only happens when I get burnt out. Sometimes, I procrastinate a little and I say to myself, ‘I don’t want to do this anymore,’ but I know I’m going to get it done, because I know if those grades drop… (Laughter), I don’t only not want to disappoint myself, but I also don’t want to disappoint my parents, either.
AMPS: What subject do you find most difficult?
Veyane: In my opinion, it always comes down to the teacher, how my teachers taught me that year. Last year, chemistry was super hard for me. Although my teacher did help with certain aspects, they didn’t help me grasp most of it, so it became very difficult. This year, precalculus was difficult for the same reason. I could use my workbook, my friends, even the internet, but I could only learn and understand so much. So, this year it was math, because that’s what I have been struggling with recently.
AMPS: What is it you like about fashion, and why do you want to become a designer?
Veyane: I like designing things in general. In my line, there are going to be pieces that incorporate some of the art that I have already created. Designing is like another form of freedom to me. We express ourselves, whenever we put clothes on, but to some people, it’s just an average day. At my school, we wear uniforms, so I don’t get a lot of freedom when it comes to what I wear. So, whenever we get a chance to wear what we want, that’s how I express myself.
AMPS: What would you tell teenagers who are still trying to find their way?
Veyane: For some of us, it’s easy, because we are creative, or we are drawn to this or that. For those who are still trying to find their way, just follow what feels good to you. Because if you let other people control what you think, it’s never going to be the same as you are finding what you want to do, and how you want to do it. Even if it’s something as simple as watching and re-enacting videos. Maybe that’s your niche: recreating action videos. There are always steps to those roads, and sometimes it takes a little longer for some than for others. I say just go for it, because one day you will find it and you will know it when it clicks. There will always be people that will help to inspire you and motivate you, so don’t get discouraged.