VYPE recently had the chance to speak with Wichita Easts Sonya Taylor to learn more about her life.
VYPE: What are your personal goals for the year?
My personal short-term goals for the year include: to place in the top 3 for Triple jump at State this year, finalize what college I am going to attend, and obtain my LLC license for my business Sonya’s Sweets.
VYPE: What is the most fun you have had in the last year?
The most fun I have had this year was the ability to see my siblings all together. I have 2 older sisters; one is in the Air force and the other lives in New York and is getting her master’s degree. Then, I have one older brother who is getting his PhD at Yale. I look up to my siblings tremendously, so having the chance to see them all together in one room brightened up my year. They inspire me with their tenacity to take risks and continue to be self-motivated in my endeavors.
VYPE: Who is your favorite teacher from any grade, and why?
My favorite teacher was my Kindergarten PE teacher from Beech Elementary School. I remember being a shy kid and I often had trouble making friends because of this obstacle but one day we had fitness testing of some kind and it happened to involve running. I recall my PE teacher telling me Infront of the other kids how fast of a runner I was and how he thought I was even quicker than most of the kids in 5th grade. This memory always stuck with me because it gave me more confidence and one of the reasons, I joined track in the first place.
VYPE: What is your favorite athletic memory?
My favorite athletic memory was when I spent my time at Shocker Track Club with my jumps coach Michael Draut. Draut has believed in me since sophomore year when I was new to East Highs Track team. He has taught me almost everything I know. This past winter we had jump practice in the pool (It is important to note that I can only doggy paddle) and the workout was to do back dives into the water from the diving board so we could learn how to better flop over the high jump bar. I was scared to say the least, until I started doing it and I saw how fun and beneficial it was to my track career.
VYPE: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?
I have two teammates that have left a big impression on me that I must discuss. Charisma Cates and Gabriel Williams have been not only my “track buddies” but people I can call true friends. Individually, they both have been great workout partners over the past few years and fortunately for my last high school track season we all got to be on the same team. I admire both for their hard work, dedication, and being some of my biggest motivators. I can always count on them on and off the track.
VYPE: What is your favorite part of being on this team?
My favorite part of being a part of the Blue Aces track and field team is the extremely close bond we have as a team. When we go to track meets, we are the loudest cheerleaders for our teammates. This has made my time on the team more enjoyable because we have created a family inside of our team.
VYPE: You can pick any place for a summer vacation. Where do you go, and who do you take with you?
I am taking my mother and younger brother to Santorini Greece. My mother has always wanted to fly internationally but has never got the ability to. One of her dreams is for all of us to go and enjoy the warm sun, try new foods, and of course to shop. I really value making her happy because she is a huge part of my success.
VYPE: If we gave you $500 and you had to spend it in the next 24 hours, what would you spend it on?
I would get my LLC license for my Sonya’s Sweets and take my mom to get a mani/pedi because she loves getting her nails done.
VYPE: Do you participate in any community service projects?
I am involved in:
Sister Hood- gained opportunities to create bonds within the community with other peers from different schools, discover career opportunities, and another support system.
VYPE: What Clubs or Campus groups are you involved with and why?
The International Baccalaureate program- an academically rigorous program the teaches students the fundamentals to being ready for college and life.
National Arts Honors society- allowed me to rediscover my love and passion for art by the numerous activities like being a Docent at the Wichita Arts museum, creating pottery for Empty Bowls, and creating thankyou cards for teachers.
VYPE: Are you involved in academic excellence activities such as the National Honor Society, Student Council, or other academic clubs?
Co-leader of Black Cultural club- helped carve a path for young black students to have a safe space and an environment where we could be unapologetically who we were while also erasing stereotypes and sustaining our individuality.
