ALDI ANTHONY

(SISS)  Hi Aldi, where are you from and where are you currently spending your time?  (ALDI)  I am from the nature island of the Caribbean, the Commonwealth of Dominica. Also known as Waitkibuli, my island is the home of natural hot springs, black sandy beaches, tropical rainforests, bouyon music, waterfalls and the volcanically heated boiling lake.  (SISS)  What was one of the hardest things that you had to go through? What advice would you give someone going through the same struggle?  (ALDI)  One of the hardest things that I had to face was rejection, solely, because I am an international student. Many companies in America refuse to give international students a chance in the workplace. And when you do find a company that is willing to allow you to exercise your skills, talents, & knowledge, there are more obstacles to face, such as work authorization. As an international student, I was not granted permission to receive work authorization for my 1L summer associate job because it was not aligned with my law school's policy. It was even more devastating to me because I had received a fantastic offer at one of the most distinguished law firms in my city. My advice to anyone going through this or something even remotely related is to keep your head up. NEVER tilt that crown. I am a firm believer in the saying, "God makes no mistakes." I also believe that God's timing is ALWAYS perfect. So, be patient, but also keep hustling, praying, and uplifting yourself. The best opportunity will come at the right time.  (SISS)  2L Law Student | Beauty Blogger | Fashion #SISS Tell us more… who is @aja.767, and what are you most proud of?  (ALDI)  AJA.767 is just another regular girl like any female reading this right now trying to step out of her comfort zone by putting herself out there for the world to know that mistakes exist, are normal, and are okay.  She seeks to share her deepest thoughts & passions, hoping that it can shed light on various societal issues that are often overlooked. She aims to lift the sisters in front, behind & beside of her with knowledge, insights, & advice. Her ultimate goal is to carry her sisters through the rocky and controversial journey of professionalism, fashion, music, food, culture, & self-worth.  (SISS)  Finish this sentence, I have a dream…?  (ALDI)  That one day, I will be the vessel standing up for the rights of BLACK WOMEN through civil rights movements and activists initiatives.  (SISS)  What makes you the happiest? What is fun for you?  (ALDI)  The happiest moments of my life involve sharing the knowledge that I have to other females pursuing similar walks of life as me. It brings me joy to know that I can help someone get to where I am by skipping the hurdles that I had to go through to get there. Fun involves the moments in my life, making new memories. I love getting dolled up, traveling, and trying different cuisines.  (SISS)  How do you deal with disappointment? How do you Keep Going?  (ALDI)  My first moments of disappointment involve crying. A wise woman once told me that your worries and pain release when your tears do. Once that stage of the downfall is completed, I have to remind myself that a girl that wants to change the world cannot sit and cry forever. The faith I have in my future alone is enough to get me off my feet to either find a way to fix the issue that disappointed me, find an alternative just as good or even better, or just move on.  (SISS)  What is your superpower?  (ALDI)  My superpower is my 'FAITH.' Luke 17:6: And the Lord answered, "If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, 'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,' and it will obey you.” Time and time in my life, my faith has proven itself to me. If I believe it will happen wholeheartedly, it will. Point.Blank.Periodttttttt!  (SISS)  Finish the sentence, my life has gotten so much better since… ?  (ALDI)  I stopped worrying about how others may see me, and started advocating for females just like me, who go against the norms that society intended to box us into.  (SISS)  Can you tell us four things people might not know about you?  (ALDI)  (1) I’m a Christian, but I am not religious.  (2) My favorite color depends on my mood.  (3) I do not believe in superstitions.  (4) I can’t apply false eyelashes.  (SISS)  Can you tell us where else can our readers follow your daily inspiration?  (ALDI)  Snapchat @aja.767 Facebook @Aldi Anthony Linkedin @Aldiama Anthony  (SISS)  Got a Story to Tell? Can you tell us a quick story or moment/night of a relationship experience, a lesson learned?  (This could be funny or serious).  (ALDI)  When I first met my boyfriend, we were just two individuals amongst a large group of close-fitting, dependent friends. We learnt quickly that a relationship for two people should ONLY consists of two individual’s opinions, interests, and emotions. The lesson learnt was that our relationship should be sacred enough to be limited to just us. We learnt the hard way to stop leaning or depending on the advice of people outside of that realm of the relationship because not everyone wanted to us to be happy and not everyone could be mutual.  (SISS) What's your favorite quote?  (ALDI)  Though she be, but little, she is fierce – William Shakespeare.  (SISS)  At Smart is so sexy we love to see women who are thriving in their career or business.  What are you most passionate about?  (ALDI)  I am most passionate about merging my love for law and fashion as one. Being a law student has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life, but combining my passion for beauty has given it an elevated feeling. One day women in the courtroom will not be judged for expressing themselves through beauty and fashion.  (SISS)  Who was the most influential person in your life, and why?  (ALDI)  My mother is the most influential person in my life. It's quite an average response, but my mother is far from ordinary, and she is the sole contributor to the woman I am today. She is indeed the living example of what a virtuous woman truly is (see Proverbs 31). Although I may never be able to match her valor, principles & character, it's definitely something to think about on the days when I fall short of who I really am.  (SISS)  Where were you five years ago? What advice would you tell your five years younger self?  (ALDI)  Five years ago, I began my journey as an International Student in America by attending Monroe College, pursuing my Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. The only advice I would give to myself five years ago was to get a head start on researching law schools and the LSAT.  Early preparation for this life-long goal would have prevented unnecessary delays.  (SISS)  Can you take us through a typical day? From Waking up to going to bed, Can you give us a play by play of a typical day for you?  (ALDI)  Typically I drag myself out of bed 30 minutes to spear before I have to leave my apartment. Either I listen to gospel music or audio of the scripture of the day while taking my shower. I call/text my boyfriend while I'm leaving the house because when I get to school, anything that does not relate to school gets lost in the sunken place of my memory. Once I arrive at school, I head to Starbucks to get breakfast. The remaining of the day involves a mixture of attending classes, completing readings, taking notes, attending meetings, browsing social media, and lots of studying. Once I get home, I have dinner, drink a glass of wine, and go to bed.  (SISS)  What is your favorite book and/or the latest one you’ve read?  (ALDI)  The latest book I've read has been non-leisure. These books all relate to my law school classes which is quite an unfortunate thing to share. The last reading, I had to do was entitled "Getting to Yes" by Roger Fisher & William Ury.  (SISS)  What would be a good theme song for your life?  (ALDI)  I can – Chronixx  (SISS)  When do you feel the sexiest?  (ALDI)  Girls Night! When all of my girls look good & feel good, that's one of the sexiest feelings in the world! Women with brains who are confident and comfortable within themselves are the hottest creatures alive.  (SISS)  Is there someone on social media that inspires you and is a great follow?  (ALDI)  Instagram @Angelarye  (SISS)  What does Smart is so Sexy mean to you?  (ALDI)  Society often bubbles "sexy" based on things that the human eyes can see & I personally believe that it is so much more than that. As a young black female pursuing law school, I have to dress more professionally and carry myself in a particular manner. It was vital for me to realize that seeking higher education did not make me any less sexy of a woman. With that said, Smart is so Sexy to me because there's is nothing more attractive than a woman that is independent but not prideful, content but not boastful, knowledgeable but still open-minded, and confident but humble! Cheers to all the sexy women out there!  (SISS)  Thank you so much Aldi, you are an inspiration, Keep Going #SISS