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Family-Oriented, Realistic, Optimistic: Anica
By Santana Jackson
“Nobody actually knows me, not even my best friend,” Anica Green says. “I might portray the tough girl, but I have a sensitive, more thoughtful side as well,” The Durham Academy senior was born in Michigan, but at the age of five, her family moved to North Carolina. Despite a wonderful childhood, growing into a young adult has been challenging.
During her adolescent years she faced sadness and heartbreaks.
“A guy and I seriously fell for each other and it was my first emotional connection; but he ended up having a girlfriend,” Anica said. “I felt betrayed, but I held myself accountable.”
Through different trials in life, Anica has become accustomed to putting up walls when meeting new people.
“I feel lonely all the time,” Anica said. “My best friend and I became friends because we used to hate everyone, and we’ve never had a lot in common.” Since age 13, Anica’s tough girl image has proven to be more than meets the eye.
Throughout high school Anica has been involved in many things such as dancing, debate and youth group. She is also the editor-in-chief of her school newspaper.
“There wasn’t a lot of competition for the editor position,” Anica said. “But I still strive to make the paper the best that it can be none the less. ”
Outside of school she supports Jack and Jill and The Ronald McDonald house for children with life threatening medical conditions. Being busy with many extra curricular activities means making friends has never been a priority for Anica.
With senior year approaching Anica hopes to establish more relationships with students. This means letting down some of her barriers and making a true connection.
“The sense of entitlement from my peers can be suffocating; a lot of the girls are caddy,” Anica said. “It was hard to get along with people during my freshman and sophomore years, but it’s getting better.”
“My brother is my best friend and confidante; he knows me better than I know myself,” Anica said. “He is my role model.”
Anica always puts her family first.
“They are always there helping and supporting me,” Anica said.
Now that she is growing into an adult she is striving to find her own special place in the world.
“I am really just finding out who I am and who I want to be,” Green said.
In the future she hopes to pursue a career in the journalism field.
“I want to be a news correspondent because I want to travel and tell the stories of people,” Anica said. “I think ignorance contributes to many of the problems we find in the world today, I want to change that.”
Though she doesn’t believe in a higher being, she does believe that her life is purposeful.
“I think our reason for being on earth is to leave it better than we found it,” Anica said.
Walking confidently into a room, Anica may be perceived as the tough girl who has never faced a problem. But it’s just not true.
“I am excited for my future. I know that I can do big things,” Anica said.