Jameila Cartman is a sophomore theatre studies major with a minor in dance. Cartman was relaxing in the Holmes Student Center’s Gallery Lounge after a long day of classes.

Northern Star: Why are you a theatre studies major with a minor in dance?

Jameila Cartman: I have such a love for theater and dance that I would like to further my experience and training. I couldn’t imagine paying for something I don’t really love.

NS: Have you performed in anything at NIU?

JC: No, but I’ve done musicals in Chicago: “Dreamgirls” and “The Color Purple.” I might audition for a new production called “For Colored Girls.”

NS: What would you like to do after college?

JC: Hopefully, my long-term goal is to be an aspiring background dancer, or if that doesn’t work out I could always teach theater. I’ll have more experience than just theater or dance, so I’ll have more opportunities.

NS: What is something that few people know about you?

JC: A lot of people don’t know that my grandfather had 22 kids and I have 12 brothers and sisters.

NS: What is your favorite part of NIU?

JC: I really love the people here, the black community and the plethora of campus organizations to keep you busy and interested in the whole college-life experience.

NS: Are you involved in any of those student organizations?

JC: I’m on the DD2 [Dance Destruction 2] dance team and I’m also part of an up and coming organization that should be SA approved shortly. My cousin is starting an organization called LOVE which stands for Ladies Of Virtue and Empowerment. LOVE aims to bring back the lady in our ladies. You know, common sense lady-like stuff that shows we can be together, empowered and successful being women.

NS: What is one thing you’d like to do before you graduate?

JC: I’d like to do a flash mob in the MLK Commons.

NS: Do you have any advice for your fellow Huskies?

JC: I just want to say take your time with school. Don’t rush. You don’t have to be out of here in four years take time to build your GPA. Take your time and have fun. You only get to experience college once.