Street: Tell us about your work as the director of Community Schools Student Partnerships. Blanchard Diavua: We are a community orientated student organization that tutors and mentors K-12 grade students in West Philadelphia schools after the regular school day. We currently boast 180 tutors in six schools. Yeah, we love the kids.
Street: There are two types of people at Penn... BD: Do-Gooders and Resume Builders. Do-Gooders participate in things because they are genuinely interested. Resume Builders get the job done, but have no passion. Both can get far in life, but only one will be content when they look back on their accomplishments.
Street: Most underrated thing about Penn? Overrated? BD: Most overrated is definitely the “Social Ivy” tag we have. They make it sound like we’re Penn State! If we’re going to get confused with PSU, can we at least improve the party scene? Most underrated has to be the beauty of our campus. Come on, you’re telling me you don’t get all hot and bothered taking long evening strolls down Locust Walk? Absolutely magical...
Street: Least appreciated thing about Philadelphia? BD: The wealth of well-established and historic media outlets in the city. Only in Philadelphia can the two largest daily papers be owned by the same company, bankrupt and unbiased all at the same time.
Street: What was your last splurge? BD: Red Lobster in Springfield, PA. It took 40 minutes to get there, but the Seafood Trio and Breaded Broccoli were worth it.
Street: You’re walking into a party. What is playing in the background? BD: When I walk in, J. Ivy’s guest verse on “Never Let Me Down” on Kanye West’s album College Dropout. Absolute genius! Then for the rest of the party, Nas’ album Illmatic will play on repeat. The closest an album ever got to perfection.
Street: What is one of your guilty pleasures? BD: DVD movies I’ve stolen from my friends’ room to play in the Bachelor Pad. Now Playing: Coming to America, Shawshank Redemption and Katt Williams: It’s Pimpin’ Pimpin’.
Street: What goes in your Chipotle burrito? BD: Bump Chipotle! Qdoba all day! Chipotle lost all credibility when I got in line and asked for “Queso Cheese” and they looked at me like I was the crazy one.
Street: Plans for after graduation? BD: I will be in Philly next year, Teach For America teaching middle school or high school students in math.
Street: Favorite thing that the kids have taught you? BD: They have taught me how to really approach life. They are honest, inquisitive, critical and evaluate everything they come in contact with. I aspire to always live life with the enthusiasm of a seven-year-old.
