Q&A WITH OUR CHAMPION FIGHTER - ONDIA

FINNA FIGHT

Q:  Your passion for Art is amazing. When did this all kinda start and did you ever dream about it inspiring individuals?

A: I would have to say it all started when I was in middle school, when I had my first art class. I began to really love art and the way it allowed me to express myself. I would always keep extra paper around in my other classes and in my spare time to draw on. I never really thought about it inspiring others but I do get motivated to keep going when people tell me they are inspired by my art.

Q: What inspired you to draw your 1st piece of Cappie Pondexter ?

A: Basketball was my first love so I wanted to draw a picture that had something to do with women's basketball. Cappie is one of my favorite basketball players and I was already following her on Instagram. I just wanted to draw something that showed appreciation.

Q: You never publicly talked about cancer. How has this impacted your life and your family life ?

A: Cancer has impacted my life in a drastic way. In the last five years I've lost three people that were close to me to cancer. One person in particular was my grandmother. I also have cancer survivors in my family as well. So with all of that it has made me more aware of how important it is to make sure I tell the people that I am close to that I love them. It has also brought me and my family closer together and we have been more adamant about going to the doctor and getting check-ups more often.

Q: What does "Finna Fight " mean to you?

A: Well in the south we use the slang word "finna" to express we are about to do something. The inspiration behind "Finna Fight" was from the experience I had in the last few years of dealing with family members battling cancer. I just didn't expect it to be my next battle. On October 3rd, 2017, I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer. The phrase "Finna Fight" came to mind because it was now my time to fight.

Q: If you could give one kid any advice where if it's about art or "Finna Fight" what would it be?

A: The advice I would give would be to remember that art is what you make it and you have the freedom to create what ever you want. I would also say that art is all around us and it's used to illustrate everything we visualize. So if you love and want to create art, do it, and have fun.