Every week I write a column called BE YOU for one of the local papers (The Times of Acadiana) – Each week someone different answers the questionnaire – the paper often has to edit them,  so here are all the answers, unedited (the whole truth.) This week Alley Jacob

Alley doesn’t have a job title yet, she just turned 16, but when she does I’m going to bet it will be an interesting one. Alley is a junior at Carencro High and has big plans for her future – like publishing her first book by the time she finishes high school. She is full of energy and potential. Alley is preparing herself for big things, and when she gets them, I’ll be able to say I was the first to write about her. Watch for the name Alley Jacob, you may well hear it again.

Describe a typical day in your life.
Usually everyone’s goal is just to get through the day, but my day involves trying my best to get someone to smile. Whether that’s giving them a compliment, dancing weirdly in public, or yelling random things.

What advice would you give the younger you?
No dream is too big to chase.

What do you most appreciate?
The people surrounding me. I couldn’t go a day with out the people that make me smile.

Where is your favorite place to be alone?
My mind; It’s closest thing I have to paradise when I’m trying to escape reality.

What living figure most inspires you?
My mother. She is the person that I love waking up to, even though she’s a cranky morning person. She’s the person I go to when I lose hope, need a hug, or even wanting to go on a late walgreens trip for ice cream with. Every mother wants their child/children to follow their dreams, but she has taken every step right behind me on my road to success.

What was the best advice you were ever given?
“Have faith in all you make.”

What book would you tell everyone to read?
Lauren Kate’s “Fallen”. Best Series EVER. Go buy it now!

What is the best thing about where you live?
I can’t pick one thing;I love everything! Except for when it’s under 60 or over 100 degrees. I love when you go to the grocery store and you wave to at least two people; then walk away saying “small world” in a cajun accent. When it’s cold outside I’d rather a bowl of gumbo, then hot chocolate. Laughing with family members while peeling crawfish. But if I did have to pick one thing, it’s the generosity. It blows my mind how nice and helpful everyone is in Louisiana. I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.

How do you “let the good times roll”?
No worries, just caring about the fun your having with the people you love. Life’s too short to care about the stupid things.

What did u want to be when you grew up?
Apparently, A dishwasher. Yes, you can laugh; I don’t know what screws were loose in my head at the age of 5.

What is your motto?
“Standing out is better than fitting in.”

How would you like to be remembered?
An author, a person that wanted to bring unity, a loyal friend, a loving and compassionate daughter,etc.

What do you say to yourself when you doubt yourself?
“When it comes to your dreams, you have to put hard work AND have confidence. There will be bumps in the road, but with those two things, You are invincible.”

What three things are vital to BEing YOU?
Writing, Anime, and Randomness.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“What the taco?” “Taco Babies.”

What is your favorite word?
Obviously, Tacos.

What do you collect?
Imagination and Inspiration.

What food could you live on for a month?
I could live off of Pizza for a year.

What would you change about yourself?
We all have insecurities, but I wouldn’t change anything. My flaws are who I am, and everyone should embrace them.

What literary, movie or cartoon character do you most identify with?
Finn the Human from Adventure Time. We are going to get married and eat pizza on the venice in Italy.It’s going to happen, I promise.

Describe yourself in five words.
She’s crazy, but always smiling.

What is your idea of happiness?
My Mimi always says, “Even if you’re not having a great day, just smile. It’s like a ripple effect. Someone else could see you smile, and walk away smiling themselves.” Making someone smile is my idea of happiness.

What is your favorite movie?
I have a tie, Shrek 2 and Titanic. The Shrek movies are what I grew up watching;it always make me smile when I put it on. As for Titanic, I’m a Jack Dawson fan. But the movie was wonderfully directed and I’m addicted. My mother got so sick of watching it, she bought me a necklace that resembles “The heart of the ocean.” I could get comfy in my P.J.’s and watch these movies everyday.

What do you most regret?
Trying mayonnaise.

What question do you wish I’d asked?
“How’s your writing coming along?”

What would the answer be?
In the middle of writing a book and hope to be published by the end of my senior year.