THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, June 30, 1995 TAG: 9506300050
SECTION: DAILY BREAK PAGE: E9 EDITION: FINAL
COLUMN: GROOVY SAPIEN
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
LENGTH: Medium: 87 lines
JAIME ELEY has a strong sense of style. Since eighth grade home ec class, she has been sewing her own dresses, skirts, tops, vests and jumpers. About 15 percent of her wardrobe is of her own making.
``I made my prom dress this year and last year,'' Jaime said. ``Last week, I made an outfit for a friend.''
But Jaime has also found plenty of time to crack the books. This month, she graduated with honors from I.C. Norcom High School with a 3.87 grade-point average.
She and her sewing machine will be heading to Virginia Tech in the fall.
My full, entire, birth name: Jaime Cherice Eley
I was born: Aug. 30, 1977
Job: I don't have a job. I'm relaxing this summer and sewing.
Bros and sisters: One sister, Latrina Baldwin, 30.
Educationally speaking, I am . . . a very intelligent person who strives to ``make the grade''.
My high school in three words: Spirited, proud, traditional.
The killer day means . . . spending all day at the mall enjoying my favorite pastime. . . shopping.
Boy, I was pretty smart when . . . I and my team members won first place in the Great Computer Challenge.
But I sure felt like an idiot after I told my friend about a ``surprise'' party in her house.
When I have a crazy midnight snack craving, I want . . . a Sunkist soda and any kind of chips.
My personal Oscars go to: My mother for all her support and encouragement.
The song of the century is: ``One More Chance,'' by Notorious B.I.G.
When I don't have anything else to do, I'm . . . talking on the phone or sewing my own garments.
Best date I've had: Going to a Christmas party with a guy I call my ``best friend''.
And the worst? Going to the mall with one of my other male friends.
If I could change one thing about me, I . . . would change the fact that I wear glasses.
I wish my parents . . . , my father in general, would let me grow up.
The best place for mouth-watering chow is: Capt. George's Seafood Restaurant
I love shopping at: Lerner New York, Proffitt's, Hecht's and J.C. Penney.
The ultimate night on the town would include: Me and someone special going out on a surprise date that he planned himself.
I make special arrangements to watch . . . ``Video Soul'' and ``Family Matters''
The last time I had a vacation . . . I went to New Jersey to visit my sister. This summer I'm going to Walt Disney World in Florida with my family.
My best job: Working as a clerical assistant for the school nurse. I got to do anything I wanted to do and go anywhere in the school building without getting hassled for a pass.
And the worst? Last summer working as an arts and crafts teacher at the Park Place Development Center because I didn't get paid enough - about $3.25 an hour.
I can easily brag about . . . my exceptionally good grades.
In 10 years, I'd like to be . . . a computer engineer.
If I could change one thing in America, I would . . . change the fact that so many violent crimes are being committed in today's society.
My heroes are: My mother and my sister.
I am totally unique because: I am the only black female from I.C. Norcom High School that is going to Virginia Tech in the fall. I'll major in computer engineering.
It makes me mad when . . . people don't have enough manners to say ``excuse me''.
If a film were made about your life, what would be the dramatic turning point? If a film were made about my life, the dramatic turning point would be when I received a scholarship to Virginia Tech. I was scared at first because I didn't really want to be that far away from home, but my mother convinced me to attend Virginia Tech.
Who would star in it? Myself, of course!
My life summed up in four words: Determination, perseverance, tenacity, persistence. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
JOSEPH JOHN KOWALSKI/Staff
I.C. Norcom graduate Jaime Eley will take her sewing machine and
head to Virginia Tech this fall.
by CNB