Academy freshman, Mya Davis, has tricks up his sleeves to showcase his unique creativity and have maximum positive impact on his community. Here, Mya talks about his favorite people, projects, and a personal quirk.

What does being at the Academy mean to you? 
The Academy is a beacon to me. No other school provides such an anti-disciplinary approach to learning. I'm thankful every day that I get to be a part of this insanely talented and fun cohort. This curriculum feels like the physical manifestation of my scatterbrain (my curiosities are wild and multi-faceted). I aim to proactively use everything the Academy has to offer, and also give back to this monumental legacy. 

What is something about the way the world works that bothers you? How would you disrupt it? 
I'm extremely grateful to be here at USC, but I do recognize that I, a black man, only contribute toward five percent of this student population. The disparity of higher educational opportunities, between races and ultimately the systemic racial wealth gap, pains me deeply. I'm always looking to see how an idea or project of mine can be devoted to any cause fostering black education, opportunity, and growth.

What are three goals you have for this year? 
1. Venture into clothing by collaborating with my friends' start-up brands and providing designs. 
2. Root myself in a solid foundation with software I'm not familiar with (e.g. Fusion 360, Blender, InDesign). 
3. Form strong relationships and connections with all of the amazing people I’m meeting every day.

Who is the most impressive famous person alive today? Why? 
Highlighting one person as the most impressive is impossible for me, but the first name that comes to mind is Clarence Avant, also known as the "Black Godfather." Avant has substantially boosted hundreds of African-American careers spanning diverse occupational fields. From Janet Jackson to Barack Obama, Avant lets others into his vast, expansive network and his unequivocal wisdom. I aspire to be a man who gives like Clarence Avant, and I'm doing what I can with what I have right now. 

Let's say you were miraculously provided $1,000,000 in seed funding tomorrow, what would you create? 
My tangible fantasies include two things: First, I would fund my social activism app, Sparkplug, and get that up and running. Second, I would fully submerge myself in taking the time to forge the ultimate interactive, animated saga. My ventures in new and experimental forms of animation would result in a revolutionary at-home entertainment experience. 

If you could ask advice from any historical figure, who would it be and what would you ask them? 
I would ask Michelangelo how sore his arms got while painting the Sistine Chapel. Furthermore, I would ask Ralph Bakshi, Walt Disney, and Dave Chappelle "How do you find balance between gaining solace in creative individuality and mainstream success?" 

Describe one thing most people don't know about you? 
I can often get "ew!" and "ow!" mixed up. This means when I hurt myself I may shout "ew," and when I see something gross I might blurt an "ow." This can result in a couple confused looks, here and there. 

What is one thing your parents taught you that you'd like to share? 
You don't have to know everything. Make friends who do. 

What will your future self accomplish? 
Anything and everything he wants, and then some. Everything he will want to do will ultimately leave a positive impact on others, not himself.

What are the essential things you always keep in your backpack?  
 I always keep some fidget, puzzle, or plaything. Whether it's a Rubik's Cube, yo-yo or a deck of cards, you will never see me sitting idly doing absolutely nothing. I also make sure to always carry a water bottle (hydrate or die-drate, am I right?), some sort of snack, a sketchbook, and whatever graphic novel I'm currently enjoying — right now it's Tokyo Ghoul Vol 1.  

Favorite app or website?  
I love every creative avenue of the AWGE enterprise— from the A$AP Mob to ties with Virgil Abloh.  

If you could be best friends with one fictional character who would it be?  
 The squad would contain: the Tasmanian Devil, Donnie Thornberry, Deadpool, GIR, and Ren (from Ren and Stimpy) because we all emanate fun insanity.  My best friend would definitely be Huey from the Boondocks because of his extensive "wokeness."  

Thus far, what is your favorite place to hang out in or around campus?  
 Iovine and Young Hall, 2nd floor outdoor terrace (you think I'm kidding when I say I will bring a sleeping bag out there).  

Any cool projects you're working on?  
 My friends Shauntanu Jhaveri, Joel Yoon, and I are co-creating a new type of artist magazine that highlights young artists we know, and implements QR codes to reveal additional AR art and fashion pieces! We hope bringing this combination of 3D, AR, and printed work to the world of art magazines will introduce a new radical experience. Additionally, here is my personal website, www.myadavis.com, complete with all artworks, music compositions, and projects I've been working on!  
 
Thank you, Mya! 

FRESH Encounters: Mya Davis