Student Spotlight
-Brianna Landers
This week we are in the Cup and Cowl Coffeehouse, just off the campus of Rhode Island State University. I’ve been given a chance to sit down with one of our schools most famous or infamous students Brianna Landers. Love her or hate her she has helped shape popularity and what is
cool this year at St Joseph. It is not just a statement but a fact that if you don’t know who Bri is then you have been living under a rock.
I showed up at the coffeehouse early so that I could get a decent seat. This college hang out is very popular and is known to reach capacity with it’s array of independent bands and open mic nights. I find an out of the way couch to sit. It has a good view of the stage and an artistic coffee table perfect for my notes. I order a house coffee and take in the atmosphere as I wait for Bri to show. There’s a low roar of chatter not unlike the cafeteria at school. The indie music fills any moments of calm. I can see why Bri would want to meet me here. Looking around you can tell anyone who is anyone or wants to be someone comes here. It is the essence of cool.
When Brianna walks in I’m able to get her attention with a wave. She give a smile that should be trademarked and sits down on the couch next to mine. I put my cup of joe down.
Hi Brianna thank you for meeting me. Your name is Brianna Landers have you ever gone by any other names? Like a super name?
Well, at Seacliff, we had codenames assigned to us. Mine was Ruby Six. I don't use it much anymore.
Was there any meaning to that name?
Our team for combat maneuvers classes was Ruby. I was the sixth member. Not much more exciting than that.
I see. Alright then, lets switch gears for a moment. You grew up in Boston. What was that like?
Amazing. My family is among the "movers and shakers" I guess you would call it. I was a page at a cotillion for the mayor's daughter when I was 7. I went to one of the finest schools in Massachusetts.
That is amazing. Any favorite memories growing up there?
Ice cream. My father would take me and my friends to Aunt Lydia's Famous Ice Cream Parlor in the summer. I actually ruined my first dress with a rogue scoop of double chocolate chip.
That’s a great memory. You must have been a hand full for you parents.
You have no idea. I mean, I wasn't wild or troublesome. Just, a late-bloomer, …and klutzy. That cotillion? Also my last for a little while.
What is best band?
Jonas Brothers, pop mostly.
You mentioned seacliff. What was that like going to school there? Did you like it?
Most of the time, yeah. It was a top notch school for
metas. Very exclusive, and it had the finest facilities of any school you care to name, and Connor's Bay was just beautiful.
For those that may not understand the term can you explain what a meta is?
Oh,
meta would be a person with extraordinary abilities. Someone who could be considered for enrollment at Saint Joe's. Only, Seacliff wouldn't have taken in as many as Saint Joe's does. There weren't many people there that just had a strange look to them. You know like they were just blue or something?
I see. So when the earthquake happened were you injured at all?
Oh, no. Not at all. I was on the other side of the school, thank God.
That’s good. So now you go to St Joes. Do you like it here?
Again, for the most part. I guess that's true of anywhere people go. There's good and bad. Having to start all over again at a new school was hard. But at the same time, I've made some really good friends here.
Any favorite parts of St. Joes?
My favorite? Cheerleading. Even with the squad the way it is, I still love it. It's my element.
In the short time you have been here you have made quite a name for your self. Your not just in the cheer squad you are Co Captain of the cheer squad. What is that like?
Yeah. That was actually my idea. I could tell that Franky was struggling, having no experience leading a squad before she was assigned this one. I went to the administration and volunteered my services to help her out. It's been... interesting. It's no secret that Franky and I clash… on many levels, but I like to think that we are both mature enough to put our differences aside to help out the squad, the team, and fans.
And yet working together you have designed an outstanding cheer squad. Where do you come up with the routines the squad perform?
Experience. I was the head cheerleader at Seacliff for a year and on the squad for a year before that. I also watch any cheer competitions and dance performances I can catch to look for inspiration.
What is a movie you have seen more than 3 times?
Legally Blonde
You were voted homecoming queen. Any plans this years homecoming?
Well, I plan to cheer the Flyers to an astounding victory. I plan to shop around for the perfect outfit to impress Jem and make him speechless. Which is not as easy as it sounds, by the way, and I plan to go to the dance. Anything beyond that is, I'm sad to say, not in my hands. Nominations for court are up to the team.
Prada or Kalvin?
Prada
Any plans after school? College, career, anything decided?
Yes, actually. I want to go to college to get a degree in counseling. Maybe even go for psychology or psychiatry. I want to counsel teenage and college age girls. There's a lot to deal with in such a short time. It helps to have someone to talk to. Someone who knows what you're talking about because they've been there. I know it's not as... obvious as people might think for me. I know they think "actress" or "model". But I don't think I'd be able to cut it in show-biz. I like being in control too much.
That’s a great field. What is your biggest dream?
My own clinic or private practice.
I know this might be a sensitive subject for you but I found some articles in a Boston newspaper online. You had to go to court there recently, is that correct?
Yes. I did.
There has been a few rumors but I don’t think anyone has the real truth. Can you explain a little what that was about?
According to the courts, nothing happened. I remember it differently. There was a guy. We were dating. We went to a party and he... drugged me and attacked me. I was afraid of him so I didn't tell anyone until recently. That would be the part of Seacliff I didn't like.
That must have been an absolute nightmare. Is there anything you would like to say to other girls that may find then self’s in a similar place or advice you want to give all women?
Fight. With all you have.
On a more pleasant side you are part of many activities at SJS. Is there any thing we can expect from you and these groups this year?
Well, with the cheer squad shaping up like it is and the time commitment that takes, I think I'll mostly be focusing on that.
Okay, final question. Is there ever a good time to wear crocs?
No.
Well, Brianna I want to thank you for taking the time to meet with me and be in our student spotlight.
Thank you for letting me take up your time.