EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW W/ Raena Robinson

Every week, Our Sisters Our Time features one powerful and inspirational woman as apart of our #WCW series! This week, CEO and founder Tay Nells took it back home with this one, and interviewed her cousin Raena Robinson as she begins her journey to college! She is a 17 year old who worked her ass off all throughout high school, along with landing herself a full ride scholarship to UC Riverside for softball! Raena is the definition of a hustler when it comes to putting her career first, and it definitely shows through her skills and talents. Work hard, play harder!  

1. What does women empowerment mean to you?

Women empowerment is something this world needs more now than ever. Now-a-days girls are starting to forget to their worth and value. It’s a shame to see women sacrifice their morals and basic values for things that aren’t worth their time. Our generation lacks the empowerment that was once so strong by being built so high from past generations. I believe this empowerment for women is essential to maintain our respect and equality from our fellow men.

2. How do you define sisterhood?

Sisterhood is a culture like no other. You have a bond that can’t be broken. It’s nice to know that you’ll have a group you can rely on when you hit rock bottom, can relate to on many different levels, and can confide in no matter what life throws at you. Without this sisterhood I personally wouldn’t be where I am today especially since I don’t having an actual sister.

3. What advice do you give to young girls?

A message to young girls:

Your childhood and teenage years will be the times you wish you could go back to years from now, so make the best of it. Relationships are definitely going to happen. You won’t pass every test. You can’t make everybody happy. You will have fights with you friends and family. Just remember that life goes on and everything will get better. Another thing to remember is don’t stress over things you can’t control. I rely on God, but you can put your trust and faith into whoever. Also, MOTHER’S DO KNOW BEST, so listen. Enjoy everything you can while you’re still young.

4. I see you play softball. Can you give us some insight on that?

Every sport is challenging in their own way. Football being more physical. Basketball being more strategic. Baseball and softball being more mental. All challenging in their own way and athletic ability, but there’s more to it than that. I’ve been playing softball since I was 6 years old. Over my years of playing, I’ve learned a lot about myself as a person. When it comes to sports you can’t be perfect all the time, so you will come in contact with failure. It’s inevitable, but it defines you as a person because it’s all in how you bounce back. Are you going to succumb or rise above? Are you a quitter or a fighter? I’ve been blessed to have coaches in my career not only coach me through the game, but be a guidance through my life.

5. What school are you currently attending & what is your major? What is your career goal and why?

I am currently a student athlete at University of California, Riverside majoring in biochemistry. When I was 15 years old, I had an ACL surgery repair. I had a conversation with the anesthesiologist about what they do and why they do what they do. For some reason I began researching this career and fell in love with that they do. My plan now is to major in biochemistry and then go off to medical school to get my Ph.D. My goal after my career is to have successfully gone through little to none downfalls or setbacks, such as lawsuits or possibly losing a patient.

6. Who inspires you most & why?

My mother inspires me the most. She’s the strongest person I know. Not only does she push and inspire to be the best person I can be, but she also has my back no matter what I do in life. It’s a blessing to have a woman like her in my life because she has been my backbone through thick and thin.

7. Justin Bieber, or Justin Combs. Why?

DEFINITELY JUSTIN BIEBER. BEEN A FAN SINCE THE BEGINNING!!!!!!!

8. Your birthday is coming up, congrats! Any big plans?

“I dont know yet! Wanna take me to a party:)” (Raena didn't realize I was still interviewing her)

Raena's Twitter: https://twitter.com/lovee_raena/

Raena's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovee_raena/