April 23, 2016 | 1208 Washington Place | Columbia, SC | 9pm-2am

Interview by Tiana McGee of A.Bevy at Winthrop University

Kimberly Washington attends school in her hometown at The University of South Carolina and believes humility is her most impressionable trait. Many may forget its value but it takes experience and an evaluation of character to have true humility. One that involves knowing your limits, while still having appreciation for the intentions, strengths and perspectives of others. To be authentic is to honor who you are at your very core. Give your best to the world around you. Not being true to yourself, or, not having your behavior a reflection of your values, beliefs and desires can create a dimming consciousness or your true self. In a world of brokenness it’s important that young adults not be distracted by pleasing others or conforming to mimicking gifts that are not their own. We must explore and stay true to our passions so that we can truly make a unique and lasting impact on others.

If Washington could leave anything on this world it would be the importance of building relationships with people. When we dare to be aware of the people around us and the real individuals on the other side of our circles, we create our own place in world. We define our own piece to fit into this massive jigsaw of human existence. If we all looked around from time to time, and asked the next person “Can I help you with that?” then refugees become family, neighbors become friends and we each become something more.

What do you believe is the most "impressive" and memorable trait, talent, or value that you possess and why?

"Humility. I chose humility because it's a trait that many forget to value. It takes experience and evaluation of character to truly build humility that involves knowing your limits, while still having appreciation for the intentions, strengths and perspectives of others."

Why do you think it is important for young adults to be "authentic" and true to themselves in today's society?

"To be authentic is to honor who you are at your very core so you can give your best to the world around you. Not being true to yourself, or, not having your behavior a reflection of your values, beliefs and desires can create a dimming of consciousness or your true self. In a world of brokenness it’s important that young adults not be distracted by pleasing others or conforming to mimicking gifts that are not their own. We must explore and stay true to our passions so that we can truly make a unique and lasting impact on others."

If you could impress upon, give, or leave anything to this world, what would it be?

"Too often today, we watch, we wonder and we let our own fears keep us distant from the very people and experiences that could make us become something more. When we dare to be aware of the people around us and the real individuals on the other side of our planet, we create our own place in this world. We define and shape and color our own piece to fit into this massive jigsaw of human existence. What if we all looked around, moment to moment, person to person, nation to nation and said, "Can I help you with that?" Refugees become family, neighbors become friends and we each become something more."