Discovering Zoya
A friend who shares your load.
One of the first things Zoya Vincent does when we meet up for this interview is ask me, “Can I carry anything?”
As I put down a tripod so I can better balance the phone, mic, and camera in my hands, I think to myself, “There’s my first (re)discovery.”
Zoya is the kind of friend who carries things with you.
Even now, as we continue talking, Zoya is carrying the conversation.
Yes, we did laugh a lot because we both laugh when we’re nervous. The camera needed adjusting, and I forgot to turn the mic on. Someone answered a phone call in the room next door so we had to stop, and start again.
For Zoya, none of these hiccups were a problem. She made me feel like it was okay to be my inexperienced baby-journo self.
Her answers to my questions reveal a little more about why, and how, Zoya carries her friends.
One of Zoya’s current projects is saving shiny wrappers from our bin to make collages.
The highlights of our chat:
What do you value most in a friendship?
I value trust, understanding, and love. I think the most important part of friendship would be to want the good of the other person.
What is the best thing about being human?
The best thing about being human is - everything. Whether the experiences are highs or lows, we can learn from them. You can learn from everything, even from the difficulties, and I find that beautiful.
What do you do when you are faced with a low point, or obstacle?
I don’t wait long. I try not to think too much about being afraid. Just go for it.
What is one problem in the world that you would like to fix?
Conflict between people of different religions and ethnicities. The main principle of all religions is to love one another, and to be at peace with one another but, sadly, that’s not what happens. We’re all unique, but we have more similarities than differences. The problem is when we focus only on what makes us different from each other.
How do you think we could fix it?
We need to put ourselves in each others’ shoes. We need to truly accept one another for who we are.
A small thank you
Well, Zoya, when you read this I hope you know that you make me feel accepted. I’m sure I’m not the only one who can say so.
So thank you, for being you, for giving me the chance to discover more about you, and for letting me interview you for this project even if you have assignments due this week. I owe you some chocolate.