JESSICA STUBBS | Staff Writer
The newly crowned, 2015 Pan Afrikan King, Matthew Wright, is the first freshman to win the title.
Wright studies graphic design and, upon graduation from N.C. State University, he plans to pursue a career in the Visual and Performing Arts. The student from Fayetteville has hopes of becoming a professional designer or performer.
“Since childhood, I have honed skills in Music, Theatre, and Art, but I have only been dancing for two and a half years. Which is weird because everyone here knew me first as a dancer, then an artist, instead of the other way around,” said Wright.
- What does it mean to you to be crowned the 2015 Pan-Afrikan King?
To be crowned Pan-Afrikan King was crazy. I am the first freshman to ever win the King title, and I am always humbled by that. It’s definitely an honor.
- You are involved in A LOT of activities around campus, how you stay focused and balanced?
I have to be sure I manage my time very well; I can’t let anything slip. My schedule is like a minefield sometimes where things are so close together but never touch or everything blows up [laughs]. But it’s only by the grace of God I’m able to do any of these things I love so much.
- What would you say is your biggest accomplishment this year?
My biggest accomplishment this year was probably performing at the Symposium showcase back in August. I say that because that’s when I made the decision to do what I loved in front of everyone despite whatever negative response I could’ve received. That took away all my inhibitions and gave me confidence to join crews, make friends, and ultimately compete in the pageant.
- To whom would attribute much of your success and why?
I attribute my success to God, who instilled within me the gifts and drive to do great things in His name, and my parents who were led by God to raise me in a way that assured greatness. I love those guys.
- What advice would you give to incoming freshman now that your freshman year is coming to a close?
My advice to freshmen coming in is to simply be Unapologetically You. Break out of your shell (and the shells you put yourself in to “fit in” with the crowd) and be yourself! Do what you love because that is what matters most. God doesn’t make copies, so don’t try to be one.
