Jeanie Tavitas-Williams | 210SA Contributor

Name: Courtney Cummings, 22

Location: North Star Mall

You're all dressed up. Going someplace special later?

Nope, just shopping for a birthday gift for my niece. Actually, I don't call this dressing up. It's really very casual for me.

Really? Others are walking around here in sweats and flip-flops .....

Oh yeah, look at my boots. You can tell I wear them a lot, but they're so comfortable. I wear them quite a bit to school.
 
Where do you go?

UTSA. I'm double majoring in biology and business management.

That's an interesting combination. What are your plans?

I'd like to open my own clothing boutique and lounge.

So where does the biology come in?

Well, I was studying pre-med until last year when I realized how much I enjoy business and finances — I work as a banking specialist at USAA. But I love science, and I love fashion. I know they're very different, but I figure if my plans don't work out I can pursue medical school and study pediatrics.

You must love children .....

 I do very much, and I like helping people. Experiencing Hurricane Katrina really made me realize that.

Are you from New Orleans?

No, but that's where I was studying pre-med, at Xavier University. I was actually in cheerleading tryouts when we were evacuated. I lost everything — material things, really. But that was nothing compared to what so many others lost.

Sounds like the experience changed you.

It did. I learned not to take things, especially those around you, for granted. Everything happens for a reason. Katrina brought me back home to family.

Jeanie Tavitas-Williams | 210SA Contributor