Caring Christina
Christina F. Benson, born on November 10, 1988, is a sophomore at East Carolina University pursuing a degree in Communications with a concentration in broadcast journalism. She graduated from the North Carolina School of the Arts, a private school located in Winston-Salem, N.C.
East Carolina was the only NC university she applied to, and upon her acceptance decided to attend.
Christina aspires to one day own a private film company that specializes in independent documentaries. However, her ultimate dream is to be a famous documentarist who travels the world rock climbing.
Christina grew up in Pasadena, California. She has two siblings, an older sister named Charlette, 25, and a younger brother named Jordan, 8. Her sister currently lives in Ohio, and her brother, Jordan, lives with their mother, Candice, in Charlotte, NC.
As for the basics, Christina loves the color yellow. Her favorite music and movie change weekly. This week’s choices being “5th Generation” for favorite band and “Sex and the City” for favorite movie. She lives off campus in the Pirates Place complex, and when she is not busy with friends or traveling in her Jeep Liberty, she clocks in at Chili’s restaurant as a waitress. She works there on average 30 hours a week.
Music is a must for Christina, whether it is live or through the headphones of her Ipod. She also enjoys traveling and trying new things. Her favorite time of the year is summer: “I hate clothes,” she said.
As for dislikes, Christina loathes promptness, unnecessary lying, and loud obnoxious people.
In my quest to learn more about Christina, I contacted three major people in her life: her sister Charlette, her mother Candice, and her friend Wendi.
Charlette had much to say about her little sister, and I could hear the smile in her voice. “Christina is a handful, but in a good way,” she laughed. “We used to always call her riot.” Charlette informed me that Christina is a free spirit, and one who is caring and absolutely loves animals.
Her love for animals began as a child, and her sister was constantly cleaning up behind guinea pigs, rabbits, dogs, and cats. Christina still loves animals; currently she has a beautiful grey tabby cat named Topanga. “Christina will try anything once, and I love her to death,” finished Charlette.
Wendi Adams, a close friend of Christina, also had a lot to say. In her words, “Christina is selfish, in a good way, because she likes for things to be about her all the time. If she’s not the center of attention, she soon puts herself there.”
“If you’re not on Christina’s time, you’re out of luck,” she said “She could be picking you up, and if she is late or you’re not ready, then that’s it.”
She also told me that Christina is very spontaneous and ready to do anything. Christina loves the mall and volunteering at animal shelters. “ She’s very busy, always on the go,” said Wendi “You either hate her or you love her, can’t be both.”
When asked about moving to North Carolina from California, Christina had much to say; “It was different at first, but I enjoy it now,” said Christina. She also said many activities in the South were slower paced such as speaking and walking. Another one of Christina’s observations was that Southerners seem to be more wasteful.
Christina’s mother Candice spoke proudly of her daughter. She explained how they had moved all over the United States. Christina was born in Pittsburgh, PA, moved to Florida, then to California, and now lives in North Carolina.
Her mother elaborated on their time in California, where Christina had a slight acting career. She had appearances in “Bad Boys II,” a Lil’ Romeo music video, and many commercials. “Christina doesn’t like to boast about her acting career,” her mother said.
Christina’s mother said her best friend once saw an episode of “Strong medicine” on the lifetime channel, and noticed Christina in the show. Surprised, she called Christina, and the appearance was confirmed.
Christina expressed she doesn’t like to talk about her short acting career because she doesn’t like to feel that she failed at anything.
Her mother emphasized that love holds her family together. When speaking about Christina and her little brother, she said, “Christina loves Jordan to death.”
When speaking with Christina, one cannot help but notice her quiet wisdom and knowledge of the world. She has a caring vibe and always smiles. For an amazing girl that gives her all, I hope life gives back as much as she put in.
Filed under: Features: Classmate Profiles