Hello, I’m Asia Jones. At the age of 14, I started an early college journey, enrolled in both Mason High High School and LCC. Inspired by many I understood my desire to live a purposeful life was bigger than me. I’ve had many role models such as Desmond Tutu, Jane Goodall, Oprah Winfrey, and Steve Jobs, and these are just a few of the people who have helped me become who I am today. I will be receiving my Associate’s Degree in Biology in the spring of 2022.
“Do your little bit of good where you are, it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” – Desmond Tutu
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
My parents are James and LaShaunta Waller and I have a younger brother, James Waller IV.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’m currently the Director of A Garden of Hope, a non-profit where we provide empowerment programs to young women.
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
I love Marco’s Pizza, Won Tong, and Los Tres Amigos.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
I’ve lived here for 9 years and created our nonprofit in 2017.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
The most interesting person I’ve met since moving here is Tom Sherwood and his family.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
Alaska. I’m actually going there this summer to complete my journey to see all 50 states.
Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?
One of my favorite movies is “Forest Gump.”
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be kind. It holds the biggest value but is free to give.
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
To impact as many people as I can.
Q: Who is your “go-to” band when you can’t decide what music you want to hear?
One Direction.
Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
Daily Scoop.
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?
I’d meet with Maya Angelou and have a picnic on the lawn at the County Courthouse in downtown Mason.
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?
I love our small-town atmosphere.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
An officer within the U.S. Air Force.
Q: What is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
I’m a musician at heart. I play the piano and percussion instruments.
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
Zion National Park in Utah.
Q: Favorite month? Favorite holiday? Best single day on the calendar?
December is my favorite month, Christmas is my favorite holiday and it’s also the best single day of the year because it’s my birthday.
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A day on the beach with my surfboard.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My mother, LaShaunta Waller; my grandmother, Linda Williams; and my great-grandmother, Ora Cotton.
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
Fresh flowers and the ocean.
Q: Who would you like to see nominated for The Faces of Ingham County?
Macey Lamke, a young girl with a heart so big she echos that of a future humanitarian.
Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?
There’s no place like home. Home is where the heart is. With you I am home.
