Have you ever looked around your workplace or classroom and thought, “Who are these people? And how do I fit in here?”  One of the finest things to come from my Rollins College experience is exactly this: I was forced to surround myself with people I may not have associated with normally. That’s how I met Reverend Ben Cox—we have sat next to each other in class for the past four years.

In May, Ben and I will both graduate from Rollins with a Masters Degree in Liberal Studies. Other than this commonality, we might as well be from different planets. He has been married and divorced. He has fathered four children. He now has a partner named Rick, and together they connect with spirits from the other side. He is a Reverend. He remembers six of his former lives. He gives lectures at Cassadaga. He always wears jewelry and crystals. And these are things one learns about the Reverend within minutes of being around him. I became instantly fascinated by Ben once meeting him. I wanted to inspect him from a far, like how a child captures a bug and watches it from behind glass. I never knew anything like him existed. Never in a million years could I have guessed we’d become pals.

Today, I consider Ben a good friend. We don’t hang out on a daily basis or anything, but if I needed something—anything at all—I know I could count on him. He’s come to most all of my events to support me and my endeavors. He’s brought me research books from his personal library when I’ve been in a research-paper crisis, without me even asking. We’ve had many conversations pertaining to the meaning of life. But what I’ve enjoyed most about befriending Ben is that he has taught me much about his lifestyle. After a tour of Cassadaga, a history lesson of its existence, an attendance of a graduation (or what most of us call a funeral), a reading, a meditation, a séance and participating in table-tipping, I now have an idea of what it’s like to be a Spiritualist of Cassadaga. I hope by reading this interview, you will too. Or at least I hope you’ll be inspired to be open-minded to the possibilities that surround us, especially when they come unexpectedly.

*Below are a few excerpts found in Jana Waring’s Who’s That? Discovering Orlando One Interview at a Time. To read more about Ben’s connection to the other side, buy the book now!

Jana: What does it mean to be a medium?
Ben: Once I had discovered what a medium was, I realized that’s what I’ve been all my life. I was one of those people who saw things, heard things—I was the telephone wire between the operator and telephone, in between this dimension and the next. I’ve been doing that, more or less, since I was a child. When my mother went into her diabetic condition, I could see the change in her aura and so I knew it was coming before she did. When the phone rang, I knew who was on the other end before I picked it up. When I asked people questions, I knew what their answers were going to be before I asked the questions.

So why ask questions if you already know the answers?
Because you try to be whatever normal is—normal is an elusive term. You try to blend in. You think, “Doesn’t everybody hear and see what I do?” And no, they don’t. I cannot assume people see what I see, or hear what I hear. I know that now, but when I was a child I didn’t.

Who is your God?
God is an energy, an intelligence, a force. God is not a person and it is not personal. I often joke with people in that God can be divine intelligence, the ground of all being, popcorn, a bubble gum wrapper—whatever works for you. It doesn’t matter what metaphor you use, as long as it works.

I had expected the séance to be serious, very focused, and with a lot of concentration. But that wasn’t the case at all.
It was a lot of fun wasn’t it? It’s a lot of laughter and a lot of joking. The spirit loves to play.  People love for things to be explained in rational terms, and sometimes you just can’t. It scares them.

Fast forward to a month or so later, both of us had appointments with our Liberal Studies director at Rollins to discuss our thesis projects. I knew what I wanted to do; I had set-up this web site years ago with hopes it would become my graduation ticket. I was surprised, however, when Shelby asked me, “How would you feel if I used your van idea as my thesis project?” I was stunned that someone wanted to take on such a project, nevertheless do it in my honor. I was also unsure how this could fit into the guidelines of our creative thesis requirements.
“Are you serious? I’d feel awesome,” I replied.  Shelby is like the unnamed Mayor of Thorton Park. If anyone could pull it off, I knew she would be the one.
“Great. I’m meeting with Dr. Smithers in two days.”

Since that conversation, Shelby has titled the fundraiser Project Vandalism; she’s established many events to raise money for the cause; she’s connected almost everyone that lives and/or owns a business downtown to the project (including Mayor Dyer); and so far, she’s risen over $10,000. My little idea has turned into a two-day, three-ringed circus and the thought of this overwhelms me. I cannot think of a better way to say, “Thanks everyone, and the community, you have given me an excellent ten years and now I’d like to pay it forward,” than to raise money and buy an accessible van for a deserving family.

Part of Shelby’s thesis is that she journals the PV events, but also that she journals what she learns about Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI) along the way. So I took Shelby to a SCI support group meeting at Lucerne Hospital (I didn’t think it fair that I be her only model. After ten years, I am very acclimated to my injury, spoiled even. I was also injured on the job, therefore, I’ve always had my own van—my own everything for that matter.) I had tried to prepare her for what she was about to see, but it’s usually not possible, not even for someone like me who has personally experienced it. Persons that are newly injured and their privacy are violated in such a way, that they will share their new feelings of desperation and frustration with anyone, even strangers. Their appearance also can be shocking. They are shaking, from shivers or unwelcomed muscle spasms; they’re legs are wrapped in bandages like mummies to encourage blood circulation, they are bed-bathed but not showered, gowned, pale and overall, sickly looking. Within minutes of the support meeting starting, I looked over at Shelby. It was already too late. She was shaking her head at me, sobbing, but obviously trying not to. I had expected that. What neither of us had expected was to meet the family we would eventually want to purchase the van. As quick as we exited the hospital, Shelby blurted, ‘We have to buy the van for Dejon.’ I answered without hesitation, ‘I know.’

Dejon and Angela have been boyfriend and girlfriend for over ten years, they’ve been a couple since the young father was just 13. They have a 7-year-old son together named Tony and a one-month old girl named Liliana (The newborn came days after we met Angie.) On June 14, 2008, Dejon was in a car accident that left him a quadriplegic, paralyzed from the chest down, with little to no movement in his arms. As he told us his story, we were captivated by him. It wasn’t necessarily the way he was injured—because everyone who gets injured has a good story—but were impressed by his overall attitude, his will to live and his unconditional love for his family.

This interview was conducted in the living room of Dejon’s apartment; it’s the only room that his tilting power wheelchair fits in. Like other out-dated apartments, the doorways are too small for his machinery and new lifestyle. While I interviewed Dejon, Angie sat on the couch holding Liliana and Tony sat on his father’s twin sized hospital bed watching attentively. I’m often asked the reasons why we chose this family, and I hope this interview showcases that. More than an explanation though, I hope this interview is an inspiration for more community projects like PV. It’s as easy as starting with a simple idea, and then finding someone who believes in it. Thanks to everyone who has contributed to Project Vandalism, and thanks to Shelby for believing in me. Being a part of this whole process has become another reminder of why I wake up each morning; and also why I love living in my community.

Jana: To begin, will you please share the story of how you got paralyzed?
Dejon: I was out driving one day with a friend and we went to another friend’s house. We cleaned out the car; then got in the car and I said [to my friend], ‘I’m tired of driving. Do you want to drive?’ He said, ‘Yeah, I’ll drive.’ We were in a Pontiac Grand Prix, 2006, Saturday afternoon. We went to Wendy’s, and then my friend had said he had some running around to do. I wanted to go home and chill with my girlfriend. So I told him, ‘Let’s go get your car so you can go do your thing.’
I guess he had a girl waiting for him or something, because he was real anxious to get to his car. He started driving really fast; I didn’t pay it no mind though and just laid my chair back. I told him, ‘Wake me up when we get to your house.’ And we never made it to his house. When I woke up, I was in ICU.

When you woke up in the ICU, what were the first thoughts to come to your mind?
‘What am I doing here?’ I kept hearing, ‘Beep … beep … beep.’ I saw tubes everywhere. I saw my girlfriend, Angela. She said, ‘You know I’m going to be here everyday, right?’ I saw my grandmother. She said, ‘Dejon, do you know that I’m your grandmother?’ I tried to talk but I couldn’t. I was wondering why I couldn’t talk; then I just went back to sleep. I woke up again and saw a bunch of friends. ‘You alright man … you going to be alright,’ [they said.] I went back to sleep because I couldn’t talk. I tried to get up outta that bed, but I couldn’t move. It was a weird feeling.

The reason why you couldn’t talk was because you had a trach in your throat?
A ventilator, yeah.

At one point did you realize the seriousness of your accident?
Probably like a week after being in ICU. When the nurses [originally] told me, I didn’t believe ‘em. They kept saying, ‘You’re paralyzed and you might need a ventilator for the rest of your life. You were in a bad accident.’ I kept saying, ‘No, no!’ I kept trying to spit out the tubes and moving my head—all I could move was my head and shoulders then. I wasn’t moving my arms yet. They had to hold me down and strap the tubes to my mouth.
Angie told me, ‘You got in a real bad accident. You’ll be better after awhile, but right now, you have to be like this.’ I kept asking her, ‘Why can’t I feel anything? Why can’t I get up?’ One of my friends asked, ‘When you were in ICU …’—I was in ICU for twenty days—‘you woke up and your eyes were so big and wide. Why?’ I said, ‘Because I swore it was a dream.’ I was in shock. I never thought this could happen to me. Not me—not Dejon.

Is your injury permanent?
[Pauses] Yeah … I think so. They say I’m a C5-6. I don’t really know too much about it; I’m just now learning what it all means.

When they told you that you were paralyzed—and it had soaked in—what thoughts came to mind then?
‘How am I going to get through life like this? How am I going to get around? What are people going to think when they see me? How am I going to take care of my kids? Is my girlfriend going to leave me?’ There’s a bunch of thoughts—a million thoughts.

How are you coping with it?
Every day gets better. I don’t cry anymore because I’ve accepted it, but it’s still hard. ‘Babe, can you turn me over? Can you fix the pillow?’ You know? I’ve always been independent and now I have to ask for everything I want. ‘Can I get a drink? I’m hungry; can you feed me?’ You know?

Yes, I know—I do know.
It’s hard.

What did you do before your injury?
Work—I was a welder.

How has being paralyzed changed that aspect of your life?
My hands aren’t working right now; I need to get my wrist extension back. Maybe if I can get my wrist back [and functioning], I can work. But right now, I can’t hold a rod—or anything for that matter. And the heat, I probably can’t take all that heat now. So yeah, it’s changed; I need to find a new trade.

Can you tell us what a typical day is like for you right now?
I wake up—depending on what time I have therapy—and Angie gets me dressed; she gets me breakfast; she brushes my teeth; she helps me get in my wheelchair. Then, she gets Liliana ready; feeds her. Then the bus comes and I go to the rehab center. I do two hours of therapy everyday. I wait for them [Lynx transportation] to pick me up; I come home; I watch TV and talk on the phone; I go outside and ride around the neighborhood; I come back in the house; I talk to Angie; I get put in the bed; and then I do it all again tomorrow.

What are you going to do when therapy ends?
Just try to get stronger by working out. I’m going to find resources and network; I need to find out about people like me. I’m going to try to find a job, something I can do. I got to keep moving forward. I’m already on the bottom step, now I just need to keep climbing up.

What is the most frustrating part of your day?
Asking Angie to do everything. It’s frustrating because she has the baby—she has to take care of the newborn baby—and she has Tony, but he can basically do things on his own. She has to keep him in line though. Then I have to ask her to get me up and put my shoes, my pants, my shirt on, then get me in the chair, get me something to drink … it’s frustrating. Sometimes I’m thirsty or need something when she’s helping the baby—but I’m going to let her do that—that baby comes first, you know? It still frustrating that I can’t grab the cup and get me something to drink, or go in the kitchen and cook me some food while she does that.

Nevertheless, you probably want to help her with Illiana.
Yes! I can’t just hold her and say, ‘I got it for right now. Go take a nap … or a bath.’ You know?

Now that you’re paralyzed, what are the things you miss the most?
Walking around and running with my son, driving around, going up stairs—it’s the little things—standing up in the bath, jumping on my bed or throwing myself down, legs off the bed, rolling around—I miss that stuff.

Can you describe what it is like to use the Lynx transportation system?
It’s the worst. Lynx—you have to be ready an hour ahead of time, two hours ahead of time from where you’re trying to go. They come whenever they want to come. If they set a time at 1 or 1:30, they might come at 2—and you just have to deal with it. It’s the same thing after you finish what you’re doing, they may be there an hour late or twenty minutes early, but you have to be ready for them.

Have they ever left you behind?
Yeah, the very first day. I wasn’t even in therapy yet, but I had to go to the doctor. The guy asked, ‘How much people are there?’ Angie told him, ‘Two—me and him, but I also need to bring my baby; I have a newborn.’ He said, ‘The baby is a passenger too, you’ll have to pay for it.’ We said, ‘OK.’ But he didn’t think there was room, at least that’s what he called and told his boss. My brother was here, luckily. So he was going to go with me instead. He [the driver] said, ‘Fine, you have five minutes to get out.’ I didn’t have a shirt on. Once I got that on and was to the ramp [at my front door], he was already putting his ramp up. He said, ‘Your five minutes are up and I already called in a no-show.’ So we had to call for another ride; and he left. It’s very frustrating.

Especially considering how long it probably takes you to get ready in the morning.
Yeah. It takes an hour, and that’s just to get the wrap on my legs, my shoes, pants and shirt on.

What would it mean for you and your family to have your own means of transportation?
It would mean the world. We could go out when we want to. We can go places, like out to dinner. We wouldn’t have to pay for a Taxi or wait on Lynx. We could get around when ever we needed to—it’s freedom all over again.

How have the kids adjusted to your injury?
Liliana doesn’t know much right now, and Tony, he’s been a real big help. At first he wanted to know where his Dad was at, when I was in ICU. He asked, ‘Where’s my Dad at? And why isn’t he here on Father’s day?’ Now, he’s just a big help. I’ll ask, ‘Babe, can you put another pillow under my head?’ But Tony will come running to do it. He says, ‘I know you’re going to get better Dad.’


Liliana and Tony

Tony, what do you think about your Dad and the things he’s going through right now?
[He smiles real big.] I think he’s funny … and he asks me funny questions.

[I turn back to Dejon] And what about Angie? Where do you think you’d be without her?
I don’t even know. I ask her that all the time. ‘What would I do without you? What would it be like? Would I strive to be better? What would I do? Who would help me? Who else would do this for me? Would I be in Florida? Where would I be? What would happen to me? Would I be in a nursing home?’ I always ask, ‘Where would I be?’

Do you have family here?
Brothers and sisters—the rest are in New York. They wanted me to come up there so they could help me, but every building that someone in my family lives in has stairs, except one. Only one building has an elevator. It’s not wheelchair friendly at all. I’ve told them Angie needs help, because we don’t have any other help—no nurses or aids … nothing. They said we can come up there but I don’t see how that’ll work with one aunt having an elevator. I wouldn’t be able to see my grandmother, unless they lifted me up stairs. That’d be too hard.

If you don’t mind me asking, what is your financial situation right now? And what kind of strain has put on your family?
A big one. I used to help; it was me and Angie. We both worked. Now she does everything; she carries the whole burden on her back.

And she’s taking care of all of you?
She’s taking care of all of us—all three of us—all by herself.

What are three things that you think people should know about spinal cord injuries?
One is that you have to be strong. That’s the first thing—to be strong and don’t give up. The second thing is you have to learn to adjust. It’s a different life, but it’s a life and you’re still around. The third thing is to be patient. Everything isn’t going to happen in a blink of an eye, even though we got injured in a blink of an eye, we’re not going to get better in one day. You have to be patient, and patient with the people who are helping you because they don’t have to do it.

What inspires you to keep getting out of bed every morning?
My kids—that little girl Liliana—she makes me get up and push. When I’m at therapy, she looks at me with eyes wide open and I push myself. I have to get better, just for her … Tony … and Angie—they make me.

If you could go back to your able body—like back before any of this happened—what’s the first thing you would do?
Hug and kiss Angie; throw Liliana up and around my neck; tell Tony, ‘Let’s race;’ I’d take a long shower; dive in a pool … I’d do a lot of things—that day would never end.

Is there anything you’d like to say to those who have donated to Project Vandalism?
I’d like to say thank you. Even though I don’t know you, I love you. Thanks for helping me out; thanks for even just the thought. When you had called to tell me that you wanted to donate a van to me, I asked Angie, ‘Why are they donating it to me for? Because I’ve never won anything in my life.’ I always lose win I gamble. So it’s a blessing. Thank you—thank you to you, and everybody, for everything they’ve done … every penny.

And will you be at the party to celebrate with us?
I will be there … probably the first one there … I have to get there early, you know? [Laughs]

*Interview Date: October 18, 2008

To learn more about Project Vandalism, join our MySpace page or Facebook group.

When The Standerd asked me to do a creative interview with Harley, I wasn’t sure what angle to go about doing it. At that particular time, we were close—too close; Harley was living in my house with Sam Thomson, a fellow Aussie wakeboarder and refugee for the summer.  So for the magazine part of the interview, I designed a pie chart of Harley’s weekly activities and tagged it with some other rider’s quotes, hoping to showcase his eagerness and dedication to wakeboarding, among other things like playing Rock Band and finding candy.
      The reason why creating an interview for Harley was difficult was because, as anyone knows, when you live with someone you know different things about them. For example, Harley believes that he does not like parmesan cheese. However, it was in nearly every meal Sam and I fixed for him … and he devoured those meals. “It is disgusting and I hate it,” he said to us one day when we called him out on it, “I just ate it because I didn’t want to hurt your feelings.” In actuality, he had no idea the cheese was in there and so I am led to believe he actually likes parmesan cheese, he just doesn’t know it yet.   
      Harley is also serious about texting, according to Verizion he sent and received over 3,600 text messages last month. Upon seeing this phone bill, I immediately called him into the kitchen to high-five him for such a miraculous accomplishment. “No way, that can’t be right,” he said, “That’s wrong.” To which I responded by calculating how many texts per day that is—way over 100. I feel fairly confident this is completely accurate, and if you spent a day with him you would understand. So I considered calling Verizon just to prove him wrong, but I should have considered asking for their sponsorship instead. If anything, I thought, this had to be a record of some sort and I felt we should be compensated.
      So when you are that close to someone—that you know their weird eating habits, texting obsessions, bathroom routines and such—it’s hard to know what questions to ask before an audience because 1) you already know the answers to the common questions and 2) you may forget which questions may be appropriate. The other reason I knew this interview would prove to be challenging is that Harley is a young teenager. Thus, when it came to the Q and A session, I expected that his answers would be short (which they are) and sometimes creative (which they are); it’s just how he views the world at the moment.
     The important things to know about Harley is that he is incredibly smart; he does love to wakeboard and happens to be extraordinarily good at it; and that he may be young, but he’s already seen and experienced more of the world than most of us will ever have the opportunity to do. But as far as anything else goes (like did Audrina from the TV show The Hills get his phone number?), you can read below and decide for yourself.

Jana: So at the completion of your first full summer in America, what kind of thoughts are going through your head?
Harley: It’s been fun; it’s been a good trip. Experience wise—I’ve learned a lot, it’s been good for my wakeboarding.

What did you like most about living in America this summer?
The warm weather … wakeboarding lots … and getting to hang with people and stuff.

What are things you missed about home?
My brothers, my Mum and Dad and hanging out with my little dog.

What is the first thing you are going to do when you get home?
Make lasagna and eat it.

And when you say “make lasagna” you mean your mom will make it, not you?
Yeah.

At what age did you start wakeboarding?
When I was 7, I think. No wait, 6.

How did you get started?
My Dad’s friend has a wakeboard shop. We borrowed a wakeboard from him one weekend and took it to the lake. I guess I didn’t like it at first. But the next summer, we went back for holiday and I started to really like it.

At what point did you decide it was something you must do?
I don’t know … when we got a new boat. We got a new wakeboard boat when I was 9, or like 8.

What about your brothers? Did they ride with you?
Yeah, my brothers used to wakeboard all the time. But they got away from it. But since I’ve been in America, they’ve been wakeboarding a whole bunch.

Are you excited to go home and ride with them?
Yeah it should be good, especially with my new boat.

Now that you are starting to get paid by sponsors, has the feel of wakeboarding changed?
Not really. I guess it’s something you have to be more professional about at contest and around other wakeboarders and stuff.

What do you think is going to be the hardest challenge?
I guess keeping good results at contest and not getting a bad reputation.

What moves are you working on?
Crow Mobe 5 and TS BS 7 off the wake.

What are your goals for wakeboarding?
Hopefully, I can wakeboard for as long as I can and get good results all the time. I don’t know … just to stay on top.

Has living in America helped you pursue those goals?
Yeah, definitely. I couldn’t just do it back in Australia because it’s not big enough there.

What have you learned from living here?
I’ve learned how to live with other people … [He smiles at me.]

HA! Why are you smiling so big?
[Laughs] I’ve learned to wakeboard better. There’s lots of things I’ve learned.

Well, I’d like to hear them.
I’ve learned that people will steal money from me, like in Egypt. And … I don’t know what else.

There are a lot of riders talking about your potential as a rider. How do you feel about that?
At contest when they’re talking about me, it makes me feel good. I don’t know. I try not to … I don’t know.

Well, does it make you feel excited or nervous?
It makes me feel excited and nervous at the same time, because at the contest I have to try and live up to what they’re talking about.

Are there any riders you look up to?
Yeah, definitely. Phillip Soven, Danny Harf and Rusty Malinoski—they’ve just been killing it lately.

This summer you attempted home schooling, which is something most riders don’t have to worry about. Was it a challenge?
At first, it was kind of easy. I just did school like I would back at home. But by the end of the trip, it got harder and harder because it was harder to motivate myself to do it.

Do you miss going to school and hanging with peers your own age?
Yeah, I miss school. Over here though, I have friends my age. So it wasn’t that bad.

What do you like to do when you’re not wakeboarding?
[Pauses] What do I do? [Pauses] I play X-box … Rock Band … I go to Tijuana Flats and Flow Rider.

What was your best Rock Band moment?
One day I got 100% on hard on [The Killers song] “When We Were Young” and I left it on the screen all day for everyone to see. It was really good. 

What is the first thing you think about in the morning? And the last thing you think about before you go to bed?
Rock Band

What’s the best way for someone to get a hold of you?
My phone.

Is it really true Audrina from The Hills asked for your number?
It’s true. I met her and she got my number.

Has she ever called you?
No. Damn.

How much money do you think you’ve spent on candy since you’ve been here?
Probably $5-6 a day, which would add up to like $500. [Laughs]

[Laughs] That is probably true. What kind of candy are you buying?
Those little Rolo chocolate things and M&M’s and Jolly Ranchers. We have M&M’s in Australia, but not the others.

What’s one thing you want to do that you haven’t done yet?
Bungee Jump

Can you comment on your obsession with shoes?
I guess. I really like them. I have so many pairs of Nike’s … I’m getting sponsored by them soon.

What are some more of your favorite things?
Rock Band [Laughs] No. I like going to OWC and riding cable and going to Flow Rider and the flying place, whatever it’s called.

You haven’t even been to Sky Adventure, or have you?
Yeah, like four times. I go with Adam [Errington]. We went sky-diving out of the Red Bull plane.

What?! And you didn’t tell me? How could you not tell me you jumped out of a plane?
I did tell you. You and Sam didn’t believe me.

Oh right. I still don’t know that I do believe you.
[He shrugs his shoulders.]

Considering you leave tomorrow, how do you plan on spending your next 24 hours?
I’m going to hang out with you and Sam. I might go ride at OWC. I don’t know … I’m just going to hang out.

And everything is packed?
Yep. 

Will we see you next year? 
Yeah, I’ll be back. I don’t when and I’m probably not going to come back for the same amount of time. But I’ll be back. Yeah.

*Interview Date: September 8, 2008
**This is not the original interview as seen in the pictures of Contact Sheet in The Standerd. My purse was stolen after the first interview was completed and unfortunately it held my tape recorder.

If you ask me, Dallas Friday needs no introduction. Chances are you have seen her on TV, either on ESPN, FUSE, or the ABC Family channel, in a show called Switch; or you may watched her Cheetos commercial or recognized her voice and reproduced image on the Disney cartoon Kim Possible.
    If you don’t watch TV, you have seen her in a magazine or the newspaper. After all, she’s been featured in over ten different titles, including major publications like Rolling Stone, Men’s Journal, Sports Illustrated, CosmoGIRL! and Southern Living. The 21-year-old also made headlines in the local newspaper two years ago, when she fractured her femur during a wakeboard contest in Singapore. It wasn’t just the news of her injury that broke headlines, but the fact that she was induced into a medical coma from post-surgery complications. Her near fatal experience had editors eager to follow her story until she was well and back into the states. 
     And finally, like other celebrity atheletes, Dallas owns a fair bit of internet real estate. The rider can be found on Facebook, MySpace, www.DallasFriday.com and searched through engines like Wikipedia, Google, You Tube, etc… To escape Dallas Friday and her media frenzy seems nearly impossible—at least to me. That’s why I’m not even going to bother conjuring up an intro for the world class athlete. Instead, I’d rather focus on the unique dynamics of this interview.
     The following interview was created specifically to coordinate with the article I wrote about Dallas for the 2.2 issue of The Standerd: Wakeboard Quarterly. To go along with the edit, photographer Josh Letchworth took photos of our interview in hopes to capture the event in its rawest form.  I knew having another person in the room was bound to effect the normal dynamics of my interviewing process, but no one could have predicted Josh’s influence on the two of us. As he jumps in and starts to ask questions, you will notice Dallas starts really opening up; I also stop talking and start admiring his candidness.  So instead of the interview ending, which is what I thought was happening, it begins again; and the result is amazing. Josh exposes a deeper, sincere Dallas, perhaps this is a side of her that you haven’t heard about.

Jana: What do you want to talk about Dallas? You’ve been interviewed and questioned plenty of times to probably know.
Dallas: What do I want to talk about?

Jana: Yeah, like, what’s on your mind?
Dallas: A busy summer … and it’s about to start. Reality is kicking in, I guess.

Josh: Are you anxious about this summer?
Dallas: Yeah. Now that there is the Queen of Wake Series, there are a lot more contests going on this year. I do stuff for my sponsors all the time too. So it’s going to be a busy summer; it’s going to be fun but it’s going to be hectic.

Jana: Do you have to mentally prepare yourself for it to begin?
Dallas: Yeah. Being away from home is difficult sometimes. It’s been nice being home and relaxing. But I’m motivated for this year … more excited and eager than ever before.

Jana: What do you hope this season brings for you?
Dallas: First off, I just want to remain healthy. I want to finish the season off without making any doctor’s appointments. Then, I just want to have fun and try my best.

Jana: A lot can change between the ages of 18-21. What has changed the most for you in those years?
Dallas: I’ve just become more mature, I guess.

Jana: Are you feeling more responsibility?
Dallas: Yeah, for sure. Not just as a role model but as a business partner to my sponsors, like being on time for things and putting all my effort in. You’ve got to show your sponsors the same support they show you. It seems like to make it in our industry, you can’t just ride good. You’ve got to talk to your sponsors, be responsible, be smart and always remember you have the public eye looking at you from every perspective. I just try to keep my head—no matter where I’m at. Because you’d be surprised; someone’s always watching.

Josh: That’s a good point. There’s always so much more than just being on the water. I really have realized that.  Following you guys around and seeing what you do. I’ve noticed you have to be on a lot—socially—you just have to be on.
Jana: Yeah, that’s true. Describe a typical day for you in season.
Dallas: I usually just wake up and have a Red Bull …

Jana: Oh, come on Dallas. Is that a sponsor plug? [Laughs]
Dallas: No, I’m serious. [Laughs] That’s what I do; I wake up and have a Red Bull. Then, I’ll go for a ride. Then I’ll take care of some business, like phone calls or e-mails. I’ll have lunch. Then, I’ll probably have some kind of photo shoot or event I need to go to. Then hopefully, I’ll get to ride again.

Jana: How many hours do you put on your boat each day?
Dallas: Lately … not much because it’s been real windy. I’ve [also] been busy doing so much of this kind of stuff, it’s been crazy.

Jana: What is the deal with the wind in Orlando? I feel like it has been extra windy this year.
Dallas: Oh yeah, it has.

Jana: Do you think you could ever move away from Orlando?
Dallas: No way. [Laughs] I love Florida; I’m a Florida girl for sure.

Jana: What does this place offer you?
Dallas: First off, my family. I love the weather, I don’t really care for the cold; I love the humidity, even though a lot of people don’t; there are so many lakes; I love being outdoors. It’s just beautiful here. Everyone that comes down here never leaves.

Jana: True. Last year, there were deaths due to bacteria in local lake water. How did that affect you?
Dallas: I’m in the lake more than anyone, especially my lake. It was just unfortunate. I feel for their families. It’s just one of those things you can’t do anything about. [Pauses] I really don’t know what else to say.

Jana: Is it something that you think about when you get into the water?
Dallas: I probably wouldn’t go swimming in shallow, nasty-looking water. But it definitely doesn’t keep me away from riding. That’s for sure.

Jana: What inspires you?
Dallas: What inspires me? Or what motivates me?

Jana: Either.
Dallas: [Thinks]
Josh: Like, what’s the one thing that you can look at, or think about, that puts a smile on your face?
Dallas: I would say watching people do something that they love for a living. I think that’s really cool. Like Parks [Bonifay], [Shaun] Murray, Shaun White, Bucky Lasik, Travis Pastrana—you can really tell that they love the sport that they do. They create their own image and style—that’s inspiring.

Jana: I think some people may feel that same way about you. Do you feel that way about yourself?
Dallas: I don’t really stop and think about myself. I feel like I’ve worked hard … and I’m thankful and appreciative that I’m able to do what I love, and that I have the people that support me, like my family, around me. I’ve been given an opportunity and I don’t think I’ve wasted it. I’ve worked hard; and from what I can tell, it’s paid off.

Jana: Define wakeboarding and what it means to you.
Dallas: It’s my life. [Laughs] Everything I do revolves around it—everyone I talk to, everything I do and the decisions I make. I don’t know Jana … that’s a hard question.

Jana: [Laughs] Alright, let’s lighten it up a bit. You’ve walked many a red carpets, what actually happens on those things?
Dallas: Lots of flashing lights. [Laughs]

Jana: What are you thinking about when those pictures are being taken?
Dallas: Hold a smile. [Laughs] No, it’s cool. I’ve gotten used to it. It’s the world of wakeboarding that I never expected.

Jana: Were you taught how to pose?
Dallas: No! I wouldn’t take the time to learn how to walk down the red carpet—that’d be pretty funny. I just try to be myself and keep a happy face on.

Jana: Where do you keep your ESPY award?
Dallas: Next to the kitchen sink, on the counter. It’s next to my Arby’s Action Sports Award.

Jana: Do other athletes at red carpet events ever call you up to go ride?
Dallas: They don’t ever call me because I don’t give out my number. But sometimes people do say they want to go ride.

Jana: What celebrity numbers do you have in your phone?
Dallas: The newest one I got is Shaun White. [Laughs] I haven’t used it yet, but I will.

Josh: [Laughs] Are you saving that one for the right moment?
Dallas: Yeah, I guess.

Jana: Thanks Dallas, I think I’m all set. Josh, do you want to add anything else? [Josh has finished the photo shoot and takes a seat next to me.]
Josh: Yeah sure. What’s next? I mean, you’re coming off a big injury. Where is your head at? What are your goals?
Dallas: I always have goals and things that I want to accomplish … you have to. Once you have accomplished something, you can’t just stop there. I want to keep riding and stay healthy. Injuries have been a big part of my career, like any athlete. I want to be an inspiration for others that get hurt … because there are always bumps in the road, it’s what makes you stronger. When everything is taken away, you realize how bad you want it. I am definitely working hard and I get frustrated. I just want to be back to where I was, or even better.

Jana: Is there anything you feel like you have to prove?
That’s a tricky question.  I wouldn’t say I feel pressure but … there are … what is the word? [Pauses] Expectations? [Pauses] That’s kind of a weird subject, I’m sorry.

Josh: Weird is good.
Jana: That’s good that they’re adding of more women’s events to the tour this year.
Dallas: Yeah, it’s about time. There are a lot of new, up and coming girls; and I definitely see a lot of potential in a few of them. They seem hungry for it. They’re not just good riders, but motivated good riders—which are two different things. It’s the difference between being good and being the best. Hopefully, we can get more girls into it. I think it’s grown a lot in the past 4-5 years. I’m stoked to be a part of it, and I hope to stay a part of it for many, many more years.

Josh: Do you acknowledge that you have attributed a lot to that?
Dallas: I’ve hoped so. I remember reading interviews and articles when the girls weren’t really pushing themselves; that’s kind of when I got on to the scene. I just started riding hard and riding with the boys. That’s what caught the eye of the public I think. And it may be what motivated the girls a bit, like in the way that girls can do this sport too.

Josh: Do you let the “what’s next” get to you? Or do you block it out and just let your instincts take over?
Dallas: It’s kind of hard to plan the future with everything you want to do. It’s really frustrating thinking about the season with all the contests, photo shoots and obligations that I have.

Jana: How do you stay organized?
Dallas: My mom. It’s crazy though. I try not to think ahead or worry about things you can’t be in control over. I’m not saying I don’t plan things … it’s just, you know?

Josh: Yeah, I know what you mean. But are you still excited about it?
Dallas: Oh yeah. I really am excited. When I’m standing on the dock and about to ride—that’s how I feel about this entire year. I just want to go out there and do it. I’m really anxious. 

Josh: When you think about wakeboarding this year, what pops in your head: a competitive aspect or joy and riding for the love?
Dallas: Everything. I’m a competitive person, so I’m definitely thinking about competitions and how well I’m going to do at them. I think about what’s going to motivate me this year. I kind of think everything happens for a reason. So if I do badly, there is a reason for it. I’ll figure it out in the long run. I’m just excited about this year. I know people want to know where I’m at as far as my riding goes and if I am the “motivated Dallas Friday” that’s going to make a come back. I think about it all the time; it’s weird. I just got to be myself and go out there and do what I’m meant to do. I have a game plan.

Josh: Are you nervous—with your leg—when you ride now?
Dallas: No, not at all. I’ve never been [hesitant] after any of my injuries. I don’t have that mental block, maybe because I did gymnastics. It’s a demanding sport and you must always get back up and do it again … until its right. There is no second guessing, you just have to know that you can do it. I remember when I first did a whirlybird after the doctor let me ride. I was out on the boat with [Josh] Sanders. He was like, “Think about it. You’re gonna commit, right?” He was nervous that I was going to get hurt while he was driving the boat. I was like, “I got it! I got it!” He was like, “Are you sure?” And I said, “Dude, I’m full of it.” He shook his head and said, “Alright Dallas.” I know he was nervous; I would have been too if I was driving the boat. I landed my first three [whirlybirds] and they were better than they were before. It’s just one of those things that you have to have confidence about.

Josh: Where do you see yourself in twenty years?
Dallas: I have no idea where I’ll be at.

Josh: Do you want to have kids? Do you want to get married?
Dallas: Yeah, one day; but way down the road.

Josh: Do you feel that motherly instinct?
Dallas: I’m sure I’ll have kids some day. But I can’t even picture that right now and I don’t have that need. You would have to have a lot of patience. I’m just tryin’ to live my life to the fullest. You have to enjoy it while you can.

Josh: Do you like peace and quiet?
Dallas: Yeah, I do. My time is precious. Alone time and at home time is the best time.

Josh: Do you ever shut-down and turn your phone off?
Dallas: No, not really. I wish I could turn my phone off, but I’d just lose it. I’m already onto my fourth phone this year. It’s ridiculous.

Josh: Where’s your place—the place you go to and completely disconnect, no wakeboarding?
Dallas: Driving in my car, or sitting outside. Sometimes I just sit outside and look around. Probably once a day I say, “I love Florida.” Florida is the best place ever. I feel so fortunate to own a house on a lake with a boat house.

Josh: Where do you want to vacation?
Dallas: People think I’m always on vacation. It’s not true. [Pauses] I’ve always wanted to go to the Maldives.

* Interview Date: April 1, 2008