8 Smart Questions for Amy Aniobi, Host of Modern Manners

Hey, Smarties! Our new series, Modern Manners (debuting tomorrow), will teach you everything you need to know about etiquette for the current day and age. We asked Amy Aniobi, the brilliant writer, actress, and host of our classy conduct cruise, some questions to get to know her a little better and here’s what she had to say!

Who or what inspires you?

My mom is my biggest inspiration! My family is Nigerian, and my mom barely spoke English when she moved to the United States with my dad. She worked multiple jobs to put herself through school and help raise my brothers and me. My mom taught me that a determined woman can do practically anything.

What advice would you give a younger Smart Girl?

Pay attention. That is, listen more than you talk, and stay focused. If you pay attention, you’ll never stop learning.

What three words would you use to describe yourself?

Silly, sleepy, resilient.

If you could have a super power, what would it be?

Being able to feel well-rested without coffee! Is that a super power? No? Okay, then I guess being able to teleport. I just want to BE places already!

Do you have any hidden talents?

I bake amazing chocolate chip cookies. And I can play the flute (I started in 6th grade and even played in my high school marching band). I also am not too shabby at falling asleep in public.

Do you have any goals for 2016?

I would like to read more topical articles about world events, instead of just skimming them.

What language or skill would you love to learn?

I used to speak French fluently, so I would like to refresh my skills! Anyone want to help with that? Come speak French with me! Merci beaucoup!

Who would you want to be stranded on a deserted island with and why?

Probably Liam Neeson’s character from Taken. He would get us to safety somehow.

Tweet your manner’s questions to us @smrtgrls using #SmartManners!