The first thing you notice about up-and-coming filmmaker Tchaiko Omawale is her vibrant blue hair; the second thing you notice, much like her hair, is the infectious yet subtle smile spread across her face. When she speaks, she pulls you, as if she is an old childhood friend who helped you navigate your first awkward crush.

I like to talk. To anyone who knows me, this is not news.  From the time I was in elementary school, to my parent’s dismay, my report cards consistently informed them that I needed to stop talking so much in class.   Some may say that I talk too much, others may say that I am hyper-verbal.  Any way you frame it, the bottom line is, I am a very chatty person.  Being verbally outgoing has its advantages.  I meet wonderful people in strange situations where if I wasn’t comfortable initiating a conversation, I never would have made their acquaintance.