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Tiana Sirmans may be young, but she has big plans for her future.//photo by Luigi Ciuffetelli |
Tiana Sirmans has appeared on “Good Morning America,” taken broadcast journalism classes at New York Fashion Week and won a contest to become a writer for TIME for Kids—all before finishing the third grade. At just 8 years old, this Pleasantville Elementary School student already has big plans for her future.
What do you do as a TIME for Kids reporter?
I do lots of different things. I do interviews and write news articles. I recently interviewed a 15-year-old actor named Chris Richards. He’s a voice actor on a podcast called “Young Ben Franklin.” He was pretty amazed about how young I am.
How did you get involved with TIME for Kids?
Last year I told my mom I wanted to be a reporter, so she signed me up for a broadcast journalism class for kids. I loved it so much, so she started looking for ways for me to get more experience. I started making appearances on “Good Morning America,” and I had the chance to meet with co-anchor Robin Roberts. I got some great public speaking tips from her. When my mom and I came across the TIME for Kids reporter contest, I decided to enter it.
What’s your best memory from “Good Morning America”?
When I interviewed Carol Burnett and asked her, “What’s the best advice you’ve received from a kid?” She said, “Stay woke,” and it started trending on social media.
When did you realize that you enjoy journalism?
I knew it when I wanted to interview some kindergarten kids at my school. I was just trying to experience it by asking them how they felt about starting kindergarten and if they were scared or really excited.
What’s your favorite thing about it?
Learning about different people in the world. I love to create stories about what I’ve learned and share them with the world.
Is there a specific topic that you love to write about?
I love to write about a lot of different things. I would really love to be able to travel and write about the food I taste.
What else do you like to do for fun?
I love to read, write and travel. My favorite place to travel to is Miami Beach, but I would love to get a passport and travel out of the country.
You have a lot of interests. Do you know what you want to do when you grow up?
I would love to be a reporter, but I also love acting. I’ve been in a few commercials and I’m back in acting classes, so I would love to be a lead actress in a big film one day. I like to cook, so I would also like to own my own restaurant and be a chef.
What are your goals for TIME for Kids and your future?
I would love to talk to Michelle Obama, and to interview Emily Blunt, who plays Mary Poppins in “Mary Poppins Returns.” Talking to adults isn’t always easy, or they can’t always relate, so I would love to have a kids’ talk show to talk about issues and news stories that affect kids. I would also like to write a fun book that helps kids with different issues.
