Everybody has a story: Tania Allen

Editor’s note: This is a series of stories that will spotlight Maize students chosen at random. The idea comes from reporter Steve Hartman’s series formerly broadcast on CBS News. 

Tania Allen is a dedicated track star. She practices every day of the week except on Sundays, when she has an alternate workout planned.

“I have done track since 8th grade and cross country since my freshman year,” Allen said.

Since Allen is involved with both track and cross country, she has little time for work outside of school.

“I volunteer at my church’s cafe and I work for my grandparents on the weekend, but I’m still looking for a job. It’s hard, especially with practice,” Allen said.

Allen is a world traveler, having already visited Asia, Mexico and the Philippines.

“My mom’s side of the family is from the Philippines,” Allen said, “ I got to meet a whole other side of my family that I’ve never met before.”

She hopes to one day travel to Europe, due to her fascination with England.

Every year Allen looks forward to visiting Missouri with her father. Her favorite memory involves them driving around town in her dad’s jeep.

“I used to be really close to my dad before my parents were divorced,” Allen said. “We went to places around town like the old sandwich place Rolly Pollys; that’s probably one of my favorite memories.”

Like most teens, Allen loves to spend time on the internet.

“I mainly spend all my time on YouTube and social media like Twitter and Tumblr,” Allen said. 

Some of her favorite YouTubers include: Troye Sivan, Connor Franta, Tyler Oakley, Grace Helbig and the Holy Trinity.

Allen said her greatest weakness is spending too much time on the internet, causing her to procrastinate. However, her greatest strength is never giving up.

“I would say my determination is a good strength because when I’m determined to do something I usually try really hard to fix it,” Allen said.