(Photo by Shayla Racquel)
So many people tend to get discouraged when they feel like their dreams will never be a reality. This was never the case for the young and talented Shayla Spann who uses the name Shayla Racquel for public access. Spann has shown an interest in film production for some time so she took it upon herself to put her talents to work. Like other stars and renowned populace that are unexpectedly discovered, Spann utilized the YouTube application to launch a web series entitled “Quarter Century”.
“Quarter Century” has a cast of up and coming aspiring actors and actresses such as Alana Gatling, A’naz Cotton, Bianca Johnson, and many more. The term “Quarter Century” refers to the number 25 which is the age of most mid mid life crises. This is around the time where most people begin a career and have a great salary to utilize for recreational purposes. With unique dramatization and sly wit, Spann creates an amusing way to express how much responsibility stings at the age of 25.
The first episode, entitled “Meaning of Grown”, is star lined by Alana Gatling whose role is Sasha Quinn. Sasha finds herself waking up next to an unknown individual after a weeknight of happy hour drinks and harmless fun. She meets with her friends for advice on what it means to be grown because she doesn’t have a clue. Sasha says:
“I’m 25 and I don’t even look like it. I damn sure don’t feel like it. I mean I can’t even get to work on time without being hungover. When is this transitional period from young as hell to grown supposed to happen? You know they tell you to go to high school, get your diploma. You go to college, get your degree. Nobody tells you what the hell to do afterwards.”
There are so many young adults that find themselves thinking this way whether its due to their financial status, career opportunities, lack of responsibility, or just absolute low self esteem.
Spann is a creator, director, and innovator with a fresh style and constructive skill set that many will grow to appreciate. Her work has been featured in HBCU Digest’s “Top Web Series Produced by HBCU Students, Alumni, and Faculty” ranking “Quarter Century” at number 4. This should be of no surprise because many HBCU alumni would be able to relate to the drama personified in this series so far. This series brings life to what has became the real world for recent college graduates.
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