Interview with Debi Nova
YUNGA interviews Debi Nova and discovers a few interesting facts about her
1. Have you always wanted to be a singer or were there also other jobs you wanted to do when you were little?
I started playing piano at age 4 so music has always been part of my life but when I was about 8 years old I dreamed of being an astronaut. I used to read a lot of books about outer space and I was fascinated by the idea that there was so much to discover out there. My fascination with the stars still continues to this day! At about 12 I discovered that I loved to sing and dance and since then I have never stopped practicing it.
2. What was the key in your character that allowed you to reach where you are today?
The one thing that remains constant since I started singing and performing at a very young age is that I passionately love what I do. Of course it is sometimes a bumpy road, so I've had to learn to be patient and to persevere, but for me the main key is to truly love and believe in what I do.
3. If we met your old school teachers, what would they say about you?
They would say that I was a very good student. That I was a focused and disciplined girl yet a bit of a rebellious dreamer. Everyone in school knew that one day I was going to move to a big city and be a performer.
4. If you could trade places with another person, real or fictional, for a week, who would it be?
I would either be an astronaut in an outer space station or a big wave surfer during a big Tahiti swell.
5. What is your favorite and least favorite food?My favorite 3 things to eat are chocolate, avocado and honey; and my least favorite is anything pickled.
6. Tell us some more of your favorites!
Place: Witch's Rock in Costa Rica
Sport: surfing
Time of the day: sunset
Fruit: mango
Color: fuchsia
7. What are the most embarrassing situations you have been in?
A few come to mind and they all involve being on stage and having either a wardrobe malfunction, or making a not so subtle mistake in the performance.
8. Can you tell us more about your logo? Where did it originate from?
The logo is inspired by a Mayan symbol that I found in a book. It was the center of a warrior's shield and it looks like a sun. To me it represents the power and energy of the sun and the resilience of a warrior.
9. In your opinion, what are the most important challenges that Costa Rica faces regarding the environment?
In the last decade or so there's been an enormous growth in tourism which has lead to a lot of construction and development in rural areas. Although this has brought many good things for the economy of the country, the growth has at times been too quick for environmental regulations to catch up to it, so there's an imbalance. So I think our biggest challenge is how do you continue to grow and capitalize on tourism and real estate development without negatively affecting the environment.
10. If you where an animal which one would you be and why?
I would be a bird.. Any kind. Why? Because I'd like to fly.
11. What would your recommendations for an environmentally sustainable lifestyle be?
I think every little thing counts. Some of the actions anyone can take are: using reusable cloth bags instead of plastic ones when shopping, separating the trash to recyclables, land-fill and compost. Try to carpool, bike, use public transportation or walk when possible and be conscious when using paper goods and water.
12. What do you hope to achieve in your new role as YUNGA Ambassador?
I'm very excited to work with children. I think that this is the generation that can make a real difference in the world and potentially solve the many challenges that we face as a planet. For me personally, I hope to inspire the younger generation to care about the environment and to provide them with lots of tools and information so that they can one day inspire others to do the same. I would also love to use music as a way to educate and inspire kids. Music has an amazing power, so I hope to use it as a means to inspire and create positive changes in their lives.
Do you have any last comment for our YUNGA tribes?
Only that I am deeply honored to be part of the tribe and that I can't wait to get to work!