Behind my own reflection
A Quick Introduction to Bianca
I was born on May 27, 1993 in Yaoundé, Cameroon. I moved to the US alone when I was eighteen years old. This was made possible with the assistance of my amazing mother—Salomé Aba, a Basketball scholarship that I received from Lighthouse Christian School in Antioch, TN, and my incredible host family (Ms. Baker and Mr. & Mrs. Wharton). I attended John Brown University in Arkansas and Wiley College in Texas for a handful of semesters. I eventually graduated from Graceland University in Iowa in 2017.
Although I was very passionate about basketball, which thankfully allowed me to fund the majority of my higher education, my first love has always been writing. As a child, when asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”, I always answered: “une écrivaine”—a writer.
However life kept happening, as it does. And I strayed further and further away from my passion for writing. After over a decade of soul searching, I reconnected with my love of written storytelling in my debut novel: Across Both Sides of the Mirror.
I originally imagined this story when I was in my early teens. Back then, it was a way for me to journal. Over a decade later, I was able to flesh out this novel’s concept to tell Nova’s story. Admittedly, writing this book was very therapeutic for me as well. Just like Nova, I was faced with a decision: continue to be a bystander in my own life story or take control of my reality. I chose the latter. But will Nova?
Bianca Pensy Aba’s Debut Novel
ACROSS BOTH SIDES OF THE MIRROR
Get to know Bianca: 7 Fun Facts
1) What is your favorite book?
This is a tough one. I think Toni Morrison’s Sula might be it. I just love the premise of this book, and how she portrays what happens when a creative person is not able to find an outlet to express themselves.
Stephen King’s Pet Sematary, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah, and The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde were also strong contenders for my number one spot.
2) What is your favorite fast food restaurant?
Wendy’s, baby! (#Number 2 with pineapple mango lemonade, light ice—I got ice at home, thank you)
3) What country would like to (re)visit?
Costa Rica. I went there my senior year of High School and had a blast. Amazing food, people, and culture! I definitely would like to go back and stay a little longer.
4) What movie have you rewatched the most?
The Break-Up with Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn. I think this movie is equally hilarious and heartwarming.
5) What are your three favorite (TV) shows?
Girlfriends, Friends, and Breaking Bad.
Very honorable mention for South Park.
6) Are you an early bird or a night owl?
Definitely a night owl! I have a very unfounded theory that people are early bird or night owl based on the time they were born (this is based on me and confirmed by asking one other person lol). I was born at 10:30 PM.
7) What’s your ideal way to spend a solo day?
Wake up after 9 AM (see question 6 ;), drink some coffee while reading a good book. Go for a hike. If it’s nice out, grab some snacks and drinks for an afternoon picnic. In the evening, go to to the Theater to watch a movie. End the day with a nightcap.
“Il n’y a que la mort qui n’a pas de solution sur terre.”
‘Only death has no solution on earth.’
Salomé Aba - My mother and shero.