Ahead of entertainer Fantasia’s Friday evening performance at the 16th Annual Presidential Scholarship Gala at Claflin University, the editor and assistant editor of The Panther, Claflin’s student newspaper, submitted questions for the performer. Following are the questions asked by Ja’Nel Johnson and Rhonda Chandler and Fantasia’s responses.

Q: Claflin University’s theme for this year is “Celebrating 140 Years of Access and Success.” How would you apply that theme to your life?

FANTASIA: I can identify and apply this year’s theme “Access and Success” simply because I have always allowed full access to my life while yet being transparent with my success, accomplishments failures/struggles while I continue my journey to rebuild my dynasty to fulfill my destiny.

Q: Claflin University is the oldest historically black university in South Carolina. What do you think sets HBCUs apart from majority institutions? Would you encourage your child to attend an HBCU?

FANTASIA: I’ve been told that one’s experience at HBCUs is like no other. HBCUs are higher education institutions to gain a sense of heritage and identity. I would LOVE one day to share the experience by attending an HBCU. I would certainly encourage my daughter Zion to attend an HBCU.

Q: In your book, “Life is Not a Fairytale,” you revealed your struggles with literacy. How has education impacted your life and what advice would you give students struggling academically?

FANTASIA: Not only did I share in my book my struggles with literacy. I’m also speaking on the importance of literacy on my reality/documentary VH1 show. I’m currently pursuing my GED, with hopes of attending college one day and becoming a Delta. I often speak to young adults, sharing my personal testimony how I made bad decisions, dropped out of school, became a teenage mother, rebelling, etc. If I could do it all over again, I would have stayed my behind in school and listened too my mother. Those other distractions are not important, SCHOOL IS.

Q: Celebrities such as Lil Wayne and Natalie Portman have pursued higher education. Have you ever considered pursuing higher education? If so, what would you study and why?

FANTASIA: Yes, I would love to pursue higher education for personal reasons/examples for my daughter/family. I would study business/real estate. I have an interest in business for personal reasons/knowledge. Real estate is a strong passion for me.

Q: How does it feel to perform at Claflin University’s Presidential Gala?

FANTASIA: It’s an extreme honor to perform at the prestigious Claflin University for the president’s gala.

Q: You’ve already released two hit albums. When can fans expect your next single/album?

FANTASIA: New single January. CD March 2010.

Q: How have you grown musically and professionally since winning American Idol?

FANTASIA: I can honestly say I have grown and learned a lot of lessons the hard way by simply trusting/believing the wrong people. Now that I have a clearer understanding of the business, I’m now taking control of my own career. I have more input personally with my career, as opposed to allowing others too make decisions for me.

Q: Your performance as Celie has been critically acclaimed. How do you relate to your character? Do you have any other acting projects in the works?

FANTASIA: I can honestly say Celie and I have a similar history from not feeling pretty or good enough. (We) became mothers at an early age, dropped out of school, esteem issues. Simply looking for love from anywhere. Then we overcame our struggles/issues and became business women. I’m looking to further my acting career by doing movies/television.

QUESTION: Who has influenced you the most? How and why?

FANTASIA: Aretha Franklin is one that has inspired me by making timeless records.

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