Athletic, smart and a good cook, Aela Mathews approaches life with the same determination as sports
MARK STOKES | Illustrator
mark@markdrawsfunny.com
Name and age: Aela Mathews, 24
Occupation: Sales
Spotted at: Fair Park
Aela Mathews is a stand out in any crowd. Born and raised in Tacoma, Wash., Aela is a handsome mix of a German mother and an African-American father; her parents met when her father was in the Army.
“Chasing girls and going to school” brought this striking Aries to Dallas two years ago. She’s a recent college grad, with a degree in sociology (and a minor in criminal justice).
An avid, lifelong sportswoman, Aela excels in tae kwon do (since age 5), basketball, track (varsity team) and tennis. Tendonitis may have stopped her basketball career, but athletics continue to be an important part of her life. She also likes to cook, which she does with the same fervor as sports.
Aela didn’t come out of the closet, she says — she was “pulled out.” She had a very difficult time when, at age 16, her mother found a note written to her by her girlfriend. Despite a difficult adjustment period, her unstoppable spirit kept this determined woman on the path to the life she deserved.
Her philosophy: “You gotta move on to move up.” And as her basketball coach used to tell her, “Success is when preparation meets opportunity” … usually followed by “Mathews, you’re as slow as molasses — get on the line!”
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition February 15, 2013.
