Like her father, Dwyane Wade, his daughter Zaya also has big dreams and passions. Well, Zaya’s is just a bit different from the 3x NBA champion. She wants to become a scientist. And while she isn’t occupied with classes, she is a lovely human being and an LGBTQ+ advocate who has inspired many. Just recently, she received the Out100 honor. Her stepmother, Gabrielle Union, revealed how Zaya’s school teachers are proud of her.

In a recent interview with The View, the actress couldn’t stop fawning over her daughter after the hosts asked about Zaya being on the cover of Seventeen magazine. It was a huge feat for the model and an equally dedicated student who wants to balance her passions. Gabrielle Union mentioned how the 17-year-old will soon leave for college and more. 

And before that, she mentioned how Zaya’s school teachers appreciate her. Speaking about her teachers, she gushed about her. “And every time her teachers write about her, they’re like, ‘I’m actually crying as I’m writing this. You are such a pleasure in class. You add so much to the school community,” Union said. 

Union added that, as parents, they are incredibly proud of their daughter, Zaya. She added after appearing in The View, “She is a good human being…Who she is amazing, but it’s because we love her so much and we protect her freedom and her humanity and her rights that she’s allowed to blossom.” It’s refreshing to see parents value a child like the Wades. Sometimes, parents force kids to do this and do that, and in the end, it becomes a pressure-cooker situation. And when that whistle goes…

“So, when we get compliments on who she is and who she stands for, who she represents, it’s not just the LGBTQIA community, like elderly people come up to me, ‘I wish my parents gave me the freedom to live my full truth and to reach my full potential and I’m so glad she’s doing this as such a young age. She’s inspiring so many people to live their complete truth, and we are more than proud,” said Gabrielle. 

Union also added how Zaya might study astrobiology in college. In one of her interviews, Zaya also mentioned she is a STEM girl. Even in her Seventeen interview, Zaya stated she wants to become a scientist while managing her modeling gigs. She is truly an inspiration.

However, regardless, parents always worry about their kids. Union was anxious about Zaya, too.

Gabrielle Union remains stressed out for daughter Zaya

Previously, in an interview with Entertainment Tonight at the premiere of The Idea of You, the actress shared that Zaya is looking to get into a good college. The three were also spotted earlier at the University of Washington. Although happy and excited for her stepdaughter, Gabrielle worried about her decision and Zaya leaving home for school.

“I think she is so calm about it ’cause I think she knows exactly where she wants to go, but I think she’s humoring us with seeing what our country has to offer. We’re stressed out. We’re stressed out about her being away from us…” It’s a complicated situation to stay away from our kids, something known to most of us.

“[Parents all have the] same nerves and anxieties about sending your babies away. It’s tough,” Union said.

However, the Bring It On actress has faith in Zaya and believes she will make the right decision. Her supportive parents also joined her at the Out100 2024 event, where she was honored for her impact and contribution to the community. And they have got another reason to celebrate.