From: Brooklyn, NY
Year: Senior
Major: Business
Minor: African American Studies
Ipyani is active in a variety of fields, including Zeta Beta Tau and SSSP (which explains why a late night interview was the only time we could get him to sit down). What got him to find what he was interested in doing for the rest of his life was a study abroad program in London. Read on to find out what else this busy senior does here at Brandeis!
What are you involved with on campus? I’m in ZBT and I’m a peer mentor for SSSP. That means I mainly working with two first generation college students. I also work at the conference and events office and I’m a Posse scholar. Oh, and I’m also the Co-President with Maya Grant for BBSO (Brandeis Black Student Organization).
What would you say is the most important role that you play? My most important role is being in Posse; it’s a leadership program. I like it because I get to be a leader on campus and create a greater impact on campus. From freshman to sophomore year you have to go to leadership meetings once a week. Posse retreat once a year at Cape Cod and talk about issues affecting the campus and the country. The last discussion we had was about “does race really matter?”. It’s also really chill, it’s beautiful in Cape Cod.
How did you choose your majors? I was originally an East Asian studies major and I was looking into IGS. I studied abroad in London through the BU internship program. That’s where I learned that I really excelled in the business field. I’m totally game for business. I chose AAAS partially because I want to create a greater impact among the communities in Boston and in New York, where I’m from.
What do you enjoy most about Brandeis? What I enjoy most is my off campus life. Because I’m in a fraternity I am able to do things that average students here aren’t able to do and participate in. For example, last year we went to Canada. It helps me balance my work and my social life.
What would you change on campus? One thing I would want to change on campus is a better interchange of ideas between the sports teams and different campus clubs for example. Once you’re a part of one community, you don’t tend to branch out too much. I would love to in some way create a Brandeis mobile app to make communicating easier.
Tell me more about SSSP. What I do there is I meet one mentee once a week. I help them with their academic progress for their first year. I help them plan out their academic schedules and their career goals. I try to be a support system for them, because they might not necessarily be able to talk to their academic advisors.
What are your plans after Brandeis? Work for a finance company. I recently got a job offer from one. I’m really excited about that.
What is something that the readers would want to know about you? My middle name is Chakuwma. Oh, and I’ve basically had every job available on campus. I’ve worked at Hiatt, Lemburg, Sherman, Usdan, and the Brandeis escort service… basically everywhere except for Quizno’s. I’m also an avid supporter of the All Love Movement. It’s all love, all the time, instantly. No matter who you are, just spreadin’ the love.