An English novelist, Simon Raven, once said, “Since life is short and the world is wide, the sooner you start exploring it the better.” Student, Jaydee Maldonado, has taken an oath to this quote and since then has been living up to it. Born and raised in the tough, “boogie down Bronx,” Maldonado has always had a thirst for giving back to the community.
Today, 19-year-old Maldonado stands as a sophomore double majoring in human development and public justice. With an already big commitment to her studies, she also juggles a job and being a part of three different organizations. “It was hectic at first,” said Maldonado. “But once I got it all together, I was balancing everything great.”
When Maldonado first stepped onto SUNY Oswego and attended the freshman class orientation, she recalls hearing many different opportunities there were and how easy it was to sign up for them. The one that captured her attention the most was the Peer Education Program that Mary Walker Health Center had to offer.
“I love talking to people,” said Maldonado. “So if I can help others in any way, I’ll take it.”
This program helps to provide the counseling center with ideas, inspiration and innovation to extend their reach to students in need. “I worked at a community center back at home that had to do with health,” said Maldonado. “So I fell in love with the path that I was on and just continued on that path of health and lifestyles.” Not only does Maldonado help with support groups trying to help other students bring forth their inner locked personalities, she also provides the school with the publication, Toilet Talk. “It’s basically an informational guide,” Maldonado said.
Being an outgoing and caring person, Maldonado is also a mentor for SUNY Oswego’s Mentor Scholar Program. She explained that the program allows students to enter middle schools and high schools in Oswego and Fulton. They mentor children who have behavioral, academic and social anxiety issues.
“We try to work with the kids to help them make smarter decisions, improve their grades and help them learn how to socialize in a positive way.”
The program also offers a full credit towards your degree. “It’s honestly a great opportunity,” said Maldonado. “I would definitely recommend this program to anyone who enjoys being around kids.” She said it takes a lot of time and patience.
The third program that she partakes in is a new program that is being offered to students called, OZ Leads. This program is a leadership institution for undergraduate students. It allows the students to talk to leaders across the country. “It’s amazing,” said Maldonado. “They teach us new ideas and then we are able to regurgitate them to our generation.”
On top of all three organizations that she is a part of, Maldonado also works for Campus Recreation as a building manager. Her duties include but are not limited to, rounds on life guards, handling incident reports, administering first aid and tabling events. She explains that working with Campus Recreation has allowed her to become more involved with on campus events and community service on and off campus.
With classes, a job and being a part of these programs, two of Maldonado’s strongest qualities is her ability to socialize and bring people together, and her ability to multitask. “I’ve always been very social,” said Maldonado. “All of the opportunities and organizations I am involved with benefits me and helps me to connect with new faces everyday.”
Maldonado is the true definition of Simon Raven’s quote. She shows that through hard work and dedication, anyone can accomplish anything. “Even if you’re tired or feel miserable, put a smile on,” said Maldonado. “You can accomplish anything with a smile.”