Hometown: New York
Age: 21
Year: Senior
Major: Interdisciplinary Studies (Media Studies, Business & Nonprofit)
What is your favorite thing about Richmond? I would have to say the history behind the city. I’m a history and architecture nerd so learning about how the city was built and the old buildings are really cool to me. You have to know where you came from to know where you are going. Also I love the little restaurants all over. Campus food gets boring after a while. Anyone looking to go to Lady N’awlins or Mama J’s? Check on you.
What made you choose VCU? I originally came in for the Mass Communications program, and then decided to change my major. I also liked the campus since it was in the city. I couldn’t do a closed campus in the country; I hate bugs.
I know you are on the radio for VCU. What exactly is it called that you are involved in and what are your responsibilities there? I host my own radio show called ReBel Minded. I started it back in 2011. I play mainly Hip Hop/R&B, interview artist (local and international), clothing brands and anything I think is pretty much dope. Most recently I had the chance to interview Grammy nominated Mack Wilds when he came for Homecoming. Along with hosting, I am the Programming Director at the station. In short, I manage all of the DJs on air. If you want a show, you have to go through me.
How long have you known that you wanted to be a radio personality? Growing up in the city, listening to Hot 97 was something we all did. It seemed like a cool job to have. I told myself one day that I would try to follow in the footsteps of Angie Martinez. I saw an opportunity at WVCW, gave it a shot, and fell in love with it.
What do you want to do with radio in the future? Honestly, I really want to get my own show back at home on Hot 97, or at least work for the station. I want to be able to go to work, and it not feel like a 9-5. I knew as a kid that I wasn’t meant to hold a typical 9-5.
What do you do in your free time? Free time? What is that? Just playing. I like spending time with my friends, getting off campus doing things that I wouldn’t normally do. Anyone looking to get beat in a game of spades, you know where you can find me.
Any words of advice? Just remember that you can be your own worst enemy. Self-doubt is the number one reason for failure. If you want something, go for it. Some of the most successful people on this planet were rejected or told that they wouldn’t make it. Prove people wrong. That’s is the sweetest success. I always tell people, if your dreams don’t scare you, you aren’t dreaming big enough.