This week’s Campus Celebrity is a young woman who is guiding the residents, of our university, and community alike in the right direction!
Meet Shavon!
Where are you from?
Iām from Queens, Springfield Gardens to be specific. Iām also Jamaican.
What is your major, year, and expected graduation date?
Iām a double major in Criminal Justice and Communication, Iām a sophomore and intend to graduate in May of 2018.
What are you involved in on campus?
Previously, I was apart of ASUBAās Political Action committee. Ā As a member, we tried to teach and expand knowledge of African American heritage while at the same time incorporating it with current political and societal issues.Ā Iām currently apart of Reslife, and Leaders in Service- a community based, non-profit org.Ā It reaches out to UAlbany and the surrounding local communities.Ā Most projects are within the Downtown Albany area.
Youāre apart of ResLife- whatās your position?
Iām a CSA, which stands for a Community Service Assistant.Ā I basically take on the same roles concerning students when it comes to other Reslife positions, however I focus more on community service and community building, as well as student activities.Ā
Also, at least twice a month weāre required to hold programs.Ā Iāve done a sandwich shop partnered w/ Interfaith.Ā My goal with this was to give 60 sandwiches to the homeless, but with the help of everyone who participated, we exceeded the goal and made over 100 sandwiches!
The CSA position has only been in existence for 3 years, as the coordinator of Leaders in Service felt that the CSA position was necessary, and decided that there should have one for each quad. Iām State Quad’s representative. Although weāre pretty new, Iām excited for what the future holds.
Ā
Shavonās recent sandwich shop is pictured above.
What inspired you to become apart of ResLife?
When I first came to the school, OAās (Orientation Assistants)Ā inspired me.Ā My OA- Sam, encouraged me to look more into Reslife.Ā There was an open house, and with this I began to network with a lot of people.Ā A ResLife professional staff told me about all of the positions, I did my research and met Dotun who happened to be a CSA.Ā He told me about his experience with Leaders in Service, describing how it was a smaller family, and that Iād fit right in.Ā With the advice he gave me, I put into practice, by doing a lot of community service.Ā Next came group interviews- and the position of CSA was chosen for me based off of my interview.Ā I had high hopes, and prayed everyday, then one day I checked my email and saw ācongratulationsā in the header and just knew! I was really happy, my mom was really happy.
Ever pressed for time?
Yes, but I stay organized with my planner and phone handy.Ā Ā Ā Ā
What do your non-school related hobbies consist of?
I used to do poetry, I enjoy track/field, and drawing.
What are some of your college highlights being a UAlbany student?
Definitely my experience with Girls Inc. of the capital region- talked to young girls about self esteem, tolerance, self control.Ā Another highlight would be with Leaders in Service.Ā I dorm stormed State Quad, and I was able to raised $300 for Arbor Hill Community Center.Ā
What do you plan to do once you graduate?
Iām looking to go to a top law school, and with this land a type of law enforcement job.Ā I definitely want to stay in the city, and be with my family.Ā Iām the oldest child, and family is big to me.Ā I canāt be too far away from my younger siblings; I want to see them mature!
Ā
Fast Facts
Instagram or Snapchat: Snapchat- you get to know more about people.Ā Itās sort of like aĀ glimpse into people’s everyday lives.Ā
Favorite spot on campus: My room- thatās where I do my work.Ā In my room Iām just so much more comfortable.Ā I put my phone on airplane mode, that way thereās less distractions.
Canāt leave the dorm without: My phone, itās my planner.Ā It keeps me on track
Keep up with Shavon
Instagram: @beyondmee
I chose this name because thereās no name to describe me, itās ābeyond me.ā
With Shavon only being a first semester sophomore, she hopes to do more.Ā She aspires to raise $10,000 through her community service efforts by her senior year.