“One! Two! Let’s take this march out wide!”
If you’ve taken Group Fitness Classes at UREC in the past (or even if your New Years Resolutions have just introduced you to the gym) then you’ve probably met this week’s Campus Celebrity, Asya. As a Hospitality and Tourism Manager Major and Spanish Minor, Asya LéRie Toney gracefully manages multiple jobs and organizations, always staying fully upbeat and positive.With a minor in Spanish and also a background in Portuguese, one day she hopes to work in either Europe or Latin America (hello, warm weather), either in lodging or event planning.
Another one of her dreams is to flip houses. When she buys her first house, she plans to flip it and continue doing that into the future. Asya loves the idea of taking something that’s foreclosed or damaged or not as loved, and making it into something that’s truly valuable and something that people will want to buy. This campus celeb knows where she wants to be in the years to come. Upon meeting Asya, her perseverance, strength, and friendly attitude are tangible. We asked about her involvements around campus and what she loves about JMU!
Asya: Well the school is clearly a highlight. Some other places I love are Blue Hole, Rugged Warehouse, D-Hall, and El Sol in Downtown (they have 5 tacos for 6 dollars!). I also remember loving my God, Meaning, and Morality teacher freshman year: Dr. Veltman. She was great! You know, she never repeated a pair of shoes. But most importantly, she was smart, independent, and strong and really opened my eyes and broadened the way I view life.
HC: So you’re a UREC instructor, what classes do you teach?
Do you have some recommended workout songs?
HC: What other things are you involved in around campus?
A: I’m Treasurer for the Black Student Alliance and I’m involved in NRHH (National Residence Hall Honorary). NRHH is responsible for recognizing students, RAs, faculty members, housekeepers, and everyone on campus. It’s really to promote school spirit and to say thank you to the JMU community. I’m also part of JMU’s on and off site catering company and an RA.
HC: Tell us about your experience as a RA. What made you want to take a job with the Office of Residence Life?
A: I wanted to become an RA because I had such a wonderful experience freshman year. I wanted to make sure that other students could come to JMU and feel the same way I did about it. I’m also a really creative person so I got really excited about the programs and things that I could plan for my hall. With this kind of a position you learn and grow so much from it. It also gives you an outlet to talk to and meet people. Because of this experience, my confidence has grown and I’m sure I could talk to any person about any topic. It’s great to share stories – especially with residents – and seeing them all happy and comfortable in their environment.
HC: What’s your advice about staying balanced between organizations and keeping such a great attitude?
A: You have to be honest with yourself: only do what you truly love. If you’re busy with things that you’ve decided you don’t want or need to do, then you’ll see it as a burden. Learn to say no, because it’s okay sometimes. Do what makes you happy…always. That’s how you will become a better person. Also, keep a planner! College is hectic enough that you don’t need the extra stress from being unorganized. And make sure that in your planner, there is something you do for yourself every day. Whether it’s your favorite meal or whether you dance and sing around your room, having something daily for yourself is so important.