Whether you’re seeing a movie at Grafton, laughing it up at Funny Freakin’ Friday, experiencing the frenzy of Crazy Commons Day, or enjoying a sweet concert in Wilson, JMU students know to thank UPB. Though we’re all here pursuing higher education, college is much more than classes, which happens to be the motto of our own University Program Board.
JMU’s UPB is a student-run organization that strives to bring alternative programming and a variety of entertainment to our campus. Ranging from campus traditions to special events, it’s rare to go a day without hearing of an upcoming event! Without the ideas of talented and dedicated members, UPB wouldn’t be as successful, especially without its fearless leader.
The JMU senior, who is double majoring in Hospitality & Tourism Management and Marketing, answered some questions for Her Campus JMU on her experience with UPB and what it’s like to be a leader in such an influential organization.
HCJMU: I have to ask, what made you come to JMU?
Shahana: For me, it was between Tech and JMU. JMU was closer to home. I am really close to my family, so I wanted to be able to go back home and visit, or have them easily visit me. I also knew I wanted to do business, and the College of Business here was a better choice for me. Those were the two big things!
HCJMU: UPB is obviously a huge part of your life; how and when did you hear about the organization? What made you want to join?
Shahana: I heard about UPB when I was a junior in high school, actually. I was visiting my best friend’s aunt, who went here at the time, and she was the Film Director for UPB. So when she found out I was attending JMU, she encouraged me to look into UPB, apply, and repeatedly told me that I would love it. So I really got involved because of her. I didn’t get in the first time I applied, but I reapplied and joined spring semester of my freshman year.
HCJMU: Being the leader of an organization is already a stressful ordeal! I can’t imagine being the President of UPB! What responsibilities come with such a big role?
Shahana: It’s kind of hard when you “move up the ladder” in a big organization, because positions become less task-oriented, and more supervisory. Sometimes I feel like I’m not contributing because I don’t have specific tasks to do as I did before. So I think a big part of my role is supervising everyone on the board, to make sure they’re doing what they need to accomplish, in order succeed as an organization. So instead of smaller tasks, I’m always thinking of the big picture—of the future.
HCJMU: What do you think makes UPB such a great organization?
Also the fact that we get to serve the JMU campus and community is an important aspect. We are not doing this for ourselves, but for the students. We do get criticism sometimes for not doing what students want, but we do listen to student opinions and take the survey responses seriously.
Ultimately, we do what we can to give this campus what they want. We are also completely student-run, which gives the UPB members experience. We run like a business.
HCJMU: Are you involved with any other organizations?
Shahana: I’m on the Indian Bhangra Dance Team, and I’m also a member of PCMA (Professional Convention Management Association).
HCJMU: What advice do you have for our younger readers that might be having difficulty finding their niche here?
HCJMU: We recently had an article on Senior Year Bucket Lists. Do you have a bucket list, and if not, what do you want to do before leaving JMU?
Shahana: I do have a Bucket List. My best friend and I, who is also my roommate, made it. It has everything from going to Reddish Knob, to eating at a bunch of restaurants, apple picking, and taking
advantage of the valley. I’m from Northern Virginia; it’s more of a city,
so I just really want to take the time to appreciate Harrisonburg.
I really enjoyed listening to Shahana’s insight, and want to thank her for taking the time for an interview! For more information on what’s happening in UPB, visit their website: http://info.jmu.edu/upb/