“Without change, nothing will grow, and without growth, nothing would survive”- Unknown
As April gradually comes along we get prepared to say farewell to our school year. Some students will return to the hustle and bustle of college life, while others are getting ready to say goodbye and walk with their graduating class. Throughout the years I’ve spent in college, I’ve experienced a lot of growth within my friends, people around me, and even myself and I believe you have too! I had the opportunity to talk with four MSU students: Ny’Asia Bussie a freshman majoring in Psychology, Yazmenne Archer a sophomore majoring in Communication and Media Arts and minoring in Creative Writing, Leyland Bentham a junior majoring in Public Relations, and Lisbeth Lajara a senior double majoring in marketing and international business. I asked three questions about how they have grown.
My first question is “Since college how has your life changed?”
Ny’Asia Bussie: “Since college, my life has become more hectic juggling leadership positions and assignments, sometimes it feels like it never stops.”
Yazmenne Archer: “It has changed in terms of how I see things and who I decide to surround myself with. Coming out of high school, there is still an immaturity and child-like innocence. With that in mind, I’ve learned that a strong sense of self is very important. Things don’t always go your way and decisions have to be made to your best knowledge. Know who you are and where you want to go or try too. The people around you influence you more than you think.”
Leyland Bentham: “College has been a garden filled with many kinds of plants and I was one plant to grow each season of the year. It has been a great experience here at Montclair State University, I was able to grow in all aspects of my life. My junior year was my highest peak of it all. I was able to test my leadership skills by gaining the Resident Assistant position and gaining the opportunity to be the President of an Organization named CaribSO, the Caribbean Students’ Organization.”
Lisbeth Lajara: “Once college started I’d say my life hasn’t changed much. In one hand from college, I’ve gained the proper knowledge to go out into the world and get a job. On the other hand, college has brought out a lot of negative feelings and experiences. Right now, I’d say my life hasn’t improved since college started but it will probably improve once college is over.”
My second question is “How have you grown since then?”
Ny’Asia Bussie: “Since then I have learned the importance of self-care and time management. It’s difficult sometimes to stay in and study, instead of going out with friends but when you have a dream you do not let small things (like a party) get in the way of it.”
Yazmenne Archer: “I’ve grown in how I handle myself and how I put myself out into the world. By handling myself and treating myself with more love and giving myself more pat on the backs for mistakes, I can take each day with an easier breath. I can find a balance and not share myself with the wrong situations or people. I don’t have to stay up nights wondering if I’m doing enough or if I am enough. By allowing myself to grow freely, I can bring and put out more happiness and peace.”
Leyland Bentham: “Yes. Very much so, I was able to not only test my leadership skills but to test my skills with the engagement of people. When I think about people, I think about the words diverse and unique. This was a strong aspect of my growth because it helped me find my niche. I was able to gain the courage to create my own brand named “Daughta Speaks” where I throw events for the Montclair State community, inviting all Montclair Students and Non-Montclair students to these events. I will be having an event coming up in the middle of April, the event will be named the “Tropical Blend” where I will be showcasing a Caribbean cuisine and will be having a conversation with students about their immigration stories from all over the world.”
Lisbeth Lajara: “I think I’ve grown in the sense that I have learned how to balance my life a little better and what works and doesn’t work me. I am not done growing yet but I have made some progress.”
And my third question is “When all is said and done, how do you see yourself 10 years from now?”
Ny’Asia Bussie: “10 Years from now I see myself as an accomplished clinical social worker with a private practice. I see myself helping out the community by spreading knowledge about Mental Health and Wellness.”
Yazmenne Archer: “10 years from now I see myself in a capable and healthy mindset that’s even greater than what it is now. I see myself continuing to execute my goals and doing it alongside people who support and love me the most. I am at peace with where I am but still pushing myself to be the best version of myself. I’m sharing self-love with more people and helping them with their journeys. Hopefully, I am still the Yaz that I am so grateful for today.”
Leyland Bentham: “I see myself either in New York or down south still getting involved with major corporations dealing with Public Relations, such as social media management and following my true dream of becoming a TV host with my own channel and show.”
Lisbeth Lajara: “Ten years from now I see myself in a place where I am content with my life and everything is playing out. I hope in ten years I experience a life that makes me happy. Hopefully in a good job and good people around me to encourage me and push me to keep growing.”
This has been an amazing opportunity for me to have sat down with four different generations of MSU students and to learn and understand the growth that each person has taken, I am proud of all four of these students! In the words of Leyland Bentham, college has been a garden filled with many kinds of plants and we are all one plant that grows each season of the year, and we will continue to blossom.