Learn. Do. Live.

Transcript

Okay. Everyone. We’re headed to the Diversity and Equity Center where we’ll meet Jaeda, a senior, pursuing a degree in Business with a specialization in Leadership and Management. She’s the first in her family to go to college, and is taking full advantage of this opportunity. Jaeda will share how she’s utilizing the skills she’s learned in her program while still a student, and making a huge impact across campus. Here’s Jaeda.

– Thanks Alex. When searching colleges, Central stuck out to me because it’s not too far, and it’s not too close from home. I love small classes, and intimate learning environments. I’m a first generation student, so I wasn’t sure what steps to take to apply, or if I could even afford a college. I came here more so on faith, and a desire to start a new legacy from your family. Central is committed to creating quality learning experiences that take you beyond the classroom. For me, that means I didn’t just learn about Business, Leadership and Management. I lived it. Central’s Diversity and Equity Center, has opened so many doors for me. Through my work with the DEC I’ve gained, acknowledged, and hands on experience about how to create an entire program from the ground up, including marketing, and building relationships. The program launch I’m most proud of is Thrive, which empowers and supports women of color. Students in this program find people who can relate to them, fight for them and celebrate them. We’re trying to build a new legacy for women of color on this campus. This experience has been incredibly validating, and empowering. I’ve learned to love myself, to use my voice, and express my needs unapologetically. I’m thankful for my DEC supervisors, that helped me prioritize my vision, gave me the confidence to carry out my work, and sparked incredible opportunities that I didn’t know were possible. They’ve helped me prepare for what’s next in my life, and I plan to use training, to promote community wellness initiatives, and make improvements to public health spaces. I’m really looking forward to starting my career, and I’m so grateful that Central has helped me get to this point. That’s my story. What’s next, Alex?

– Thank you, Jaeda. What an inspiration. Your commitment to creating a community on CWU’s campus, where all people are connected, respected, and valued is commendable. The world definitely needs more people like you Jaeda. Thanks for sharing your story. I can’t wait to see what’s next for you. Take care.