Passionate Peer Mentor & Leader

"Passion for the People" is my superpower! It’s Human Kindness to the 10th power! My ancestors gave me the gift of pure love, which is the source of my abilities. It occurs naturally and is not something that can be taught. I elevate and inspire individuals to be their real, authentic selves via selflessness, nurturing, and patience. It may change someone's life to really tell them you love them. "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel," is my all-time favorite quote by Maya Angelou.

My superpowers encompass resilience, empowerment, passion, and empathy. Demonstrating empathy and dedication, my love for aiding others, especially those vulnerable, oppressed, and impoverished, reflects my commitment to positive change in people's lives. Through connecting, mentoring, and engaging with communities, I exhibit the capacity to withstand challenges with compassion and determination. I profoundly understand others' experiences and emotions, facilitating deep connections. I have feelings of great warmth and intensity in guiding students through obstacles and empowering them to recognize their strengths while pursuing education.”

Superpower: “I am able to see complex situations for its basic elements. That allows me to find the simple solutions to problems. Often times, what seems complex is just simple solutions layered upon each other.”

As a person who is compassionate for student voices, I aim to empower the gifts embodied in them. I'm authentic as a teacher/learner, translating into how and why I teach. I teach to transform, empower, and enlighten others in ways that speak to their value and self-worth. I am not a superhero; I come from heroes and sheroes of greatness, and their spirit of excellence inspires me to inspire others.

As a dedicated higher education professional, I strive to empower students to unlock their full potential and realize their unique talents. I firmly believe that each of us possesses the ability to accomplish extraordinary feats, and I am grateful for the guidance and encouragement provided by my own mentors and role models. In the words of the great Maya Angelou, "There is no darkness so dense, so menacing, or so difficult that it cannot be overcome by light." With this in mind, I am committed to illuminating the path ahead for the students I serve.

The diversity of culture, education and lifestyle within our classrooms provides me with challenges. Before I can teach, I must see the individual before me. There is an innate common need within all of us to be seen, truly seen as individuals with talents just waiting to be unleashed and appreciated.

I possess the superpower of putting empathy into action, motivating our students to embrace the belief that their goals are achievable. In times of adversity, I guide them to practice self-kindness. Our discussions on the power of personal dignity serve as a catalyst, enhancing their capacity to advocate for themselves and thrive. I feel honored to be a part of this transformative journey with them.

Superpowers:

• Creating safe spaces for students.
• Seeing the Light in people.
• Being a Steward for Mother Earth and having reverence for all representations of Her😊
• Exuding calmness.

As one who is a firm believer in the practice of remaining humble, attributes I may say are worth mentioning are mindfulness, resilience, and tenacity. As a student to life I am aware of the many  barriers we may face. Financial, health, legal, and academic. Despite these challenges I refuse to desist from pursuit of education. I feel it is my mission to provide adequate assistance to those who may encounter the same obstacles.

At a young age, I learned the power of grace, human kindness, compassion, empathy, love, and faith. Therefore, I believe the best way to give is to help people achieve their goals. I enjoy guiding and supporting those who need help finding their way, especially the students I have encountered in my fifteen years of academic work.

Maya Angelou once said, "Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud."

Similarly, Martin Luther King Jr. stated, "The most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others?"

These words inspire me to continue giving back to the community and spreading positivity wherever I go. 😊

Empathic Unicorn Care Bear with the power of Unconditional Love
Empathic:  Ability to read/alter another’s emotional state.
Developer:  Ability to enhance another’s abilities and talents.
Adaptability:  Ability to adapt to almost any situation.
Connectedness:  Ability to acquire a vast network of necessary things.
Relator:  Ability to understand/relate;  without necessarily knowing (language, ie)

Outreach Specialist

Student Services

My mission in this very fragile and precious life, is to strive to live up to my greatest potential and most loving self. My goal through writing and speaking is to empower others to see their value, find their voice, tell their stories and thrive in spite of the fears that exist in all of us; as well as embrace the challenges, peaks and valleys that give our lives strength, richness and definition. By living, giving, walking in a positive light, hopefully our collective humanity, love and acceptance will prevail and break through racism, hatred and other societal ills.

You can call me Professor Q.

I enjoy using classroom time to help students introspect, process who they are at this point in time, to look at their thoughts and behaviors toward 'self' and others. I believe there are different and fun ways to use the power of 'geekdom' in the classroom. When's the last time you watched Underworld Rise of the Lycans in class? I'm a part-time faculty in psychology, an author, consultant, and I used to make tutus (everyone should wear one). Hope to see you in class!

My professional core values are centered with Equity and Inclusion. As a Muslim, Black, immigrant, single parent and English as a Second Language learner, my day starts with having a welcoming open-door policy, engaging, inspiring, coaching, mentoring, and providing support for all students to achieve their academic, personal and professional goals. Ten years ago, I borrowed the following statement from Peg Scott-ARC Psychology professor; since then, it is part of my email official signature. “Students are my special interest.” It reminds me why I am here.

My superpower: I possess a spiritually intuitive empathetic superpower, which allows me the ability to sense the needs of students before they are expressed. I actively listen and use my heightened sense of intuition to improve my interactions with every student. I provide resources to enrich and encourage students throughout their academic journey. I thrive when I help students thrive.

I was once told we must look back to look forward, Sankofa. Once we understand our history, we can learn from the past, understand our present and see our future. The importance of carrying the stories of our ancestors as well as becoming the dreams of our ancestors and elders realized through growth and intention illuminates those who basks in our light, it then becomes our duty to make sure we guide the next generation towards themselves, so they grow with intention as well. We are a Village and Together We Rise. Ase.

My superpower is helping students heal from the trauma and oppression of trying to get through an educational system that doesn’t validate their worthiness and their brilliance. I do this by listening to their stories, their ideas about what they want for their future and by most importantly, helping them to see their unique gifts, talents and abilities.

Viola is a librarian, anthropologist, published poet, equity facilitator, and yoga teacher. Viola enjoys learning new things and sharing library resources that support students in their academic and professional success.
“Students feel happy around me, because they are celebrated and respected. I want students to know that they are already successful.”