By Elijah Miles
Jonathan Holloway, DSU’s Mister Senior
Delaware State University is filled with talented and inspiring students. Through comradery and dedication to push one another to reach greater heights, a campus is unified. Some students are driven more than others to make an impact on their campus. Those are typically, but not limited to, the school’s student leaders. When holding a position at a college, you are seen as more than just a person. Your actions and attitude reflect on the school’s image. Jonathan Holloway, DSU’s Mister Senior, is one of those students. He hopes to leave his mark on this campus by being a good example of a leader in and out of the classroom.
Below is the text of my interview with Mister Jonathan Holloway:
Q- Where were you born and what was your upbringing like?
A- My name is Jonathan Holloway, and I currently am the Mister Senior for the 2017-2018 academic school year. I was born in Suffolk, Virginia. My upbringing was pretty simple. I grew up with both parents and a brother. In grade school I played basketball, football, and a little bit of baseball
Q- Who has been the greatest influence in your life that has impacted the man you are today?
A- Would probably have to be my Grandparents, mainly my grandmother. She instilled so many great values and traditions in my heart and my mind to help me develop and become the great man I am today.
Q- Can you tell us of your major and what your goals or life ambition is when you graduate College?
A- I major in sports management and a minor in psychology. With my degree, I plan on gaining experience and possibly landing a job with the FBI in their psychology program. After my time there, I would like to own my own psychology practice.
Q- Can you tell us of your job experience prior to this job as Mister Senior at Delaware State University?
A- I am the president of an organization called LIFT. I am a SARA member, was a peer counselor, and also worked as a summer bridge mentor here at DSU.
Q- What was your most memorable time at DSU?
A- It would have to be field day. Even though it was some time ago, I remember it like it was yesterday. It was really like one of the best days of my life here on campus. Just seeing everybody outside with good vibes made it one of my best experiences here.
Q- What influenced your decision of being a student leader?
A- The people that surround me here on campus and myself, for wanting to step out on the edge and get out of my comfort zone. At the end of the day, no one is going to push you like yourself. I wanted to test myself and test my limits, as well as to see if student leadership was something for me.
Q- What kind of advice would you offer a student, who is undecided on his or her career path?
A- Talk to your advisors. Your advisors are here to help you not hurt you, if you don’t know what you want to do and you’re feeling stuck. Talk to them so that they can help you out. If you still aren’t sure, do your research. Find a major that you like, find certain classes that you like, basically find your craft. Because once you graduate college, you are going to want a job that you enjoy doing.
Q- How would you describe the state of higher education in America today?
A- Today, I would say that your bachelors is kind of like the standard. But in my eyes, once you get your masters or your doctorate, it helps you get the pay that you want. Since at the end of the day, you’re going to want to get paid for as much as you know, and the time you put in.
Q- What does the future hold for America?
A- I believe that the future of America is in good hands because as a youth, our younger generation, we have the power to be great and make a change.
Q- What are your thoughts on DACA?
A- I believe that students associated with the DACA program should continue getting the education they’ve be getting because they’re students, kids, young adults that want to better themselves.
Q- What are your hobbies or extracurricular activities?
A- I love basketball- that’s my heart and passion and I try to get to the gym as much as possible. And I’ll try to make time for my friends and family. By keeping everyone in your circle close and happy, you can have a “conscious” on your soul.
Q- Let us end this interview with your philosophy of life. What principles keep you grounded and moving forward?
A- Some principles I go by are:
1. Always keep God first, because we can’t do anything without God, our Lord and Savior.
2. Treat other people how you want to be treated.
3. Be positive. Be positive with everything you do, don’t have any negativity. Because if you bring that negativity to the table, it’s only going to affect your circle. So be that positive person, be that happy person. If you have that bond around you, everything else will work.