Tamon Frisby

Pictured is Rashaad Shakir in his hometown celebrating his birthday.

Delaware State University has students from all across the world pursuing higher educations from different backgrounds. Each student is unique in their own different way which makes a HBCU, a HBCU. I’ve had the honor and pleasure to interview a good friend of mine who I met during our freshman year of college. Rashaad Shakir, a sophomore majoring in Sports Management from Hartford, CT. Rashaad is destined for greatness and has already began making his path to a successful future.

Below is the text of my interview with Mister Rashaad Shakir:

Q – Where were born and what was your upbringing like?

A – I was born in Hartford, CT. I grew up in a pretty stable home but in a very diverse community. 

Q – Can you tell us of your education history and what your goals or life ambition was when you were a student in High School/College?

A – In high school, I wanted to be a sports agent because I was playing basketball, so my plan was to manage myself when I got to the league. After I got to college and realized my chances of going to the league were slim, I started focusing on sports marketing and the business side of the sports industry. 

Q -Can you tell us of your job/education experience prior to what you’re doing now? 

A -While I attended Windsor High School, I started working at Hartford Hospital as a Food Service Associate. Prior to that, I worked in a warehouse for a flooring company. 

Q -What was the most memorable point at that job/school?

A -Towards the end of my senior year because that’s when I began realizing the value of the relationships I built. 

Q -Is this where you thought you’d be 5 or so years ago? 

A -No

Q -What informed your decision on doing what you’re doing now?

A-I had to figure out within myself what I really wanted to do with my life and what I have to do to get there.

Q – What are your plans for the future?

A – I plan on interning with an NBA team and then working in the sales department. After working in the sales department for 2 years, I can transfer into the marketing department. 

Q – What kind of advice would you offer a student, who is undecided on his or her career path? 

A – Pursue something that you have some type of genuine interest in because it will make it easier to learn about. Don’t waste your time on something you know you won’t take seriously.

Q – How would you describe the state of higher education in America today?

A – It is much less normalized because there are many other ways to gain success outside of higher education. We see more and more businesses forming by younger people with no college experience.

Q – Have you ever travelled outside of the United States? Where, and how does life outside compare to that in the US?

A – Yes, I’ve been to a lot of places. In my opinion, you don’t truly know history or the world until you travel outside of the United States. We basically grow up only learning what the system allows us to. 

Q – What does the future hold for America?

A – As a nation, we’re stuck between a rock and a hard place right now with everything that’s going on. 

Q – Are you interested in politics? If no, why not? What is your take on the state of politics and the future of the American democracy?

A – So much because it feels very artificial to me. The seriousness of the state of politics is at an all-time low.  

Q- How are you responding to the outbreak of the Convid-19 virus?

A-I’m just doing what I have to do and playing my part until there is a set plan on how to suppress the virus. I was fine staying at home at first, but I am an essential worker, so it didn’t really keep me at home. I don’t hate virtual learning but I’m definitely not a fan. Regardless, I’m still going to try and do my best. I’ve always been very self-motivated. There are several situations the government can handle better, so I feel as if I can’t give an accurate response. 

Q-What are your hobbies or extracurricular activities?

A-I love sports and traveling. I like chilling with my friends, basketball, playing PlayStation, and relaxing. I try to stay active.

Q-How would you describe your philosophy of life? That is, how do you see this life and what principles get you grounded and moving forward? 

A-I’m a believer in we were put on this Earth to worship God and prove we are worthy for Heaven in the next life. 

Q- Complete the sentence: I am…

A -I am slept on.

Rashaad is brave, active, creative, independent and more. Rashaad is the light that brightens a room with just his presence. He is willing to go above and beyond for anyone without hesitation. Rashaad strives for success mentally, physically, academically and financially. With that being said, he is someone that anyone would want to meet.