Daemen College : Admissions : Meet our Students : Rasheedah - Business Administration
Rasheedah - Business Administration
Why did you choose your present major?
I chose Business Administration because I have future plans on owning my own business. I declared Spanish as a minor because Spanish is the second most commonly spoken language in America and I want to be able to communicate with possible business partners who speak another language.
Please describe your academic experience at Daemen College.
Academically Daemen is a challenge, but, the professors and staff are always willing to help. I appreciate the “push” and often extra effort professors give to see me succeed academically.
Please describe the impact Daemen faculty, staff and advisors have had on you.
Daemen faculty, staff and advisors make the involvement worthwhile. Daemen is truly a huge extended family. In the morning during breakfast the staff in dining halls are always making me laugh and getting me ready to start my day, they are like parents and mature siblings. Daemen faculty always engage in conversation, it makes the day go by a little faster and the stress a little less. Daemen advisors are welcoming and do exactly what they are there to do, advise. I appreciate that I am able to really get to know Daemen faculty and staff.
Do you live on campus? Please tell us about your on campus experiences.
Yes, I am currently a Resident Assistant on campus and campus life is beyond an amazing adventure. I have had the opportunity to meet foreign exchange students and learn a little more about different cultures other than the American culture. I have also had the opportunity to see how other cultures perceive the American culture, which is always interesting to encounter.
What are you gaining from your internship through Daemen?
I am currently an intern with the Erie County Equal Employment Opportunity Division and I have the opportunity to receive information on the process of how to start a business. I also sit in on meetings discussing business grants and contracts that are to be made accessible to women and minority owned businesses. I am excited to be working so closely within the county; it is the extra assurance that my major is where I should be. My experiences at the Erie County Office of Equal Employment Opportunity is a foundation in developing a business because I am always provided information on where to start. I was told that there are successes and there are failures in the business world. I appreciate this information so that I know how to take my losses, if any. I was also told that in order to start a success business you must have a plan. To deepen that plan, you must write the plan out and have a proposal. After the proposal make sure that you are certified and meet requirements set by the county and/ or state. In only a week of my internship, I had access to local laws that protect minority and women owned business.
How has Daemen prepared you to own your own business?
Daemen has already shaped me to be a leader through the Resident Assistant position; in the business world the leaders are the successful ones. I view owning a business very similar to being a Resident Assistant; there are things that I must closely monitor and seminars I’d attend to benefit myself and my business. As far as which business to choose, Daemen will be a strong influence. Daemen’s alumni are world-wide, leaving me various opportunities to network with possible business partners of whom I’d already have something in common with; we are Daemen College alumni. Daemen has provided me opportunities to meet women who own their own businesses and know someone who owns a business. At Daemen I’ve learned the importance of networking because a simple smile and a conversation is enough to make an impact on someone’s life.
How has Daemen's diverse student population affected you?
Well, Daemen is established with programs for foreign exchange students and I’ve met students from China, Senegal, Ecuador, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Korea, and the Caribbean. One experience I remember most was when I met a student from China who really embraced the American culture. He could speak English very well and even understand and speak the slang. This student was also my resident and was actually a big fan of hip hop and “free-style” rapped for me in Chinese. I thought it was very cool and amazing to see that music is a universal language and that despite our cultural differences, we had music in common.
What do you like best about Daemen College?
I love the family/small community within a community atmosphere at Daemen. The students are like extended sisters, brothers and cousins and the Daemen staff is like aunts and uncles. If I am having a weak moment someone is always around to listen and show that they truly care and expect an honest response when they ask “How are you doing?”
What are your plans after graduation?
My plans after graduation include traveling to Spain and the Dominican Republic for a few years to completely immerge myself into the Spanish culture. When I return, I plan on starting a family business and doing a lot of non-for-profit projects for the city of Buffalo.
What clubs or organizations have you been a part of here at Daemen College?
I have been part of Cynergy, Sister to Sister, Resident Assistant staff (Resident Life), Social Committee of the Resident Assistant staff (Resident Life), Daemen College Step Team, Multi-Cultural Association, Daemen Admissions Tour Guide and Voices of Zion.
Do you have a favorite campus activity?
My favorite campus activity is Welcome Back Week. I love Welcome Back Week because it is a fresh start to a new year and new faces. Not only and I excited to see my friends, but, I am excited to see the faculty and staff. I also love Boobar, Daemen's Halloween party. My freshman year, my roommates and I were T.L.C. for Boobar. It was fun to see everyone dress up and unwind.
What is your favorite campus hangout?
My favorite campus hangout is Duns Scotus. I am always there for either class, in the RIC (Research and Information Commons) for the bean bag chairs, book store, gym and/or patio.