The Arkansawyer
Life/Entertainment Established 1929
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2023
WWW.ARKANSAWYERONLINE.COM
PEOPLE
I do not like to be rushed. If I had to be in Pine Bluff by noon, I would leave three hours early. Discover how Isaiah Young has experienced the transformative power of his scholarships and how they helped him fulfill his dreams.
By Reagan Adams Staff Writer
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saiah Young, a senior agriculture, agronomy, and plant science major, was awarded multiple scholarships, including the Dr. Hazell Reed Scholarship, the Farr-Kelley Scholarship Award and the Dr. Hazell and Mrs. Loistene Reed Scholarship during the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff ’s annual Founders and Honor’s Awards Convocation held on April 21 at H.O. Clemmons Arena. Young is a first-generation college student who credits his scholarship opportunities as what led him down the path of agriculture. Before college, Young had minimal experience. Although his family was not farmers, a nearby neighbor would allow Young and some friends to help him with his crops. Young recalled his summers planting sweet potatoes in his neighbor’s field and shared his first look into the agriculture world. He is an 1890 Scholarship recipient, a member of Manors and the National Hon-
Interviews and photos by Matthew Harris
ors Society member. He also works on the UAPB agriculture department farm. When asked how he maintains his grades to keep his scholarships, he credits his willingness to focus and early bird mentality. “I do not like to be rushed,” Young said. “If I had to be in Pine Bluff by noon, I would leave three hours early. I tried to stay focused. When you are in college, it’s really hard to lose track of anything. I stayed to myself a lot. Tried to get my priorities done before I do anything.” Young is attentive and punctual. Among his teachers, he is known never to miss a day of class and is always the first student there. Habits like these keep Young on top of all his work. Young’s academic advisor at UAPB, Dr. Sixte Ntamatungiro, said, “Mr. Young is a very punctual person. He’s never missed a class.” Young said he had learned this work ethic as he had transitioned from high school to college. “High school is dif-
ferent from college. In high school, you miss things, you can get the information the next day. But, in certain college classes, you wouldn’t get that information again if you missed something, like lecture slides. So, I have to put it up to myself to ensure I show up every day because if I miss something, it will hit me in the long run,” Young said. Before college, he was a vigorous football, basketball, and track team athlete. In 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 outbreak, Young was graduating from Marvell-Elaine High School. With the public concern catering towards the virus, many high school students needed more opportunities to obtain scholarships or even apply for college. Unfortunately, this was also the case for Young. After his counselor left the school, Young searched for opportunities independently. Fortunately, he found the 1890 Scholarship and joined UAPB as one of its scholarship recipients. Yo u n g cred-
Isaiah Young, a senior agriculture, agronomy and plant science major, has been awarded multiple scholarships, including the Dr. Hazell Reed Scholarship, the Farr-Kelley Scholarship Award and the Dr. Hazell and Mrs. Loistene Reed Scholarship.
ited his high school superintendent, Ms. Denetra Williams at Marvell-Elaine, for helping him with his college applications. Marvell is a very rural area where it is hard to receive cell phone service. He grew close to Wil-
liams, who allowed him to visit her house and use her computer. He would print off essays, other school assignments, and information for different scholarships. He credits this teacher with helping him enroll and inspiring him academically.
UAPB COMMUNITY
Matanda Phiri
Aerial Daniel
Natiaya Caradine
Kyler Hayes
“This semester has provided me with a newfound appreciation for non-academic on-campus events. After enduring numerous near-death experiences in the calculus II exam room, I’ve understood that life is about more than just y’s and x’s. My standout on-campus experience this semester was the bonfire during homecoming week, and I can’t help but shout out to M4 (I love you, M4!).”
“One positive thing that has happened to me is that I met a lady named Dominek, and she is really nice. She works here at UAPB. Dominek always helps me with anything at the school or personally, if needed. I’m very appreciative of this opportunity to meet her because I’m from Illinois and didn’t know anyone on the campus. Although I just met Dominek in August, it feels like she’s my long-lost auntie.”
“My school year has been going pretty well. My campus life and engagement have been at an all-time high compared to my previous year. Although I am not a part of as many clubs as I like, UAPB has made it easier and more fun to meet and network with my classmates and promote my business.”
“The college experience at UAPB has been fun! Even though I am not that far away from home, I do get homesick very often. One positive thing for me on campus is my friends. Knowing we are all going through a process for the last three years that we have never done before makes me feel like I am not alone. Whenever I am in need, I can call them, making me feel like I am home away from home.”
Sophomore Computer Science
MUSIC
By Gia Turner Staff Writer
I have created an Apple Playlist of my
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Freshman Criminal Justice
Sophomore Multimedia Communication
B Section
Freshman Pre Nursing
UAPB student shares the power of playlists As a dancer and curated for music I keep relaxing after a long day music lover, I always in the loop. of classes. seek releases from my Sitting in my car lisOne great way to favorite artists and new tening to this playlist, I harness the power of voices. watched my peers walk music is by creating a I don’t know about to class with AirPods personalized playlist. you, but when I discover or blasting music from College is a time new music, I replay it their cars. It makes me for exploration and until I can’t stand to wonder what my fellow self-discovery. Unforhear it. peers could be listening tunately, those things Over the past few to. can get pretty stressmonths, several new Music is an essential ful and overwhelming. songs and albums have part of many college stu- One thing that can make favorite songs and caught my attention and dents’ daily lives. Music those stressful semesters explains how college made it onto my “Me, can enhance our mood, a little more bearable is students can benefit Studio” playlist. I have a focus and motivation, a playlist. from creating their perplethora of playlists, but whether studying for If you’re interested sonalized playlists. this one was specifically exams, partying or in creating a playlist, Please contact us at arkansawyer@uapb.edu for questions and comments.
“I probably would not have gone to college if it were not for her. I wouldn’t be in college right now with the 1890 Program,” Young said. When Young is not working, he enjoys watching television shows and reading. His passion for reading started very young. “Diar y of a Wimpy Kid” was one of his favorites as a young boy. He enjoyed the series so much that he maintained a vast collection of nearly every book. Young’s future looks bright. Young interned with the National Crop Insurance S er vices (NCIS) this summer. The first eight weeks were held through Zoom meetings. These meetings taught the company’s ins and outs and other expectations. Then, in July 2023, Young joined the company in Kansas for the hands-on portion of the internship. After graduation, Young plans to leave his home state and venture out to someplace new. His first career choice was to be a realtor. However, once he receives his degree, he plans to combine the two fields and become an agriculture realtor. By staying focused and having an early bird mentality, Isaiah Young is an excellent example of a UAPB student with his eye on the prize and a bright future ahead.
keep in mind a few things. First, think about the purpose of your playlist. Are you looking to boost productivity, reduce stress, or create a positive atmosphere? Once you’ve identified your goal, start compiling songs that fit the bill. Don’t be afraid to mix it with different genres and styles – the more variety, the better! Organizing your playlist has no right or wrong way – it’s all about what works best for you. Some personalized playlists call for all or one genre or artist, but variety helps me with complacency. Finally, don’t forget to share your playlist with others. Whether through social media, email or a streaming platform like Apple Music, sharing your playlist can be a great way to connect with others and showcase your taste in music. Even if it may sound strange, a single verse or melody you share could impact someone’s life. Creating a playlist can be a powerful tool for college students. Whether you’re looking to boost productivity, reduce stress, express yourself or stay connected with others, music has the power to take you wherever you need to go! My playlist has helped ease my mind after a brutal test or jam-packed day of classes. I’m sure most of us can say the same, but for those of you who might need some tunes, I got you! Contact me. You can listen to some of favorite newest releases.
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