Encourages audience to be the change
Alumnus and 2022 Rising Star Remi Yusuf spoke to Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) students, faculty and staff Nov. 13 in celebration of World Kindness Day and to kick off National Career Development Month. Yusuf had a message not only about his successes but also about impactful experiences. “It does not have to be World Kindness Day, it could be any day, every day or someday. Just make sure to use your influence in a positive way,” Yusuf said. The former Javelina explained that anyone can make a change not only in their life but in the lives of people around them. He also encouraged to use the power of influence to help others not for glory or followers. “Remember that you can impact someone’s life in a positive way regardless of how big or small they may be,” Yusuf said. Alumni are often asked to come in and speak to current TAMUK students for inspiration. Yusuf has many programs for children with special needs as well as speaking about life after sports and after school. “It inspires our students to see themselves in the future and also inspires our alumni to come back and be engaged because they see themselves in our students,” Alumni Engagement Coordinator Monica Hysquierdo said. Inspired by his sister Marea, Yusuf completed a leadership curriculum to help people not take things for granted and stay motivated. Mentor: Find someone to help you avoid pitfalls, Aspire: Dream, Resilience: Keep going, Elevate: Set yourself apart and go to a higher level, and Achieve: Individualize your success. His words resonated with students. “You can be successful in life and even though TAMUK is small you can still become something major in life,” senior and Biomedical major Kamryn Ware said.