By Mario Castillo
For the Collegiate Review
College is the pathway for diligent students to crave a lifestyle of a desired imagination. Creativity comes in different variations per student. As president of the Brazilian Jiu Jitsu club, my goal is to inspire the uninspired. Create a wave of outspoken students and embark on a journey of a better tomorrow. The fall semester of 2022, one student stood out amongst the rest. His name is Jadyn Lopez.
I had the opportunity to interview Jadyn & ask him questions to allow readers to witness his transition from an ordinary student to a confident leader. A quick backhistory of Jadyn before I continue; Jadyn was a timid student. He lacked any real world leadership qualities before entering the club. I encountered Jayden on a typical Monday on campus. My goal was to recruit students to the BJJ club & Jayden had shown no interest. Until I proposed the idea of having his status changed to an elite.
From this proposal, Jadyn has continuously stepped into the practices provided by the club, day after day. When Jadyn projects his voice, people listen. When others speak, he maintains a strong eye contact. I have never witnessed an individual change in a short span of time, like Jadyn. With that being said, the interview begins.
What are your goals in life?
“I want to be an electric engineer. Stick with that job until I have a decent amount of money saved up & invent something brand new. Something revolutionary. Right now, the degree is my main goal.”
Describe your childhood
“I was raised in a black household. My parents weren’t together, but I got to see my dad every other weekend. I would say my childhood overall was pretty good. I had my thanks, like thanksgiving had passed & we have a tradition in my house. Where every year, we say what we are thankful for that year. I was thankful for being home safe and being able to see my family again. I also am having a great time in college, meeting some new people. That is what I am really thankful for.”
Who was your role model growing up?
“I did not have a role model growing up. I try not to be like everyone else. I don’t want my person to be based on how everyone acts and how they do things. I like to be my own person.
It’s okay to have a role model. I choose not to. I want to be me and follow my own footsteps. I see myself as my own role model.”
What do you want people to see you as a role model?
“I want people to see me as not arrogant. Someone who knows they are wrong, sometimes. I don’t want people to think as a smart guy. I like to analyze people’s point of view. I can agree to disagree, because of my own belief. I would like people to know that I am not a judgmental person and I can agree with people.”
How do you expect people to see you as a leader?
“The only way people can expect that, is to get to know me. You can’t expect anything from someone you don’t really know. So, get to know me and you will soon learn what kind of person I am.”
Why did you decide to attend Penn State Altoona?
“So, I am from Chicago & I am used to having a lot of people around. I want to see what it’s like to not have a lot of people around. I mean sometimes I am seeing the same people, when it is not intentional & keeping it close together.”
What did you expect when arriving at the BJJ club?
“I honestly did not have any expectations. I thought we were going straight to training and learning this and that. I did not expect us to roll on the first day. Usually they train you up till you start rolling. So, they are throwing us into the deep end,that is kind of how people learn to swim at a young age. Parents will usually toss them into the pool and they will learn how to swim on their own. Those were my expectations. I enjoyed it a lot. It’s different.
What do you like most about the club?
“I like alot, man. I am not going to lie, man. I like I get to spar with other people. Different heights, it gets me to step out of my comfort zone. I like meeting new people. I saw some different faces and saw familiar faces. I got to spar with some of them. It’s a great way to meet people you do not know.
What would you like to ask you 20 years from now?
“I would like to ask, was it worth it? After everything. Was it worth it? Did it go as you planned? Was it worth the final outcome?
What do you think he would say?
“I think he would say, it was hard. Success does not come easy. I think he would say it was worth it.”
Do you have any regrets in life?
“I have so many regrets, but I would not be the person I am without making those mistakes.”
Do you have a quote for yourself?
“Don’t let anything define you. Your actions don’t necessarily define you and the grand scheme of things, depending on where you do it and how it might. Don’t let that get that into your head. You know who you are and others do not. So, do not let that hinder you.”