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This podcast allows us to learn, understand, and grow by sharing insights, personal journeys, and me.
04/23/2026
Feeling truly grateful 😊
I received this special token of appreciation from the Career Centre after creating a short video about my experience using AI for job searching and applying.
It means a lot to be recognized, even for a small contribution. AI is really changing how we approach job applications, and I’m happy I could share my perspective.
Thank you Colen and the Career Centre for this thoughtful gesture!
04/21/2026
Some experiences genuinely stay with you — and this was one of them. 🌟
I had the pleasure of attending a wonderful learning session recently, and I was there in a double capacity: as a student and as a Student Media Assistant. It was truly the best of both worlds.
We had three incredible guest speakers, and each one brought something unique to the room:
The first speaker spoke about work-life balance in a way that was honest, practical, and deeply relatable. A reminder we all need from time to time.
The second speaker shared insights on the Stanley Learning philosophy — a beautiful reminder that the people who never stop learning are the ones who never stop growing.
But it was the third speaker, Jason Holder, whose story moved me the most.
He talked about a student who threw a piece of paper and made a mess. Instead of reacting with punishment, Jason turned that moment into a life lesson — one that clearly made a lasting difference to his students.
I found myself reflecting on my own upbringing. Growing up, if you made a mistake, punishment usually followed. But Jason's approach was entirely different — he chose to teach, to guide, and to build genuine respect in the process. That story stuck with me in the best possible way.
It reminded me that the most powerful leaders and teachers aren't the ones who correct with fear — they are the ones who inspire with wisdom.
Beyond the incredible sessions, I also had the loveliest conversations with Chris Hakala, Mackenzie, Elizabeth, and so many other wonderful people in the room. And the food? Absolutely delicious. 😄🍽️
I walked away feeling genuinely inspired and grateful.
Has a teacher, coach, or mentor ever taught you a life lesson in an unexpected way? I'd love to hear your story in the comments! ❤️👇
04/19/2026
Had the most wonderful time exploring Afghan food with friends this week, and it sparked a genuinely interesting thought I had to share! 🍽️
Here's something about me: every time I go to a restaurant — and I mean every single time — I try something new from the menu. I almost never order the same dish twice.
At first I just thought it was a quirk. But then I sat with it and asked myself: why do I actually do this?
The answer was simple: I love new experiences. I genuinely get excited about the unknown — even when it comes to food!
And here's the part that really made me think: even if I order something and it's not for me, it's truly not a big deal. I tried it, I experienced it, and I move on with no regrets. That's a small version of taking a calculated risk — and I think it reflects how I try to approach life in general.
Tonight's adventure? Afghan cuisine for the first time. And it did NOT disappoint. The flavors were rich, the food was hearty and warming, and the whole experience around the table with friends was just perfect. ❤️
I want to hear from you — when you go to a restaurant, do you:
A) Stick to your tried-and-true favorite dish?
B) Always explore something new on the menu?
Drop your answer below — I'm genuinely curious which side of the table my friends fall on! 😄👇
04/18/2026
Some days just remind you of how beautiful unexpected opportunities can be 🌟
I had the pleasure of participating in a photo and video shoot with the Marketing Department recently, and wow — what an experience it turned out to be!
I walked away with:
🎁 Lovely souvenirs from the marketing team
📚 Extra credit in one of my classes
📸 Stunning photos thanks to an amazing photographer
And most importantly... a brand new level of self-confidence!
Here's something I want to share with my community: I have always been an energetic and optimistic person. But something magical happens when I step in front of a camera. It's like my energy goes to a whole different level — I feel unstoppable, focused, and completely in my element. It's truly one of my strengths, and experiences like this helped me realize that.
A heartfelt THANK YOU to Amy for the wonderful souvenirs 💛 and to Christine for capturing those incredible pictures. You both made this day so special!
Never underestimate the power of saying YES to new experiences. You never know what you'll discover about yourself. ❤️
Has an unexpected opportunity ever surprised you? Drop your story in the comments!
"The lights were off… so students thought she didn't live there! 😂"
Our College President just shared the funniest story — and the deepest leadership lesson — all in one breath.
She talks about:
💡 Why visibility matters as a leader
📅 How she audits her calendar every single week
⏰ Why how you spend your time = what you truly value
📵 How social media quietly steals your success
And the student at the end? He clapped back perfectly — "The students who don't see you… are just not where you're at!" 🔥
Watch the full video 👇
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HRjlZ1MPmsM&t=863s
💔 No one warned us about THIS part of college…
Breakups. Toxic relationships. Mental health spirals. Most students are going through it alone — and it's quietly destroying their GPA, their habits, and their sense of self.
In our latest episode, host Meraj Husen sits down with Arlene Romas — a Student Support Advocate who has spent her career helping college students survive (and grow from) the emotional chaos of relationships and heartbreak.
Here's what we unpack:
👉 Why breakups hit differently in your 20s — and the 3–6 month low most people don't see coming
👉 The #1 mistake men AND women make when choosing a partner
👉 Why "opposites attract" is mostly a myth
👉 What to actually look for in a life partner
👉 How your parents' relationship is quietly shaping yours
👉 Why guys shut down emotionally — and what to do about it
👉 How to be a real friend to someone going through heartbreak
Whether you're healing, searching, or just trying to figure it all out in college — this episode is for you.
🎙️ Watch now → https://youtu.be/jLFvCDcTgEI?si=qsjXR5V34axqJQd6
💬 Drop a comment: What's the hardest part of relationships in college that nobody talks about? 👇
A college student watched her friend normalize bruises from an abusive partner. Her friends reported it, supported her, but the hardest part? She didn't see it as abuse.
Research shows breakups alone can put someone in their lowest mental health phase for 3–6 months. Now imagine the trauma of abuse on top of that.
If you or someone you know is struggling — please reach out. You are not alone. ❤️
📞
What does it really take to lead one of America's most unique colleges?
In this deeply personal conversation, I sit down with Dr. Mary-Beth Cooper, the 13th President of Springfield College and the first woman to ever hold this position. President Cooper opens up about her incredible journey to leadership, the weight of making difficult decisions that affect thousands of students, and how she stays grounded despite the pressures of the role.
We discuss:
Her path from sports to higher education leadership
What a typical day looks like for a college president (spoiler: there's no "typical")
The truth behind major campus decisions and why they're never made alone
How Springfield College stands out among 6,000+ institutions in the US
The Humanics philosophy and why spirit, mind, and body matter
Her vision for Springfield College's future
The daily practices that keep her centered and effective
Powerful advice for students, alumni, and anyone navigating their own leadership journey
This conversation goes beyond titles and positions. President Cooper shares the experiences that shaped her, the misconceptions people have about college leadership, and the legacy she hopes to leave behind.
Whether you're a current student, prospective student, alum, or simply someone interested in leadership and higher education, this episode offers rare insights you won't find anywhere else.
Instagram:
Host: Meraj Husen
Time Line:
00:00 – Welcome & Guest Introduction
01:30 – First Woman President of Springfield College
03:10 – Early Life: Growing Up as the Only Daughter
05:40 – Family Values & Leadership Foundations
08:20 – Education & Career Journey in Higher Education
11:30 – Discovering Student Affairs & Campus Leadership
14:40 – Path to Becoming a College President
18:30 – Why Springfield College Was the Right Fit
21:30 – Goal Setting, Discipline & Leadership Mindset
25:40 – Daily Habits & Personal Development
28:40 – A Day in the Life of President Cooper
33:20 – What It Truly Means to Be a College President
37:20 – Campus Safety, Student Engagement & Visibility
41:10 – Social Media, Mental Health & College Students
45:20 – What Makes Springfield College Unique
49:10 – Future Vision for Springfield College
53:00 – Legacy, Values & Impact Beyond the Title
56:20 – Advice for Students & Final Message
58:30 – Closing & Thank You
👉 ABOUT SPRINGFIELD COLLEGE:
Springfield College is a private university founded in 1885, known for inventing basketball and pioneering the Humanics philosophy of educating the whole person.
If you found value in this conversation, please like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs to hear this message today. Your support helps us bring more meaningful conversations to the world.
💔 Breakups in college hit different…
3–6 months of your lowest point. Bad grades. Bad habits. No real help.
Arlene Romas is finally saying what no one else will. 🎙️
👇 Watch the full short now!
👉 https://youtu.be/jLFvCDcTgEI
Follow LetsGrowOfficials for more! 🚀
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