Welcome to Flash Friday! In this series, we introduce you to fascinating student Flashes from all walks of life.
Today, we are shining the spotlight on Shane Reese, a junior finance major from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with a story of resilience and leadership.
In his freshman year, Reese faced the loss of his mother, a moment in time that inspired him to make each day count and make an impact in his community.
“Her loss is probably my biggest motivation. Because life is too short to hold grudges, it’s too short to not do something, to not make an impact,” Reese said.
During these dark times, Reese leaned on his support network here at 91˛Öżâ.
“A lot of people asked me why I didn’t take a gap semester, but I felt like I had the support, and I'm very much glad that I chose to stay,” Reese said.
Reese found support within the 91˛Öżâ community. Driven by a desire to give back, Shane has immersed himself in various leadership roles on campus. From serving as a Kupita/Trancisiones mentor to his involvement with the Male Empowerment Network, he strives to create supportive spaces for students to grow.
“It's very important to create a safe space where people can relate to one another, just to come together and just talk about things happening on campus, diversity, equity issues and mental health,” Reese said.
His dedication to the university hasn't gone unnoticed. Reese was the recipient of the 2023 Sage Project Award and The Trendsetter Student Multicultural Center Wall of Fame award.
Through his involvement with TRIO Student Support Services, Reese was one of several students who traveled to the Walt Disney World Resort for the Leadership, Innovation and Career Seminar in Fall 2023.
“Disney was the most enchanting experience I've ever had in my life. That was my first time flying,” Reese recalled. “They have most definitely provided me with travel experience, and they have provided me with financial help when I needed it. I wouldn't be here without TRIO.”
Along with support from Adam Cinderich and Bre Buckner, director and assistant director at TRIO Student Support Services, Reese is inspired by mentors Michael Daniels, Ph.D., and Kristofer Braxton, M.Ed.
“Dr. Mike Daniels is the director of the Student Multicultural Center, and he has been my mentor ever since freshman year. He has very much been an inspiration for me. Also, Kris Braxton, the director of Academic Diversity Outreach for the College of Arts and Sciences. I can say anything to him. There are so many times we get lost in conversation. Those two are really inspirations to me,” Reese said.
In his free time, Reese writes poetry to navigate his thoughts and feelings as well as the society around him. His writing, alongside his faith and family, helps him stay motivated and inspired.
As Shane continues his journey at 91˛Öżâ, he is determined to make an impact, reminding us all that even in the face of adversity, anything is possible.
"You’re going to have hard days, dark days but it’s all about mindset. I graduate next year and I’m going to do as much as possible with that time," Shane reflects, echoing his favorite quote by Nelson Mandela. "It always seems impossible until it's done."
Hey…. It’s been 6 months, 12 days, and 4 hours since the last time I saw your face. I met someone today. She’s beautiful! Thick hair, skin the perfect blend of chocolate and sweet caramel with curves in all the right places. Guess you can say I have a type. I’m leaving this message because my call didn’t get through. It hasn’t been my first time I thought about calling you. I don’t know what it is about you. I don’t know if it was the way you calmed my sanity by the presence of you next to me, or the way you compressed your skin against mine and kept me tamed from unleashing a beast that was rightfully yours to control. Licked your frontal lobe as you whispered in my ear, ready to release your essence I remember when your smile was the highlight of my day and the dark clouds around me distinguished at the touch of your hand. The thought of another woman or man in the picture shivers the cracked pieces of my heart that we as one have somehow broken. How could we let the toxic characteristics of our insecurities and needs bind in love’s deceit, but yet if it didn’t happen we would still be together. Steady in the warmth, engraved by the touch. I once said I love you. My mind is no longer possessed by the demons that had been the overseers of my enslavement to your lies. Crazy how things are now different in our lives for the better. How, what was once our toxic ways are suddenly bitter. It’s hard to forget the pain, but it’s also hard to forget how you made me sane. Do I continue my life replacing a picture with a broken memory or sew up my broken heart and try again within the same skin I’m in. When is it over between you and me. Stressing over old feelings that leads to my defeat. Reminiscing the times you had me once weak in the knees. If you think about it we were over-conflicted, sex-addicted, young but optimistic, intelligent, systematic, kids that never felt the love squeezed within our mother’s arms. I can’t hold up that woman waiting for me. Gotta take a chance for something meant to be. If you call and think it can be the new you and me, if I don’t answer, leave a message at the beep. |
Are you a student interested in being featured in Flash Friday, or know a student who would make a great candidate? Send suggestions with name and contact information to kentstatetoday@kent.edu.