Shelbe Rodriguez 0:00
Welcome to the LU Moment where we showcase all the great events, activities, programs and people right here at Lamar University. I'm Shelbe Rodriguez, Public Affairs Manager here at o u and I want to welcome everyone back to this week's episode of the moment, right? We have some exciting news, LU, senior and graphic design major does Sean Bell, she won a national billboard contest for violence prevention, hosted by the 100 black men of America. And she's gonna be joining me today to talk a little bit more about that when and what was her inspiration behind her campaign? Alright, so Deshawn, thank you so much for joining me on the radio show today. Thank you for having me. So first, I want to give our audience a little bit of background about yourself. You're a senior graphic design major, right? Yes. Now, where are you originally from? I am from Missouri City, Texas.
DeShaun Bell 0:50
And I went to Thurgood Marshall High School. Whenever I have a student on the show, I always had to ask, why did you choose to attend Lamar University? Well, this is actually my third school. Okay. I went to Texas State first. And I was going for business. Yeah. Well, when I was younger, I always wanted to be an architect. But then people kept telling me how hard it was going to be. So I just settle and I went to school for business, and I was gonna do real estate. But when I got to school for business, I was just bored. Yeah, I'm naturally a creative. So business just wasn't it for me. And so then I like I was drawing a picture one day, and I'm like, Why didn't I go to school for architecture? So I went to school of architecture at University of Houston. Yeah. And then I did a year there. And I loved what I was doing. But I kind of wanted to do something else. Yeah, something more creative to me. And so I sat out for a semester, and
I could have stayed at University of Houston, but I just want to move again. And so I chose Lamar. And actually, my family is from here. Wow. So I, this was the closest school to Houston that had graphic design. And so I just chose them all. This seems like you, you took some time to really figure out what you were passionate about. And so I like that I
Shelbe Rodriguez 2:13
like the journey, you know, going from business to architecture to like, I think I need to be a little more creative than that. So I like that. I like that. So what they see is what they'll be, that is the slogan and model for 100 Black men of America. But that's also the slogan you chose for your non violence, your or your violence prevention campaign. Why did you choose that slogan?
DeShaun Bell 2:38
When I first heard of the 100, black men and slogan, it really stood out to me, because ultimately, my goal is to be a role model to people. And I have a niece now she's three years old. And I definitely want to be a role model to my niece. And so I try to be conscious of the things that I do in front of her. So that like, it stuck to me, because I've already been, like, carrying out this action of the slogan, what they see is what they'll be I try to be a positive role model to whoever is younger than me that I'm around.
Shelbe Rodriguez 3:17
Yeah. And so you really took that to heart. It sounds like, man. And so with the design contest, the billboard design contest, um, how did you find out about it?
DeShaun Bell 3:28
So the Doctor Washington, which is our chapter advisor, she sends us the weekly announcements for the 100 black men every week. And that was one of the contests was on the on the announcements, and I saw it, but I wasn't really sure if I wanted to do it. Yeah. It took me a while to realize that I wanted to do and actually submitted my design the very
Shelbe Rodriguez 3:56
last day, man very last day. So what why did the hazard hesitation?
DeShaun Bell 4:02
Because the, the fire like was kind of vague. And so I didn't really know what to put on it. Like it was just youth violence and prevention. And I'm thinking like, that could be domestic violence, or it could be gun violence. It could be just a bunch of different topics. Right. And so I wasn't sure what was the target, but I definitely chose gun violence. Because that's something that's important to me, and like, all of them are important to me, but gun violence was most important to me, I think. And so why is that? I feel like we see a bunch of different situations happening around the world right now. Currently, where you know, people are just dying for no reason due to gun violence and like people are just using guns senselessly everywhere like Houston or Chicago, Philadelphia man face like all these different places, and it's mostly in black neighborhoods, which bothers me the most. And so that's why it's, it's always been important to me just since I was younger. And also, last year I lost a friend, his name's Eric, due to gun violence, and they're definitely hate different because that was the closest friends me that I had lost in that way. And so that's why I chose gun violence,
Shelbe Rodriguez 5:30
man. So it's something that hit home for you. So put the guns down what they see is what they'll be hashtag let them see peace. And I think your your campaign is on is it's very timely. I mean, anything about violence prevention is always timely, you know, but as you said, there's a lot happening in the world right now. And so I think your your billboard, which, by the way guys is going to be featured on billboards across the nation by the end of the year. I'm excited about that. Are you excited about that?
DeShaun Bell 6:00
I am excited. I'm really hoping that there's one, either in Houston or Obama so I can get a picture.
Shelbe Rodriguez 6:06
I know. I'm excited hope we'll be able to see it down in Southeast Texas area. But you're a billboard. You know, it speaks volumes. It's big. It's bright. Like you said, guys, I know you can't see it right now. But it's black. And it's like a neon yellow. Yeah, it's a neon yellow. Any reason why you chose those colors.
DeShaun Bell 6:26
I see a lot of gold and black with 100 black men in their branding. And so I tried to go, but it wasn't really sticking out to me. And then so I Google, literally, how do you design a billboard? Yeah. And it said that the colors needed to be bright. The words needed to be big and bold. And it needs to be very simple. And so I just chose yellow because it was bright. And the black hidden that yellow is very easy to read. And that's just what I did,
Shelbe Rodriguez 7:02
man. So it seems like you have a recurring thing, though, have taken a risk, you know, taken a chance. Anyway, I know. You said you entered the contest last minute, but you did it. You know you it took you a while to figure out what you're truly passionate about, but you did it. So you know, where do you kind of see yourself from here, you know, your campaigns going to be on billboards across the nation, you know, what's next for Deshawn.
DeShaun Bell 7:27
I'm hoping to land a career as an app developer or a product designer. And so I'm currently looking for a job. I'm also a brand designer, a freelance designer. So I have my own business called hair paradigm paradise design studios. And I really want to continue freelancing, but I do want a job to start me off. So I'm just hoping that I find something in my field
Shelbe Rodriguez 8:01
out, I have no doubt you seem like you are resilient. You seem like you are focused. And driven. So I have no doubt that you will find something. And so I'm with winning this national billboard contest. What was the prize other than having your billboard display nationally? Actually wants the money would like winning money? I want $1,500. Man, that's exciting. It is fun that people that see your billboard, what are you hoping that they walk away with after seeing your design, even just driving by it?
DeShaun Bell 8:36
I'm hoping that people read it and see what I saw in the slogan. And as far as Put the guns down, I'm just hoping that people are more conscious of what they how they put their guns to use.
Shelbe Rodriguez 8:56
And just take heed to that message, right? Yes. Alright, so you mentioned that you have your own business. You have a website or an Instagram for
DeShaun Bell 9:03
us. I have a website. My website is paradise paradise designs.com. And my Instagram is paradigm dot paradise this pa Ra, di G m.pa ra di sc. And follow me.
Shelbe Rodriguez 9:23
Alright, DeShaun, I want to thank you so much for joining me today on the moment.
DeShaun Bell 9:26
Thank you. Thank you for having me.
Shelbe Rodriguez 9:29
Alright, so big things are happening here at Lamar University. So starting next fall, l you will be the first and only T s US institution to implement an engagement hour for the campus community. And so what does that mean? That means that our students, faculty, and even staff will have an opportunity to just enjoy events that are happening on campus during that one hour. It allows also for our commuter students to be able to attend those events and know sometimes they're not able to and so that will be something fun. And this was an initiative pushed by SGA. And so joining me today on the show is Tiffany Tran, president of SGA. And David Williams, Vice President, thank you both for joining me today.
Tiffany 10:09
Thank you for having us.
Shelbe Rodriguez 10:10
So, Cardinal engagement, our right, that's the official name. Yes, that's exciting. So what I'm what motivated you guys to push for this initiative?
Tiffany Tran 10:20
Well, we definitely notice a need to provide an opportunity, especially for our commuter students, but even on campus students to just have a break from their day of classes, and really get involved on campus. You know, we have so many student organizations on campus, and we noticed that a lot of people just really couldn't be a part of it, because they have obligations outside of school and writing, you know, part time jobs or family. So I think that this initiative is really going to help students become more involved on campus, and really have a better campus experience overall.
David Williams 10:52
And it'll also help our faculty and department chairs, because they'll have a time set aside in the middle of the day where they know all of their staff and all their faculty will be free for department meetings and events and things like that.
Shelbe Rodriguez 11:07
Yes, maybe office hours for some of those faculty members, you know, so that will make things easier. Have you seen other institutions do this nationally?
Tiffany Tran 11:16
We have seen a few other institutions nationally do this, I think like University of Virginia, for example. But I think it's really going to set a strong precedent, at least in Texas, right, you know, being one of the first institutions to initiate this block of time for students. And hopefully, we can inspire other universities to do the same. And because it's in the middle of the day, also, I feel like it will really give students an opportunity to use that time to their advantage on whatever is happening on campus that day.
Shelbe Rodriguez 11:44
I think this will fall perfectly. And when it comes down for homecoming, right? Yes, we'll have some of those events that students can pop into and enjoy. So yeah, exciting, exciting initiative. And how do you feel with us being the only TSA US institution to implement such a,
David Williams 12:00
it feels feels good to kind of be the leader within our system that kind of set the example for other institutions in the show that Oh, Omar really has it going on?
Shelbe Rodriguez 12:13
I love that love, what has it going on? And so you guys have been in office for how long now?
Tiffany Tran 12:19
When it hits June, it will be one year,
Shelbe Rodriguez 12:22
year, and that's when your leadership will come to an end. Yes, that's been involved in a lot of new things here on campus. Talk to us a little bit about some of those initiatives that you've helped push throughout your leadership.
Tiffany Tran 12:34
So some of the initiatives that we've been pushing is, especially when it concerns safety on campus. Yes. So every semester we hold a safety walk, and last semester be held in November. Yeah. And so far, a lot of the initiatives that we've been pushing for such as you know, installing a new stop sign of at the GT parking lot, fixing some of the potholes that may be in the ground, that may be a tripping hazard for students. We've been pushing for that initiative. I think
Shelbe Rodriguez 13:01
you guys got some new lights? Yes.
David Williams 13:04
Right. Oh, filling in some of those holes in the sidewalk and the street. Yeah.
Tiffany Tran 13:09
And then we're also like, currently, right now we're pushing for a establishment of a basic needs hub. So basically, on the Lamar website, we're hoping to establish a webpage, containing all of the resources that our university has to offer for students in one central location. So that students, you know, if they need access to these resources, they can easily find
Shelbe Rodriguez 13:30
it. That makes sense that makes sense, centralizing everything and making it easier for the student experience. I love that. And so, you know, with you guys's leadership coming to an end, where do you think you hope to see SGA and some of the future initiatives for the university?
David Williams 13:46
I personally think I hope to see SGA take even more of a leadership role within the student body kind of heading even more initiatives than we have in the past and kind of make keep making it known that we are here for the student body. And that and kind of increasing our ability to address the students needs.
Shelbe Rodriguez 14:11
Yeah. What about you, Tiffany? What are some initiatives that you hope can get kind of pushed towards the future?
Tiffany Tran14:16
I hope that some of the initiatives that perhaps Dave and I won't have a chance to address within our span here, that they'll carry that on into the future and continue to show or represent SGA in the best light and show that we're here for students.
Shelbe Rodriguez 14:33
All right. Well, I want to thank you both for joining me today on the Leu moment. Yes, thank you for having me. All right, guys. If you're just tuning in or couldn't stick around for the entire interview, don't worry, I got you covered. Just go ahead and search Liu moment on Spotify or here comes the famous line wherever you get your podcast. As always, be sure to follow us on social media. You already know that username it's Lamar University. This is Shelby Rodriguez, Public Affairs Manager here at LSU. The pride of Southeast Texas