Meet Khadijah, manager and DJ for Radio Laurier’s After Class show. As a hard working Golden Hawk with a great taste in music, Khadijah tells us how she manages to juggle her non-stop schedule, while making the most of her fourth year at Laurier. Get to know more about what makes this confident Campus Cutie one of the coolest girls at WLU!
Name: Khadijah Plummer
Program: Honours BA English, minor in Psychology
Age: 21
Year of Study: 4th
Hometown: Whitby, Ontario
What are you involved in at Laurier?
I’m involved with Radio Laurier, which is Laurier’s very own student-run radio station. As a member of Radio Laurier, I do a few things such as DJ for the After Class, write music blogs for the website, and co-manage The Morning Show and After Class shows.
I’m also involved in Radio Laurier’s Street Team, which consists of the promotions and marketing sector of the station. We do booths, contests, and events such as “Dirty Bingo” and the “Hip-Hop Hangout”.
In addition to Radio Laurier, I’m a part of Movember WLU, which is an on-campus committee that raises awareness and organizes events concerning men’s prostate health and overall mental health. I was asked to be a part of the committee last year and I look forward to doing it again this year. I also had the pleasure of being a Promo Model in the Answer To Cancer Fashion Show, which is presented by the WLUFLS (Wilfrid Laurier University Fashion & Lifestyle Society). It is a great club if you’re into health and beauty, and the show raises money and awareness for such an important cause.
This year, I also joined the Laurier Muy Thai Club, which is a unique form of boxing where you learn striking techniques that require a lot of discipline. I spend a lot a time at the gym during the week regardless, so I look forward to doing something new in terms of exercise.
Why did you decide to join Radio Laurier? Tell us more about what Radio Laurier is all about.
I decided to join Radio Laurier because I’m extremely passionate about music. I have been playing instruments since I was five years old and it is something that still remains a part of my everyday life. I started off with music processing, which involves listening to albums and choosing music to play on the show. I then took the opportunity to expand my role within the club this summer by taking on a dual management position and DJ-ing for the After Class, which has been an awesome experience so far.
As someone who is taking on a lot this year, can you give us some advice on how you balance extra-curriculars, two jobs, school, and your social life? What do you do when you’re feeling overwhelmed?
In my experience, staying organized is key. I can’t emphasize it enough. I make a weekly schedule and carry a planner. Most people think that I’m crazy for being involved in so many things, but I need to be busy in order to stay sane. I believe staying busy fosters good time management because there’s less time spent slacking. Also, staying busy requires you to make time for what you really want to make time for. I’ll still socialize and go out, but it’s something I have to plan ahead for in my week. Most importantly, I believe that spending time alone and doing something for yourself is really important for one’s mental well being. When I’m feeling really overwhelmed, I’ll do something that clears my head like going for a run, or playing piano.
You are now in your fourth year at Laurier. Do you have any advice for students in their first few years at University?
My advice is to have fun, and take every experience as a learning opportunity. However, remember why you’re here – you can come to school, but the education has to be earned.
Do you have any plans after you graduate?
I would love to travel for a bit (typical, I know). I just want to continue building my empire, whatever that entails.
I understand you are a part of the Waterloo-based restaurant blog, Pour and Pair. What is your favourite food spot in Waterloo that you’ve featured on your blog?
My favourite place in K/W that we’ve featured on the blog to date is definitely TWH Social. The atmosphere is incredible, they have some of the top chefs in the area, and the portions are perfect. It isn’t that busy due to its location, but, for me, that’s part of the appeal. It’s great for a business meeting, important date night, or when parents come up to visit. It has something for everyone.
What’s your go-to song/ artist to jam to at pre-parties?
I’m known for playing the music at pre-parties. I have a playlist on my phone, which I change often, but no go-to artists. Right now, I like throwing on Rhymes by Hannah Wants, or DJ Frank Walker’s Frosh 2015 Mix.
If your friends had to tell us what word or phrase you say the most on a daily basis, what would it be?
I honestly have so many… That’s a very hard question for me to answer. As of late, I have been saying the phrase, “it could be worse” a lot. When things are stressful, I just remind myself that it could be worse than it is and that small reminder helps me stay on track.
What bar are we most likely to run into you at?
I don’t even go out that much to be honest. I like going to pre-parties more than anything. If I’m out at a bar, though, I’ll most likely be at Chainsaw. If I want to dance, I’ll be at Night School.
When it comes to guys, do you consider yourself to be bold or more on the shy side?
I’m definitely on the bold side. If I’m intrigued, I’m going to talk to you. It doesn’t mean that I plan on pursuing every guy that I have a conversation with; I just like to be open-minded and get to know people. Every person has a story and something that you can learn from. Making an effort to get to know someone new has multiple benefits such as creating a broader network, making a new study buddy, or gaining a new friend. You need your girlfriends, but having guy friends and a male perspective is also important and should not be taken for granted.,whether or not you’re in a relationship.
Khadijah, there is no doubt you are going to be even more of a success one day. We look forward to hearing more from you and tuning into your unreal playlists on Radio Laurier!