Meet Communication Student Jason Maysonet

By Nusrah Azeez and Christine Souaiden

For this week’s spotlight, we had the opportunity to sit with Jason Maysonet. He is a Junior Communication Major. Jason is from New Jersey, he came to Massachusetts because he wanted a new environment.

Why did you choose UMass?

I chose UMass because I wanted to leave New Jersey. I had been there my whole life and I was ready to move on and experience something new and UMass offered that for me. UMass is a big school, I have always wanted to go to a big school where nobody really knew me and I could just start over and UMass gave me that opportunity.

What do you love most about UMass?

I love everything that is offered to students, there are so many opportunities available here it is mostly up to the student to make the best out of it. The ability to make new friends, taking different courses that interest me that I did not have access to back in high school. UMass offers a variety of experiences for students and if you take advantage of it you will have fun. 

What do you think about the Communication department?

I really do like the Communication department, it benefits me because I am not a student who is good at math and sciences, I am better at writing and I feel like the classes that are offered within the major encourages and enhances my writing skills as well as understanding different aspects of the media. Communication is a broad major. Therefore, it is beneficial for students who are not math and science type of people. Personally I am not one of those people, so that is why I enjoy being in the department. I am still able to do well in school and not feel stressed out at the same time learn things that are beneficial for me. 

Do you feel a sense of community in UMass?

Yes and no, because we have shown this year that we can rally behind a cause if need be. At the same time, being a minority I do not know if everybody has the same fondness of us, it comes in varying levels and that’s how life is in terms of being a minority. I would say I definitely feel safe here and I like being here, I would not want to be anywhere else. However, in terms of having a fully supportive community, there is a question mark on that. 

What are your Involvements on campus? 

I am a part of two clubs. I am in BMCP  which is a black organization, as well as in Latinos Unidos. I just recently joined the e-board. I am trying to get more involved because I feel like I did not do that enough freshman year. Now that I am back I want to be involved as much as I possibly can.

If you could go back in time, what would you tell yourself as a freshman?

I would tell myself to get more involved and put myself out there more. I would also tell myself to get out of my head and to stop worrying about all the wrong things. To just live life and have fun along the way while keeping up with my priorities such as school. Make sure school is always number one but at the same time put yourself out there and make new friends.

What are your favorite classes so far?

I always enjoy the classes that are centered around media, that was something I was always interested in in high school. I also liked the Communication classes where I became a better writer. In a lot of classes we analyzed papers and texts and I learned how to enhance the format of my writing.

What is your favorite thing to do to relax after classes?

I like to hang out with my friends, listen to music, and play video games. I enjoy talking to people or just going to the gym and working out. I enjoy working out, being active and keeping up a healthy lifestyle. 

Where is your favorite hangout spot on campus?

My favorite spot on campus would be the rec center or Roots Cafe. I love their buffalo chicken quesadilla with waffle fries. 

What advice would you give other Comm students?

I would tell them to take a very wide range of classes because a lot of classes can be similar, my advice is to switch up. When it comes to the Communication major, do not just take all media focused classes, the department offers a lot of interesting classes that diverge from that topic. Communication is pretty broad as a major and you can learn a lot of different things to make yourself a more well-rounded student. In conclusion, explore the major, take random classes as long as you know you are hitting your requirements.