By: Fahad Alden, College of Fine Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Well-being Leader & Angel Molekunnel, Manning School of Business Well-Being Leader
About Angel:
Angel is a Business major with a double concentration in Finance and Management Information Systems from Houston, Texas. She says, “I am passionate about being a Well-being Leader because I care about the mental health of the people around me. From personal experience, I have learned that there is always help and I am passionate about changing all the stigmas around mental health and creating a safe space.”
About Fahad:
Fahad Alden is a senior pursuing degrees in Digital Media, English, and Theater Arts. Fahad has confidence in the transformative power of art as a therapeutic force for healing. He says, “As a Well-being Leader, I believe that our weaknesses are what make us. How we harness our weaknesses into creativity is where our power lies. I bring honesty, spirituality and a down-to-earth sense of humor. When I am not busy, you can find me writing or dancing with my friends at rock concerts.”
1. Can you share with us a valuable lesson you learned from your experience at UMass Lowell that you wish you could go back and tell yourself on the first day of school?
Angel: “Don’t be afraid to go to events alone. Initially I hesitated, but stepping into those rooms alone turned out to be the best decision I ever made. It helped me grow my confidence, connect with incredible people, and step into leadership roles. Sometimes, you just have to trust yourself and take that first step.”
Fahad: “I would tell my freshman year self to accept their journey. My freshman year was a whirlwind of morning classes, running straight to work where I would help kids, committee meetings and study sessions. Finally, I would wind down with my friends at Wendy’s where we’d joke around and just chill. I used to feel ashamed that my college experience wasn’t the “norm,” but now I’ve come to appreciate my journey. Being an underdog and having to work for things made me feel more appreciative when I did finally get them.”
2. Balancing work and extracurricular activities can be challenging. How do you manage your time effectively, and what motivates you to take on so many responsibilities?
Angel: “Time management is key. I use tools like Google Calendar and Notion to stay organized and set daily goals to remain focused. What keeps me motivated is the desire to make a meaningful impact and support others through my roles and responsibilities.”
Fahad: “I am careful how I spend my time extracurricular-wise. Being selective helps me focus on areas where I can make an impact on others, such as being a Well-being Leader and Disability Peer Coach. I also participate in theatre arts, which fuels my creative side. To stay organized while doing these tasks, I use sticky notes. I recommend always doing what feels authentic to you and not being afraid to say no to the stuff that doesn’t.”
3. Everyone needs some downtime to unwind. What are your favorite activities to relax, and how do you prioritize your health while juggling a busy schedule?
Angel: “I love pampering myself with beauty and fashion finds. Fitness is also important to me—I enjoy weightlifting, pilates, spin classes, and yoga. When I need to unwind, I journal, walk, catch up on shows, or spend time with friends and family. Prioritizing mental and physical health helps me stay grounded.”
Fahad: “I believe in the motto “we always regret the things we did not do, not the things we did.” I try to push myself to try new things, whether it’s going axe throwing or visiting a spy museum where I try to escape a maze. These little excursions offer a refreshing break from my daily routine, and engaging in different activities helps me reset.”
4. Is there anything about yourself that you wish more people knew? What is a common misconception about you that you’d like to address?
Angel: “Confidence didn’t come easy. Growing up, I was bullied and insecure, but I refused to let it define me. By manifesting the life I wanted and believing in myself, I’ve grown into someone who is proud of their journey. My past shaped me, but it doesn’t define me—it’s made me stronger and more determined.”
Fahad: “People have this idea of me being super put together. I suppose choosing to do politics kind of creates that image. But truthfully, I am far from that. When I am with my friends, I am known as a jester since I love to joke or pull pranks. I think I have realized I will never be the smartest guy or most popular guy in the room, which I am fine with. I would rather be the best friend you can grab coffee and share a couple laughs with.”
Final Thoughts from Fahad: “This was a collaboration done between me and Angel to share our journeys and perspectives as student leaders. Angel has always been welcoming and warm to everyone around her, and my reasoning behind this collaboration was to highlight her powerful journey and what others can learn. Angel has taught me that there is power in being warm and that it is okay to let your guard down. If you’re seeking support, or simply need a listening ear, please please feel free to meet with me or Angel during our office hours: https://www.uml.edu/wellbeing/well-being-leaders.aspx.”