Jahlani Ustanny ’27 has developed a variety of interdisciplinary professional competencies through his campus jobs. As a Laboratory Assistant in the department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, he assists in lab maintenance and cleaning tasks, such as prepping scientific glassware, across various MB&B research labs. As a Food Justice Coordinator, he strengthens relationships and fosters collaboration between the Bailey College of the Environment, Wesleyan student groups, local farms, and Middletown community organizations that focus on food security, environmental justice, and sustainability. As a Dining Assistant, he supports on-campus dining services broadly.
In what ways have your campus jobs contributed to your personal, academic, or professional growth and aspirations? What skills have you gained?
The roles that I have taken on, on campus, in a paid professional setting, have enhanced my workforce readiness and overall professional etiquette. My communication skills, leadership skills, organizational skills and time management skills have benefited immensely through my roles on campus. They have also aided in winnowing down my career aspirations and allowed me to form meaningful connections that will take me well beyond my years at Wesleyan.
How do you manage to balance your campus jobs with academic commitments and other activities?
Time management is of utmost importance for balancing my campus jobs with academic commitments and other activities. Deadlines for job-related projects have to be prioritized while also making sure that assignments are completed in advance. Really, it is about having an awareness on what needs to be completed, the due dates for each project and putting a plan in place for the pacing and timing when it comes to completion of assignments. For me, also, being grounded in my faith as a Christian has been the key to removing unnecessary anxiety, fear and stress when it comes to the heavy amounts of work that I may face week to week. Lastly, prioritize rest in the midst of the hustle.
Updated May 1, 2026.
