Janelle Mujadzic: A Driven People Leader
This RBC student’s work ethic and sympathy for others has elevated her as one the College’s top student leaders.
Tell us about yourself—where you’re from, family life, hobbies, interests that inspired you to major in what you’re currently studying etc.
I am Bosnian, however, I was born in Germany and moved to the States when I was in second grade. I have lived in Virginia for about 10 years now. I am really close with my family—they have always prioritized education and hard work. They’ve helped shape my values such as giving back, caring for others and staying ambitious. They are a big part of my drive and putting my all into everything I do.
Why did you decide to attend RBC? How were you supported by your family and loved ones when you decided to attend?
I decided to attend RBC because I had no idea what I wanted to study or what school I wanted to go to. I had people around me recommend it and it was close to home. So, I thought it would be a great fit. My family supports me in everything I do.
What do you like most about the college? How have you been supported by the faculty and staff since you’ve been here?
What I love most about RBC is the community. Everyone helps each other to do better. I like that Richard Bland College is small enough so you don’t feel overwhelmed, but the opportunities exceed its physical size. They are endless. Faculty and staff have always been there for me and supported me in all my ideas such as my “Shatter the Silence” human trafficking awareness event. They showed me anything is possible if you take the chance and believe in yourself.
Are you a residential or commuter student? Whichever pertains to you, tell us about your experience.
I am a residential student as well as an RA. Serving in this position, being a full-time student and staying involved in other organizations on campus, things can get challenging. However, Residence Life has been supportive of me and go out their way to make things easier for me. They hold me accountable, but still make sure I am putting my mental health before anything.
What other leadership positions have you held? How have they developed your leadership skills?
This experience has been amazing—it gave me the chance to grow as a leader, while helping build a real sense of community within the dorms. Through these roles, I learned how to think quickly, resolve conflicts and handle tough situations, especially those surrounding mental health. More than anything, it taught me the power of creating a space where people feel safe, seen and valued. As a residential representative, I got to advocate for my residents on issues, like improving the dorms’ Wi-Fi. But what means the most to me are the everyday moments: checking in and connecting with people from all walks of life and being someone residents know they can turn to. Knowing I can help them feel a little more at home and a little less alone is what I love the most.
Additionally, I’m a member of the Mental Health Diaries Club and I serve as on the Student Assembly as the Residential Representative, as well as on the Assembly’s Community Service Committee. Lastly, I’m the President of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society.
As I mentioned earlier, I’ve organized a human trafficking awareness event, a school food drive for Petersburg, coordinated the volleyball team send off for Nationals in 2024 and volunteered at an elementary school. This summer, I’ll be interning with the RBC Office of Research & Innovation and working closely with the Health Careers Camp.
What are you currently studying? What are your plans once you graduate from RBC?
This fall, I will be attending VCU and studying Neuroscience. I specifically plan to focus on brain cancer.
What would be your elevator pitch for someone who is on the fence about attending RBC?
RBC truly changed my life. At first, I was unsure where I wanted to go, but choosing RBC was the best decision I’ve ever made. It gave me the tools, confidence and opportunities I needed to succeed in my future. The campus has dorms, so you still get that full college experience and the smaller class sizes allow for more personal engagement with the professors.
Being involved on campus opened doors I never could have imagined. I had the chance to go on a healthcare trip to Miami, sit at a table with leaders like Sen. Tim Kaine and Mayor Danny Avula, network at professional events and even create my own events with the support of amazing staff. These are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and RBC made every moment worthwhile.
Have you received scholarships through RBC? If so, please name them.
I’ve received the RBC Foundation Scholarship.
