Katrell Strain is a sophomore English major and this year’s Mr. McCabe. Strain is hosting a “Swap or Drop” event in the cafe with Ms. McCabe, Yasmine Hicks. The event will have clothes and food for those in need, and swapping clothes you do not need for items on the table is encouraged, but you can take something without swapping as well. Dropping off items is also encouraged.
This event was created to help with the potential loss of SNAP benefits and to help with the upcoming winter. Strain says, “I want to make sure that everyone is well off.”
The event is also meant to reduce waste, so hopefully someone can give something they do not need to someone who does need it.
Strain has hosted other events, including an Easter event last semester. He says, “I just want to do good for my community.”
Strain is always working hard to help Langston. He is an important part of many organizations on campus. He is the English Club president, BCM Vice President, a member of the judicial board, a Student Liaison Justice, a member of the Student Hearing Board, and an English tutor at the Writing Center.
Strain says he is in all of these groups because, “I have a lot of goals.” Some would describe him as an overachiever, but he completely disagrees.
Strain says, “I like being active,” and “I know there’s a lot of work to be done, so I know I can’t rest just yet.” He likes being busy, and as his roommate, I can attest to how busy he is.
“I’ll take my flowers when I get the chance to, but for now my mission’s not done yet, so I’ll keep doing everything I need to do.” Strain says.
He says being able to do all of these activities, attend class, and have a personal life takes balance. He takes days off when he needs them. He says, “I know they’re more important to me than that, but also at the same time. I do what I need to do.”
He also makes sure everything is scheduled ahead of time so he has time for everything. The meeting for our interview was even sandwiched between his tutoring sessions.
Strain says, “I love a good calendar.” He goes through every day to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Jeremy Arballo
Jeremy Arballo is a sophomore broadcast journalism major. He likes to write about topics that are interesting, and he wanted to write for the Gazette as a creative outlet. He believes the work matters because it helps spread information that students may not otherwise find themselves. Jeremy is interested in photography and has taken nearly all of the photos featured in his stories. He can be reached via his email, jearbal@langston.edu, or his Instagram, JeremyArballo1.
