Social Media Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How Mya Isabella Samuel Is Helping To Change Our World
Don’t let anyone distract you. For years every day, I’d motivate myself and sing “Roar” by Katy Perry. Sometimes it may be others distracting you, while at other times, you may be your own distractions. It’s important to stay focused and keep motivated every single day.
As a part of our series about leaders who are using their social media platform to make a significant social impact, we had the pleasure of interviewing Mya Isabella.
Mya Isabella is a young entrepreneur and humanitarian. She is launching a new skin care line in 2023, she is the founder and CEO of Bella’s Study Buddies. She is also the new title holder for Miss Niagara’s Outstanding Teen 2023. Bella will be competing in the Miss New York’s Outstanding Teen in 2023.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
I really enjoy helping others as much as I enjoy math and science. I’m also passionate about mentoring others. I selected this social issue to help combat and advocate for the educational and literacy issues in America. I want to pay it forward to those who lack a mentor. I want to help advocate for them and become a study buddy!
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began this career?
When I started Bella Study Buddy’s (BSB) to help in Erie and Niagara counties, I researched and found that illiteracy it is not limited to this area alone, but rather, it is an issue throughout the United States. Interestingly, I started BSB during the pandemic. Although there were already ongoing education and literacy issues, when the pandemic began, the educational struggles increased and literacy issues began to crumble a bit more due to the struggles of learning from home by way of Zoom.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
When I first started tutoring at a new site, the students would call me “Ms. Bella.” I asked them not to call me “Ms. Bella,” because it made me feel older. Then one student explained to me, the reason she called me Ms. Bella was “out of respect.”
You have been blessed with success in a career path that can be challenging. Do you have any words of advice for others who may want to embark on this career path, but seem daunted by the prospect of failure?
I would like to encourage others to “never give up!” I’m learning that things may not go exactly how you may have envisioned them in your mind. You may not get everyone on board with your dreams and visions. Do not be discouraged and do not give up. I have been told that successful people usually embark on a journey which includes a lot of “no’s” and people not answering the doors. However, as clichéd as it sounds, you must not give up, but dig your heels in a little more, stand a little taller and keep walking forward.
Ok super. Let’s now jump to the core focus of our interview. Can you describe to our readers how you are using your platform to make a significant social impact?
I use my platform to reach out and build awareness that I am here as a resource. I am a mentor and a tutor. Sometimes students struggle, not because they don’t understand the work, but often because they have things going on in their home life and around them which keeps them distracted from doing their absolute best. Sometimes they simply don’t have anyone to encourage and motivate them. At BSB, my recruiters and I don’t just work on the academic aspect, we are here, in person, for the social piece with them as well.
Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted by this cause?
I have one particular student that I tutor. One day, she came up to me and asked my opinion on a difficult situation she was dealing with. It turns out, she was being picked on and excluded at school. I don’t hold a professional degree on counseling or social work. I was able to listen, share, and point her in the direction for the proper people she could trust to help her.
Was there a tipping point that made you decide to focus on this particular area? Can you share a story about that?
Absolutely! When I moved back here, to Western New York, my family was going through some major life transitions, plus my mom was really sick. Luckily, she was able to get tutors for me which was very impactful and help me to be successful. There was this one tutor that I really enjoyed working with because he helped me be better and do better, not just in school but as an overall person.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
In America, there are 79% of children facing illiteracy due to various reasons. I believe that the community could help me uplift and advocate for them, which will help solve this problem. I have events planned and would love the support of the community by donating books and help with read-a-thons. Collaborating with me in tutoring and putting Bella’s Study Buddies in schools and community centers around America would be great also.
Why do you think social media in particular has the power to create social change and create a positive impact on humanity?
Social media is used to educate, make people aware of news in different parts of the world, teach others about their culture, and so much more. I believe by using social media we can enlighten others by bringing more awareness to the illiteracy challenges we have here in America. We can be more effective in eliminating the root cause of illiteracy and give someone a chance to be a leader and a change maker.
What specific strategies have you been using to promote and advance this cause? Can you recommend any good tips for people who want to follow your lead and use their social platform for a social good?
Every day, I learn new ways to promote and advocate for literacy and Bella Study Buddies. I like using Instagram to promote and connect with others. I also talk with students to get insight on how things are going in school.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? Please share a story or example for each.
- Don’t let anyone distract you. For years every day, I’d motivate myself and sing “Roar” by Katy Perry. Sometimes it may be others distracting you, while at other times, you may be your own distractions. It’s important to stay focused and keep motivated every single day.
- It will be hard. I am an honor roll high school student, I play sports, I’m currently launching a new skin care line, and I am Miss Niagara’s Outstanding Teen 2023. However, with a bit of time management and focus, I make time for each of my areas of passion.
- Stay passionate. When I tutor, I enjoy it so much. I realized, that when you’re passionate about a thing, it doesn’t feel like work at all, but rather, it is pure enjoyment. After I finish my day with my students, it never seems as if I been tutoring long, but as they say, time flies when you’re having fun!
- Never stop advocating. I thought that no one was watching or listening, while I pushed and advocated for my students, but I never stopped. They need me. Through Bella Study Buddies, I can help those in need.
- Never stop believing. If my mom, as sick as she was, didn’t believe in me, I would’ve struggled and given up academically. I was tutored and it ignited my fire and passion. My passions aren’t just helping others socially and academically through Bella’s Study Buddies, but it also helps them to be the best they can be. I have a new skincare line launching very soon in the near 2023 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit this mission!
Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a power lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
It would mean so much to me if I could meet and have lunch with Rhianna. Although I’m not a singer, we are both Caribbean ladies — her family is from St. Michaels, Barbados and I have family in St. Croix. She is a great inspiration to me because she is beautiful, intelligent, and talented. I believe I could learn so much from her. I would absolutely love to meet her!
How can our readers further follow your work online?
My Instagram is @mya_Isabella_samuel
My Facebook is @ Bella Samuel
And my TikTok is @.they.luv._.mya
This was very meaningful, thank you so much!
Social Media Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How Mya Isabella Samuel Is Helping To Change Our… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.