Student's organizing skills exceptional

By Mallory Stiles
Editor in Chief

Everyone knows the most successful people in life usually have a plan for everything; they crave organization and are described as neat or punctual.

LCC student Nevaeh Bordayo, 18, is that type for sure. She has set herself up for success by setting and keeping a VERY tight schedule.

She said she can’t go a day without writing out a checklist of some sort.

“Every single thing in my life is planned out,” Bordayo said. “It’s on my phone, it’s written out in my planner.”

She said she goes to the gym at least once a day, works part-time as an office/teacher’s aide with the Lansing School District, and is taking three classes for a total of 12 credits.

“I am taking Principles of Economics, Composition I (and) Applications for Living,” she said. “I’m doing all online classes right now, but I like it here a lot.”

Bordayo is a business major who has a very special dream of opening a multilingual coffee shop in Lansing because, as a Lansing native herself, she said it is something the city sorely needs.

“I have always had a dream to speak multiple languages,” she said. “I am Mexican and American; I’m learning but I am not fluent in Spanish yet.

“I also love coffee, so I just decided to put all my dreams in one place.”

She has twin aunts who both own non-profits which she said contributed greatly to her entrepreneur mindset. She volunteers at events often, handling everything from social networking to soundchecks.

She is working toward an associate degree right now, but said she can see herself continuing on because she simply loves to learn.

In addition to learning Spanish, she is also teaching herself sign language and piano.

Bordayo has six siblings all under the age of 7. She said her hospitable nature and need to create safe spaces began when they came into her life.

“They are all great kids but they are crazy,” she said. “But I love them to death and spoil them in every way.”

Even though she has a lot of love in her life, she has also had heartbreak.

She said her mother and stepfather are extremely supportive and loving, but her relationship with her father has been a source of stress.

“I think one of the biggest challenges I have overcome is learning how to express my emotions,” she said. “My dad was pretty mentally and emotionally abusive my entire childhood, so it was hard, but I think I am getting better at it. … There are things that I still need to overcome, but I don’t see myself as broken.”

Bordayo has also made some incredible friends along the way, like Calvon Hill, who said they have had a unique bond since they met in their junior year in high school.

“She knows how to listen and assess every situation,” Hill said. “She has good judgement skills. I can rely on her for a lot and she will be there when I need it and vice versa. She is my best friend.”

Bordayo loves music by Joji, hot Cheeto fries, playing cards with her grandma and watching either “The Office” or “South Park.”

She said she just wants to use her time to help as many people as possible while also defying every expectation she can.

“I just want to pursue my goals,” she said, “and buy a motorcycle.”