Reginé Bumper ’19 chose Shenandoah for its rich academic value and focus on long-term success. Years later, after graduating with a Bachelor of Science in sports medicine and exercise science, she looks back fondly at her time here, both for preparing her for her future career and providing her with unforgettable memories and relationships that will last a lifetime.
“Shenandoah is an amazing place to discover and enrich yourself in knowledge about academic principles and about oneself,” said Bumper. “Having such a safe space for growth, risks, learning and discovery is a privilege; One that should be prized and appreciated. Shenandoah is a place for becoming.”
During her time at Shenandoah, Bumper served as the president of the Black Student Union, as well as a mentor for new students during their First Year Seminar course. She also served as head peer mentor at the [Not Just] Women’s Center, and participated in a selection of Student Life projects.
Bumper is the CEO and creator of EyeRmbr, a herbalism and wellness company. Through her business, she strives to educate the public on the healing powers and medicinal uses of plants and herbs. “Alongside curating hand-crafted herbal teas and tinctures, I host and lead workshops about herbalism, simplifying plant medicine practices, so that healing can continue to spread and not dis-ease,” said Bumper. EyeRmbr has been featured in VoyageATL, VoyageRaleigh, GBKM network, Virginia Cancer Specialist blog, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), local DMV radio station, WPGC 95.5, and more.
Along with her role as a CEO, Bumper is a social science analyst at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) and is the head varsity volleyball coach for the Prince William County Schools System.
Bumper’s most rewarding experiences in her career are leading data visualization projects, workshops on herbalism and medical applications for plants and teaching today’s youth the foundational and advanced practices of volleyball.
“Being an herbalist, the most rewarding experience has been witnessing people discover their own power they have to heal themselves,” said Bumper. “[Then] as a volleyball coach, one of the most rewarding moments has been sowing seeds of confidence into the athletes.”
Shenadoah prepared Bumper for her career by helping provide the tools and skillset to benefit the community around her. She thanks Abnormal Psychology Professor Alida Gibson B.A., M.A.,M.S., for providing her with the foundational knowledge she needed to provide accurate recommendations to clients at SAMSHA. She credits former Sports Nutrition Professor Jessica Kutz for giving her the ability to recommend healthy eating habits to her volleyball students. Additionally, she is also grateful for the Spiritual Life department for fostering her drive to help others help themselves.
Bumper’s advice to current and future students is: “You have all the tools you need to succeed in this moment. Most, if not all, reside within yourself. Don’t be so quick to look outside yourself when what you seek is already inside of you.”