Alumni Story

You do not have to struggle, that’s what the staff is there for, but they don’t know what you are dealing with unless you communicate. Reach out to them so they can help you.”

Born and raised in Salisbury, Jayland was encouraged by his parents to go to school locally yet still “spread his wings”. He started college at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, then transferred to Catawba, majoring in Business Administration. The impact of great professors and instructors he had as a student at Catawba is something he still appreciates. He cites Dr. Christine Lynn, Dr. Joanna Trammell, and Dr. Stephen Hiatt as positive influences, and warmly recalls the Creativity and Innovation course he took with Dr. Jeremiah Nelson and the drone project he participated in. “Dr. Hake, as my advisor, was a very important part in getting my classes scheduled to get things done on time,” he adds.

The reason for his interest in a business major? “I always wanted to run my own business,” Jayland says. Weekdays he is dedicated to being a Relationship Banker at F&M Bank’s Granite Quarry office. Even with a full-time career in banking, he finds time for another of his passions, music. His evenings and weekends focus on music, and he is fulfilling his desire of running his own business in the form of his own record label, J.J. Sanders LLC. It is a natural fit for him. A drummer and percussionist, Jayland grew up surrounded by music. His mother played violin, his father rapped, his brother was a percussionist in both high school and college, his aunt sings, his girlfriend sings, and his uncle is an opera singer.

In addition to his record label, Jayland writes songs. “I try to be as versatile as I can. I want to have music for every occasion, within the world of hip hop and rap.” His second mixtape “Testimony” will be available on all streaming platforms on November 28^th, 2023. Lastly, Jayland is also a Co-Leader in the Xbox gaming team the WeS Clan. They play Call of Duty, Fortnite, Mortal Kombat, Apex Legends, the list goes on. “It’s a full schedule but I love it!”

As a commuter student at Catawba, he stayed busy with classes and studying between classes when he was on campus. Jayland says of his student experience, “I think I’m pretty happy with how things turned out.” A point of pride from his time as a student is his induction into the National Society of Leadership and Success.

He recommends that students place a stern focus on time management but still have fun and not get too bogged down in work and deadlines. But if they do or are encountering any problems, help is available for the asking. “You do not have to struggle, that’s what the staff is there for, but they don’t know what you are dealing with unless you communicate. Reach out to them so they can help you.”

It is apparent that Jayland takes his own advice and obviously knows a thing or two about good time management, with a life he has filled with banking, his record label, songwriting, gaming, friends and family. “Find that balance and the sky’s the limit.”