Find out how this Binghamton Alumna Conquered College and Fitness!

After graduating from Binghamton University this past May, Dasia Jones hasn't slowed down since! While in school, the 22-year-old Freeport, New York native spent time as a health leader on her campus. As of today, Dasia's post-grad life consists of crushing goals, adulting, and of course--sweat! Wanna find out how the fit beauty balances all three? Keep reading down below for an exclusive interview!

You graduated from Binghamton University recently. Congratulations! How did your health journey change from your Freshman year to now?

Yes, I just graduated in May. Thank you! From freshman year to now, my health journey has definitely fluctuated. As someone who was active from elementary school to high school from dance, gymnastics, lacrosse, and field hockey, moving away for college and not playing sports was a weird adjustment for me. I began my college career trying to figure myself out, get accustomed to college, and also find time for fitness. It was very hard to balance all three during those early years, especially when I was living on campus. I had a membership at the college gym and would try to go there occasionally, but I also ate terribly. My bad diet consisted of random dorm snacks, late nights of eating fried food, and whatever I could find in the campus dining halls. When I moved off campus and had greater control over my diet I began to lose all the weight I gained from eating terribly on campus. This is also when I began to be more consistent with the gym and get more comfortable with weight training. Throughout my journey, I never really focused on the number on the scale, but I began to pay more attention to how the food you eat and staying active affects your mood, sleep and how you feel during the day.

Why did you decide to become a health leader on campus and how did the role shape your collegiate experience?

I decided to become a health leader on my campus after attending my first PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT "sweat show". It was a fun and challenging experience, but I also felt very welcomed and comfortable participating in fun workouts. This role shaped my collegiate experience by making me be more cognizant of what I am putting into my body and how health and fitness play an important role in our lives. Additionally, during my two years with PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT, I stepped into the leadership roles of Treasurer and Vice President. Through these positions, I developed better leadership and communication skills that I will carry through life.

How were you able to stay motivated while in school? What kept you going on your “off days”?

I can admit that staying motivated to stay active while in school gets very difficult at times, especially when stressed. I had many periods of extreme stress from finals, homework, papers, or deadlines and the first things I always sacrifice during those times are healthy eating and going to the gym. On those "off days" when I was extremely stressed, I often had zero motivation to go be active because that is time I could spend working on papers or studying for finals. I began to realize that your diet and being active during these times is one of the biggest ways to relieve some stress/tension. Just 30 mins of being active can make you more relaxed and then you can get back to your responsibilities once you have a clearer mind.

Post-Grad life seems very exciting. With so many endless possibilities and the world in your hands, what is the next step for you?

Post-Grad life is exciting because it comes with endless possibilities, but it also comes with real "adulting". I have spent the summer interning at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and I will be returning to Binghamton in the Fall for my Masters in Accounting with a concentration in Tax. I am in the process of taking parts of my CPA Exam and plan on continuing to work in public accounting after I graduate in May 2020.

How are you staying fit now?

Between working in NYC full-time and studying, it has been hard to find free time to go to the gym, especially since my commute home is about an hour. I have been using this app called "Class Pass" this summer which has made my fitness experience very different. Rather than being locked into a gym membership at one location, you can get a membership with Class Pass that allows you to take fitness classes at any of the participating locations all over. I have attend some classes in the city after work and I have attended some closer to home. I think it is a great concept and has allowed me to try different classes such as; HIIT training, spin, kickboxing, etc.

Do you have any advice to give younger readers who may be interested in attending your alma mater?

For any readers who are interested in Binghamton University, I say go for it. It is a great school academically and there are many clubs and organizations on campus to ensure everyone finds their fit. If I did not attend Binghamton I would not have learned about PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT and would not have met the amazing women associated with the organization.

Who’s your biggest fitness inspiration right now?

One of my of biggest instagram fitness inspirations right now is Massy Arias (@massy.arias) because she is extremely dedicated to her health and balances it all while having a family. My other fitness inspiration is actually someone I know personally and a previous Captain for the Binghamton University Chapter of PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT, Gabrielle Sagesse (@gabby_ology). She is a med student and still dedicates time to her health and fitness, while also spreading positivity to everyone she encounters.

What are your current fitness goals, and how have they changed since you first started the program?

My current fitness goals are to tone and increase muscle definition. This has changed from when I first started the program because I used to be intimidated to workout with weights in the gym. I was scared to embarrass myself because I had no clue about what I was doing. I quickly got over that fear during my sophomore year of college and I haven't looked back since. I love working out with weights and even took a weight training class in college. As weird as it sounds, I love being sore after a workout because it means that I worked hard and changes will come over time.

After completing the health leadership program, what do the words PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT now mean to you?

The phrase PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT means getting rid of that long-standing stereotype that women do not sweat or that it is unladylike for them to do so. It means to take control over your body and actively work for the changes you want to see.

Inspiring, right? If you want to join the #SweatSisterhood and become a health leader on your campus, you can find out more info here.