The Music & Entertainment Industry Student Association hosted an event that offered music industry tips and knowledge Thursday.
Amir Windom, a record executive and Florida A&M alumnus, said he uses this motto to obtain his success:
“Be more than successful, be significant.”
Senior engineering student Casey Nelson from Savannah, Ga., said he’s happy to see Windom and other Rattlers become successful after graduating.
“It’s great to see rattlers graduate and do good things,” Nelson said. “He came back to FAMU after he graduated to share his wealth of wisdom and knowledge.”
Windom comes to FAMU frequently to share his knowledge about the industry and to prepare students for the real world.
Demetrius Martin, a sophomore music industry student from West Palm Beach, Fla., said he always looks forward to attending Windom’s seminars.
“I came last semester for one of his sessions,” Martin said. “I’m really excited that he came back to check-up on students and give them more insight on the industry.”
Windom came to FAMU to study public relations, but dropped out of school to pursue a music career. He worked with T.I and won a Grammy for the song “Why You Wanna.”
Windom also became one of the youngest A&R executives at Atlantic Records.
“Luck is an opportunity you create,” Windom said. “I had a moment of clarity. I started putting myself in a position where my talent could become my opportunity.”
He later returned and graduated from the School of Journalism & Graphic Communications in 2008.
“Me getting my degree was worth so much more than being successful,” Windom said. “I wanted to inspire people by finishing school.”
He took 21 credit hours each semester for two years while balancing a full-time job.
“No success will be obtained without some level of struggle,” Windom said.
Jamal Wallace, a senior music industry student from Jacksonville, said every time an opportunity such as hearing Windom speaks comes around, he takes advantage of it.
“This is an amazing opportunity for artist and students,” Wallace said. “I love getting knowledge from someone who’s in the industry. Some people pay hundreds of dollars to speak to this guy, but because he went to FAMU, we get it for free. I couldn’t miss out on this opportunity.”
Isaac Carter, a senior music industry student from Tampa, said he is happy Windom reaches out to students.
“It’s always pleasing to know that we have prestigious alumni that come back and teach future leaders of the industry,” Carter said.