Nasya Shaffer has a business mind that seems to come naturally to her. And with a family business spanning back generations, one could say business savvy was in her genes.
And with the foundation formed by her family’s business, she already has a game plan in place for her own future. Building on that foundation, she intends to establish her own branch. She has it all figured out, right to the final detail. She intends to create and leave her own mark.
Not too bad for a 17-year-old.
The maturity yet excitement found in Shaffer’s conversations is one of the first things you pick up on. The Yazoo County High School senior has dedicated her young life to academic success, committed mentorship. And the future is wide open.
The daughter of Averial and Dr. Shundria Shaffer, the Yazoo County native has been a student within the county school district her whole life. She currently serves as vice president of both the Student Government Association and the Beta Club. Along with her academics, she is also a member of the school’s tennis team and cheer squad, where she serves as captain.
“I enjoy being able to help other people,” she said. “There is a lot that people need help with, and some people just don’t have the people they need in place to help them. I enjoy being that person who can help, figure out their goals.”
Shaffer currently has a 3.95 GPA and scored a 22 on her ACT. With her GPA and ACT scores, she recently accepted a $25,000 scholarship to Houston Christian University in Houston, Texas.
“I intend to get a business administration degree there,” Shaffer said. “Then I will head to mortuary school at the Dallas Institute of Funeral Services to further my family’s business.”
The Shaffer family has been a vital member of the local business community with the Shaffer-Collins Funeral Home. Building on the family business that spans back generations, Shaffer knows she has some big shoes to fill. But she is eager to begin her own chapter.
“It’s a job that will always be around,” Shaffer said, with a smile. “I remember going to funerals with my Granddad and Dad. Since I have gotten older, I began to help them work at the funerals.”
Shaffer has been around the family business for her entire life, soaking in the worth ethic of her grandfather, father and uncles. That sense of pride within her family’s business is an endeavor she wishes to continue.
“It’s a sense of family,” she said. “And it’s something I want to continue. I like seeing the outcome of everything you work for. And I like seeing families being able to see their loved ones at rest peacefully. It means a lot to be able to help those families.”
But it hasn’t been just studies and work for Shaffer. She said she has enjoyed the camaraderie among her classmates, especially during her senior year.
“That is the best memory, having fun with my classmates,” Shaffer said. “The first day of school, we went bowling and out to eat. It was fun being able to have that time and get closer with them, knowing we will have good relationships beyond school.”
Shaffer’s favorite subjects are math and science, particularly physical science and human anatomy.
“Math and science are easy for me to understand,” she admits. “I’ll be honest, I don’t enjoy writing papers and essays. I enjoy having problems that I must find the right solutions to. It’s easy for me to understand the concepts.”
And the teacher who has made the most impact for Shaffer, the answer was simple.
“Mrs. Grayson,” she said, with a smile. “She’s always there.”
Yolanda Grayson serves as the school’s Personal Finance instructor. But Shaffer said her influence goes beyond the classroom.
“She makes sure that we have everything we need,” Shaffer said. “If we need somebody to talk to, she is always there. She is that somebody you can turn to when you need help with anything.”
The one tip of advice Shaffer would give to her underclassmen revolves around balance…while having fun.
“Have fun, but stay on top of your work,” she said. “Even when being a student athlete, being a student always comes first. Have a balance with limitations.”
For the future, Shaffer said she would like to open her own branch of the family’s funeral home business.
“I want to make a difference somewhere else, however,” she said. “I know my family has done a good job here.”
Shaffer gives credit to the high school staff for their commitment and dedication to the students. She said the staff is the secret behind the school’s success.
“They work so hard to see us succeed in life,” Shaffer said. “They always know when and what we need when we need it. They fight to see us succeed.”
Shaffer is also a member of Word of Life Church in Ridgeland. In her free time, she enjoys drawing and painting.
