Amanda Caez spent an entire afternoon with Queen Latifah.
Springfield-Bay Path College student Amanda Caez stands with Queen Latifah.
SPRINGFIELD – Amanda Caez remembers the first time she saw Queen Latifah on the screen in the film “Set it Off.”
“I just remember thinking she was wonderful,” said Caez, a sophomore at Bay Path College and Queen Latifah’s student escort during her visit last week to Springfield.
Caez competed for the spot by writing an essay about why she admired Latifah and how she had influenced her life.
“I am just so inspired by her. I think some things in her life have been similar to mine and she has made something great out of herself,” said Caez, who is studying early childhood education at the school.
Queen Latifah was the keynote speaker during Bay Path College’s 18th annual Women’s Leadership Conference held at the MassMutual Center.
“I am just amazed by how friendly and down to earth she is,” Caez said.
Bay Path College President Carol Leary agreed, calling Queen Latifah one of the most genuine and kind speakers to ever participate in the program.
As her escort, Caez met the Latifah when she arrived to the MassMutual Center and basically spent time with her and her entourage throughout the day.
Caez got to hang with the Latifah backstage in the green room, chat with her make-up artist and personal assistant, and escort her to the stage for her keynote speech as well as hang out with her during a private reception.
“Her story is rags to riches,” said Caez who grew up in Hartford, Conn. “I grew up in a pretty bad neighborhood and I have had my hard times, but this has been a great opportunity for me to be around someone who has truly made it in life.”
Caez said of all of her experiences at Bay Path and in her life in general, this is at the top of the list so far.
“I will never forget this day. I will keep it with me for the rest of my life,” she said.