Student Spotlight: For James Cassar, College is a Mix Tape

James Cassar is driven. A fourth-year student at the University of Virginia, he’s a senior editor for the Cavalier Daily, a facilities manager at the Aquatic and Fitness Center and a DJ for WXTJ, the student-run radio station. He writes and edits for a pair of music magazines, Alternative Press and Modern Vinyl. He co-owns Near Mint, a record label, and moonlights as a music reviewer and podcast co-host. He turned 21 last month.

That’s all in addition to his academic load as a double-major in English and media studies. He plans to complete his degree requirements a semester early and graduate this December. Cassar also lives with cerebral palsy and frequently shares his views on disability in his writing. However, as his mother Leslie said, “It doesn’t really matter that James has a disability.”

Despite his busy life, Cassar slowed down just enough for this UVA Today photo essay, presented in the form of an old-style vinyl record album.