EMU Today

YPSILANTI- Eastern Michigan University Honors student Shayla Mostyn has become viral on TikTok, gaining a following of over 240,000 and wrapping up over 10 million likes for her lifestyle videos and inspirational messages for individuals using the platform. 

“I downloaded TikTok with the intent of inspiring people by spreading kindness and positivity,” said Mostyn, who is also an E Ambassador, President of Hillel at EMU, an Eastern Echo reporter, and a sociology major on the EMU campus. As her follower count increased, Mostyn started producing new video series content, such as Shayla Shares Style, Get Ready with Me, Days in My Life, and Motivational Mondays.

Mostyn also recently took on the role of brand ambassador for the nonprofit The Friendship Circle. The organization is dedicated to providing basic human rights of support, friendship, and inclusion to individuals with special needs. Currently, the nonprofit has provided these resources to 3,000 individuals with special needs and their families. 

“I grew up not only attending the walk, but also volunteering and attending programs offered by the Friendship Circle, such as ballet, basketball, day camp, learning how to ride a bike, and more.  Those programs helped me learn how to make life more accessible without letting my disabilities limit my abilities.”

In August 2023, Fox2 Detroit News interviewed Mostyn about the organization's largest annual fundraiser, Walk4Friendship. Mostyn has participated in this fundraiser for the past 17 years.

“Perseverance. Always persevere. Just because something seems difficult, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. It simply means you might need to find an alternative so that it is more accessible to you,” said Mostyn in her interview with Fox2. 

Learn more about the EMU Honors College at www.emich.edu/honors. 

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.