BEYOND WYWLA

What year did you graduate from WYWLA?

I graduated from WYWLA in 2021 (May 21st, 2021–I remember so well because this was also my birthday).

How long were you at WYWLA?

I went to school at WYWLA from 6th-12th grade. 

Why did you choose WYWLA? What were some things you had in mind to get out of WYWLA? Did you? Who were your biggest influences at WYWLA?

Fun fact, I did not want to attend WYWLA, but my mom made me apply and I got in, so I attended. I thought the combination of uniforms and it being all girls school was dreadful, but then I got to experience WYWLA and it helped shape my identity, work ethic and mindset which I would use in other environments beyond WYWLA. Going to WYWLA was the absolute best decision I could make. I got so many opportunities, like being the schools first Editor-in-Chief (Yearbook), Middle school President, High school President, Early College VP, Student Body President, Junior Civitan President, Lt. Governor NC District East (Junior Civitan), and so much more. When I realized all that WYWLA had to offer I hoped to get transferable college credit (of course), build a resume that helped me be a competitive college applicant (which I believe I did ), and the ability to advocate for myself as a woman. My biggest influences at WYWLA were my teachers that showed me various characteristics that I wanted to embody. This included but is not limited to Mr/Mrs. di Carlo, Dr. Terry, Mrs. Watkins, Ms. Solomon, and Mrs. Wilkes. 

What are some of the biggest lessons you learned at WYWLA?

Some of the biggest lessons I learned was that sometimes you have to go with your instinct and do what you believe is best. WYWLA is such a small school, that many times you may be placed in the spotlight with a thousand opinions on how you should lead. If you have been entrusted to lead then you must know that people believe that you are capable of making good decisions and sound choices. WYWLA also taught me how take initiative and go above and beyond in everything I do.

What were you involved in during your high school years? What staff members championed you while at WYWLA?  How?

In addition to things mentioned above (first Editor-in-Chief (Yearbook), Middle school President, High school President, Early College VP, Student Body President, Junior Civitan President, Lt. Governor NC District East (Junior Civitan)) I was also in gravity games and NHS. Of course my yearbook staff championed me, but I could not answer this question without mentioning Mr. di Carlo. He believed in me, first by allowing me to make my previous yearbook final for a yearbook theme tangible (Write yOUR own story) and he taught me everything I knew when it came to photography, photo techniques, editing and design, and he allowed me to be curious and learn with an open mind. 

Approximately how many college credits did you earn through our partnership with St. Augustine’s University?

41 of my college credits transferred from St. Augustine’s University. 

Why did you choose Psychology major? What is your career goal? 

I am a psychology major (at Spelman College) . Growing up in the epicenter for mass incarceration– America, I've come to develop a curiosity surrounding the criminal justice system and psychology. This curiosity encouraged me to become interested in the field of forensic psychology because it focuses on both the aspect of the criminal justice system and the ability to better understand how the mind works, both aspects that I think are super important in lowering the recidivism rate and creating a more just justice system. 

What advice would you offer to our 6th grade OWLS, 9th grade OWLS, and our senior OWLS?

Life will be full of opportunities and you will not receive everyone you go out for. My advice to the 6th, 9th, and senior OWLS is take risk, the worst thing that can happen is that you can fail or someone can say no. 

What do you do in your spare time?

I have always been extremely involved with extracurriculars and they take a majority of my time when I am not doing school work. Which is why I strive to only join extracurriculars that I truly enjoy and align with my values. Currently, I am a part of Spelman SGA (First-Year Liaison), S.K.I.R.T.S. Inc. (Past Externals Co-Chair and now secretary), Ethel Waddell Githii Honor Program, Alpha Lambda Delta, Miss Purple and Gold for the Bloody Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Incorporated, two internship programs, and a Fall 2023 initiate of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. In addition, I enjoy hanging out with friends and doing nails. 

What colleges did you apply to/get accepted? Why did you choose Spelman?

I applied to so many schools I cannot remember, but my top choices to the ones that I was accepted to were NCCU (school in NC) and Spelman (Atlanta, GA) because I received full rides from both schools. Spelman has been my dream school since I was young. I also knew at Spelman I would be given resources and opportunities I needed to excel. Spelman is the epitome of Black excellence, so going there I knew I would be surrounded by individuals that did great things, which would be motivation for myself to continue to chase my dreams and transcend heights. Also one of my teachers at WYWLA Mrs. Watkins also attended Spelman and was able to give me insight on why it was such a great school. 

How did high school prepare you for college? 

High school prepared me by showing me how to balance academia with extracurriculars, how to be involved in campus to create a more fruitful school experience, and how to own your role in whatever environment you are in.