Akina Wollie, Delaware State University- c/o 2021, Kinesiology Pre-Med
Name : Akina Wollie
HBCU : Delaware State University
Graduation Year : 2021
Major : Kinesiology Pre-Med
Email : akinawollie@icloud.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I am from Coatesville, PA. I am Liberian and South Sudanese. I was introduced to HBCUs by a friend who I attend school with.
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
I chose an HBCU because of the rich cultural aspect of being with my fellow brothers and sisters who all share one goal: to succeed and become something better in this world. HBCUs grant students the opportunity to establish a brotherhood and sisterhood that will last forever. Overall, I just love the culture and the atmosphere of HBCUs because it makes me feel alive and proud to be an African American.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
Academically, Delaware State ensures that all their students reach their full academic potential and the professors are constantly pushing their students to challenge themselves and explore new depths.
Personally, my science professors are always challenging me and encouraging me to network and establish myself in the biology department and seek internships and research opportunities and I am only a freshman. DSU wants their students to succeed by building a foundation in order for students to make big moves even in the start of their freshman year.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
My first time experience at my school is being on the basketball courts outside after class. At DSU, we call it, “the Courts”, and student Rep would tweet about it and tell students to meet at the courts from like 5 till whenever and A DJ would have music blasting, students are dancing and having a good time, the Greeks are out also and they are the life of the courts.
All the students are outside till like midnight and it’s truly amazing. You meet so many people and it’s really fun.
Also, homecoming was the best experience I have ever been through. My entire school became united as one and there was so much spirit and pride and you get to meet all the Alumni and it’s simply Amazing. The homecoming game was soo much fun and at this game is where I saw how much school pride my school has and how much we support each other.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
My biology professor has impacted my life in such a monumental way. From day one my biology professor has always believed in me and pushed me to do better and find the strength within myself to see the bigger picture and have faith in myself and my abilities. He constantly reassures me that I am going to be something amazing in life and that I am going to change the world. He is my biggest advocate and supporter.
What sports do/did you play at your HBCU? What positions?
I play Lacrosse. I play defense and I am also a midfielder.
What are the chants heard most often at the sporting events?
D-S-U I thought you knew, what!
How are you positively active on campus? (e.g. clubs, SGA, etc.)
I am in Biology club and the African Student Association.
What was your happiest moment in your life to date?
I have two happiest moments: Graduating High School being in the top ten of my class and being accepted to all 13 colleges I applied to.
What's your take on love (in the philosophical sense)?
Love comes and goes but “Real and True Love” will always be here to stay and when you find it, you will fall hard and that person will be worth it.
Your heart is so great at deciding on Love so always and I mean Always listen to your heart! Do not rush Love, let it find you and make sure you love yourself in all aspects before giving you heart to someone else so you can love them too even greater!
What music would you recommend to others to listen to, to find strength and motivation?
Since I am African, I listen to Afrobeats so mostly Naija Vegas. I love Mr. Eazi, Davido, Wizkid and other upcoming artist. There is not a day I am not listening to African music; the beats are upbeat, and soothing and culturally soothing and rhythmic and it keeps me going throughout the day and gives me motivation to keep going when I’m tired and feel like giving up.
If you could only speak two sentences to the youth coming after you what would you say?
With the adversities and negativity in this world, always stay true to yourself and never stray from your morals and beliefs or succumb to societal norms. Be the person you were meant to be and strive to be someone monumental and great.
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Delaware State University
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Students: 4,644
- Athletics: Delaware State University competes in intercollegiate athletics, including men and women's basketball, cross country, tennis, and track and field; women's-only bowling, softball, and volleyball; and men's-only baseball. Delaware State University complete in the NCAA Division I; they are members of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, the women's soccer team competes as an independent, and the women's equestrian team plays in the National Collegiate Equestrian Association.
- Notable Alumni: Clyde Bishop - U.S. Ambassador to the Marshall Islands** Maxine R. Lewis - 1973 - Publicist, ABC television network** Robert London - 1998 - NFL sports agent** Shaheer McBride - 2008 - NFL Player** Darnerien McCants - 2001 - NFL Player** Bonsu Thompson - Editor-In-Chief, The Source magazine** Walter Tullis - NFL Player** David G. Turner - 1986 - Executive, Bank of America** Ralph Wesley - 2003 - Public address announcer for the Washington Wizards**