Angelica Washington, Florida A & M University- c/o 2009, Public Relations
Name : Angelica Washington
HBCU : Florida A & M University
Graduation Year : 2009
Major : Public Relations
Email : acwashington@gmail.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I’m from the great city of Atlanta, GA. I was probably hearing about HBCUs in the womb. We have more HBCU graduates than PWI graduates in my family.
Professor Gina Kinchlow, FAMU
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
I chose an HBCU because I’ve been going to “historically black” schools my entire life (I’m talking pre-school through high school) and I couldn’t see myself not going to an HBCU.
I was originally dead set on going to an HBCU in Atlanta but in the 11th grade my marketing class took a trip to FAMU to tour the top-rated School of Business and Industry. During this particular trip, it happened to be election week and so it was an amazing experience. Also, after taking my trip, a couple in my church (who are also alumni) made it their mission to get me in the orange and the green.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
My experience was awesome. I had some of the best professors/professionals in the field teaching me how to perfect my craft. I was in the School of Journalism & Graphic Communication. This school has won just about every journalism award a college could win, for print and broadcast. Not to mention, the gem that is PRodigy Public Relations Firm (on Facebook). I wouldn’t trade my experience for anyone else’s.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
First love, first road trip, first heartbreak, first time being completely and utterly broke, first time skipping and being late for class.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
If you know me, you know the one person I will mention is Prof. Gina Kinchlow. SHE IS THE BEST. She was my PR professor for two years. She molded and guided me in, and out, of the classroom. She is one of the smartest, wisest, kindest women I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. I still keep in touch with her to this day.
What sports and/or extra curricular activities did you do in High School? And why?
I was in the art club, math club, and a few things I can’t remember. I didn’t do a lot because I figured I would save all of my energy for college.
Best restaurants on/near campus? Best dishes?
O’leans. Hands down. You get a refrigerator of food on your plate for a few bucks.
I also love Hobbit Hoagies… Carolina Gold wings, cheese curly fries and a sweet tea. Yes Gawd!
College crush?
Ch… Next question.
Ghost stories involving buildings or spots on campus?
Yes, of course. Allegedly, someone died in Sampson and Young (the boys dorm) and a girl was killed in Wheatley (the girls dorm). I say “allegedly” because who knows?
What is your major? and Why did you choose it?
My major was public relations. I chose it because it fit who I am. I love to talk, meet new people, go new places and make good money. PR afforded me with all of those opportunities.
What to date has been your proudest moment @ Your HBCU?
My proudest moment is graduating. I know it sounds cliche but through all of the ups and very few downs, I made it. Not many people can say they did. It’s easier to get in to school than it is to get out.
My whole life, I’ve wanted to go to and graduate from college (seriously, even when I was little, I wanted to skip high school and go straight to college) so actually achieving that dream was awesome.
Where are the spots to go to if you wanted to cuddle with your boy or girlfriend?
Lake Ella. Hands down. Number one. lol
What are the chants heard most often at the sporting events?
The “Rattler Charge,” it still moves me when I hear it. My favorite show of school spirit is throwing the strike and hissing. No words needed.
How are you positively active on campus? (e.g. clubs, SGA, etc.)
I was EVERYWHERE! lol One of my friends called me “Miss Popularity.” She said I knew everyone and everyone knew me, which I don’t think is true but you know how it goes. I was in SGA, class cabinet, PRodigy, PRSSA, and a host of other stuff. I was also at just about every event cutting up with my crew.
Where is the “yard” located?
“The Set” is at the top of campus, where the Grand Ballroom is. Every Friday you could catch me in the mix, unless it was raining. And, yes, I did trip on The Set (I’m a real Rattler lol).
What and where are the historical places on campus?
FAMU is a historic place so, everywhere!
What to date has been your saddest moment at your HBCU?
My saddest moment was when a DJ in our freshman class had a brain aneurysm after lunch leaving the cafe. When we saw him, we thought maybe he’d just gotten overheated but later that night when we heard what happened everyone was in disbelief. I also had a classmate to die in a car accident our junior year. It was so tragic because I’d just seen her the week before.
What situation in your life made you feel like you had arrived into woman/manhood?
The first time I was paying bills, working, going to school and I had a boyfriend. This was all post-undergrad but still, that was the moment. Being an adult isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. For real. Pardon me, I’m still in my quarter-life crisis.
How do you deal with racism when you encounter it?
You remember that people are ignorant and some are willingly ignorant. The hard part is accepting it for what it is and moving on. Don’t waste energy on it.
What's your take on love (in the philosophical sense)?
You only have one life and even when you’re gone the world keeps spinning. Do everything you can to make a positive impact on the world. Exude positive energy always.
When and how did you discover your passion in life?
I actually just discovered my passion in life about a month ago. Which means I’ll be heading back to the Hill soon. It took losing my job, getting a job I can’t stand, and graduating with an M.A. that I realized isn’t my passion, for me to discover that, but I’m glad I’m still young.
How did you overcome your nervousness about going to college?
I wasn’t nervous. I had a countdown clock on my phone. I was ready.
If you could speak to those family members that have risen but that live forever through you, what words would you speak?
I’m continuing your dream. I will make you proud.
How did your HBCU prepare you for a diverse workplace?
Contrary to popular belief, HBCUs are some of the most diverse schools on the planet. I met people from all over the world and it taught me that just because they categorize us all as “black,” doesn’t mean we have the same culture or ethnic background (meaning, a person could look black American but be Jamaican, Haitian, South African, Brazilian, etc.).
What advice would you give high school students filling out college applications for the first time?
Be thorough, re-read before you submit, let someone else read through it (especially if you have essay questions).
If you could only speak two sentences to the youth coming after you what would you say?
“Don’t be afraid of going after your dreams. Take advantage of every moment.”
Are you a member of a sorority?
I did not pledge. I will say it’s not for my lack of trying. I’m looking at graduate chapters now.
How did your HBCU help you to transition into your careers workforce?
Like most schools, we were required to do internships just about every year. We also had to shadow professionals in our field. Those required experiences along with the high level of expectation from my professors made it easy to go to the workforce post-graduation.
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Florida A & M University
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Students: 9,614
- Athletics: Florida A&M University is a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and participates in NCAA Division I-AA. FAMU offers men's sports in baseball, basketball, football, golf, swimming, tennis and track and field. It offers women's sports in basketball, bowling, softball, swimming, wrestling, tennis, track and field and volleyball.
- Notable Alumni: Wilbert Bryant - Former Secretary of Education of Virginia** Raymond A. Brown - Attorney whose clients included Black Liberation Army member Assata Shakur, boxer Rubin "Hurricane" Carter and "Dr. X" physician Mario Jascalevich [2] Arthur R. Collins - 1982 - Founding partner of the Collins Johnson group, a strategy, policy and communications firm established in 2011** John W. Thompson - 1971 - Chairman and former President and CEO, Symantec Corporation; former VP IBM; part owner of the Golden State Warriors** Corrine Brown - 1969 - Current U.S. Congresswoman Andrew Gillum - Current Mayor of Tallahassee, Florida Alcee L. Hastings - Current U.S. Congressman Mia L. Jones - 1991 - Current member of the Florida House of Representatives Gwendolyn M. Miller - Chairwoman of the City Council in Tampa, Florida, District 1 David Scott - Current U.S. Representative from Georgia's 13th congressional district John W. Williams - Current Inspector General of the South Florida Water Management District Althea Gibson - Tennis player Daniel Sunjata - Actor, Broadway actor Gregory Anderson - Film producer (Tri-Destined Studios) Rob Hardy - Film producer (Rainforest Productions) T'Keyah Crystal Keymah - Actress Pam Oliver - Sports anchor William Packer - Film producer (Rainforest Productions) Angela Pitts - Contestant on Flavor of Love 3 and winner of I Love Money 2 Angela Robinson - Actress Anika Noni Rose - Tony Award-winning actress Peyton Alex Smith - Actor Common - attended - Music Artist K.Michelle - R&B singer Tyrese Gibson - attended - Singer, actor, author and producer stic.man - Member of hip-hop group Dead Prez M-1 - Member of hip-hop group Dead Prez Bernard Kinsey - Owner of one of the largest African-American art collections
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