Aubrey Jackson, Claflin University- c/o 2013, Broadcast Journalism
Name : Aubrey Jackson
HBCU : Claflin University
Graduation Year : 2013
Major : Broadcast Journalism
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
When I began my college search my senior year, I stumbled upon the Claflin Website and loved what they had to offer as a university, so I applied and got accepted within weeks!
"Aubrey Jackson, left, and TV personality Tyra Banks are shown following Jackson's interview of the supermodel." | Credit: thetandd.com
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
x_x Nothing to read here :) On to the next answer! :)
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
My experience at Claflin University has been a unique one all in its own. I have made great friendships, learned a lot from my professors, and realized that I have to be assertive, strong, and dedicated to reach all my goals.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
No "firsts" for Ms. Jackson at Claflin! :P
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
My freshman year I had a professor named “Dr Blakley” and I can honestly say he was awesome at what he did. He taught communication courses and I would enjoy going to his class because every day it was something new, and he was really passionate about his students and what we had the potential to do in our own lives. I enjoyed his class!
"Brown eyed beauty ? I love my @AIROPTIXCOLORS in the color #Honey. I can see great and they're super comfortable to wear." | Image Credit: Aubrey Jackson
What sports and/or extra curricular activities did you do in High School? And why?
In high School I was on Student counsel, I was a cheerleader all four years and I loved being a part of extra-curricular activities during my high school year because it allowed me to be well rounded.
Best restaurants on/near campus? Best dishes?
There are a lot of fast food places near campus. We also had restaurants like Fatz Café (take a look at the Fatz Cafe menu-the calabash chicken looks awesome!), Applebee’s, and more. However, I fell in love with the Chinese restaurant up the street!
Ghost stories involving buildings or spots on campus?
No, not that I know of. (smile)
What is your major? and Why did you choose it?
My major is Broadcast Journalism. I chose this major because I love the world of Media and Entertainment, and when deciding what major would be best for me I knew journalism was it, I plan to become a news reporter once I complete college.
What to date has been your proudest moment @ Your HBCU?
Becoming an aunt was a proud moment in my life. The reason I say that is because it gave me a reason to be the best I can be so that my nieces and nephews can look at me and say “if Auntie did this, so can I” I love the ideas of being a role model and proving that anything is possible through hard work.
Where are the spots to go to if you wanted to cuddle with your boy or girlfriend?
At my university there is no “dorm room” visitation however male and females can talk and hang out in the lobbies of the dorm buildings.
What are the chants heard most often at the sporting events?
The most common chant you will hear during sport events would be “CU…YOU KNOW”. Everyone on campus joins in because it’s an easy chant and everyone knows it!
What to date has been your happiest moment @ Your HBCU?
Wow, that’s a “toughie”. I would say my happiest moment would be when I graduated high school and began my college experience and watched how proud my mother was of me, she knew I had the potential to excel and do great things. Being in college and succeeding and making her proud are what keeps me going every day.
How are you positively active on campus? (e.g. clubs, SGA, etc.)
I do my best to be active on campus, I have a radio show, I help with my university’s TV Station and more.
Where is the “yard” located?
The yard is really the entire campus. Everyone hangs out “on the yard” as long as it’s not too hot or not to cold.
What and where are the historical places on campus?
All of our buildings have historical meanings. Each building on our campus has a precious story to tell.
How many “firsts” have you had at college ? What are they? (e.g. first road trip, first job interview, first love, first “F or A”, etc.)
While being in college thus far I experienced a lot of memorable moments such as road trips, passing exams successfully, landing a part time job, etc. Moments such as these are what make your college experience even more valuable.
What is your view on materialism, vanity and greed?
“Material things cannot bring you happiness, true acceptance and happiness must come from within” It’s just that simple.
What was your happiest moment in your life to date?
Wow, that’s a “toughie”. I would say my happiest moment would be when I graduated high school and began my college experience and watched how proud my mother was of me, she knew I had the potential to excel and do great things. Being in college and succeeding and making her proud are what keeps me going every day.
What situation in your life made you feel like you had arrived into woman/manhood?
Going through the struggles and situations presented to you every day and how you choose to assess the situations really make you feel like you have arrived into womanhood because it shows you can “hold your own” in more ways than one.
What adversities (hardships) have you overcome to become the strong person that you are?
I have learned to be strong, assertive, and determined to achieve all that I desire. I learned to love myself and be proud of who I am. By surpassing all my trials and tribulations I have emerged a strong Nubian Queen ready to take on the world!
Who was your greatest influence in your life growing up? And Why?
My mother hands down, has been a major influence in my life. My mother is someone who I know has my best interest at heart, she encourages me, she supports me, and she is there for me anytime I need her. I truly look to her as a parent, friend, and hero.
What type of household did you grow up in?
I grew up in a stable household, where I was encouraged to dream big, and strive for the best in life!
What was your proudest moment in your life to date?
Becoming an aunt was a proud moment in my life. The reason I say that is because it gave me a reason to be the best I can be so that my nieces and nephews can look at me and say “if Auntie did this, so can I” I love the ideas of being a role model and proving that anything is possible through hard work.
How do you deal with racism when you encounter it?
Racism is one of those things that will be around forever, no matter how many people swear it’s a part of the past. Whenever someone encounters racism it is something you stare in the face and “brush off”. But in regards to my university there is no type of discrimination of any sort everyone is given equal opportunity.
What is your process when you are going through a hardship that you have never faced before?
I look at hardship as a chance to grow stronger. When one goes through a struggle you must not let the struggle overcome you, but overcome the struggle and be a stronger and wiser person in the end.
What elders do you look to for guidance?
I have elders in my family, whom I can turn to for guidance whenever I need some insight.
Name 1-2 Global Majority (“melanin-efficient”) people that have inspired you. And why? (e.g. Oprah, Malcom X, Marcus Garvey, etc.)
So many people inspire me. One major person being “Oprah” she is the ideal women in power in today’s society and her rise to success was brought upon herself through hard work, aspiration, and drive.
Oprah inspires anyone to go for your goals and don’t let anyone stand in the way.
What life-changing books would you recommend to others to read?
I enjoy reading books like “To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee” and “ My sisters keeper by Jodi Picoult”. I really would recommend any book that has a great plot, and a deep meaning that just captures you with every word.
What's your take on love (in the philosophical sense)?
Love is something that happens between two people, and it comes from within. Love is a natural emotion and should never be forced or pre-thought out. Love should be one of those things that sneak up on you, and have you feeling like you’re in a dream like world every time you interact with that “special someone”. It varies for everyone.
What music would you recommend to others to listen to, to find strength and motivation?
Finding music that brings about strength and motivation is different for everyone. For me in particular when I am having a day where I just need a positive uplift of some sort I turn to gospel artist “marvin saap” his lyrics and music have an awesome message and really can bring anyone out of their “rut”.
What do you feel is most beautiful about you?
I’ve always been told I have a great smile and beautiful personality. I do my best to project my style and personality in everything I do. Because there is no one else on this earth that is like me, so I use that thought every morning prior to taking on the day!
When and how did you discover your passion in life?
My passion in life is Music and Journalism I have a creative sense in me that cannot go unanswered. I realized I have a passion for Music at a young age, and once journalism was introduced to me by my University I had grown a strong passion to learn all I could about journalism and I love it more and more each day.
What's your take on life (in the philosophical sense)?
To be wise, optimistic, and live each day like it’s your last. Don’t second guess yourself, and love who you are inside and out!
State how your own personal experience or knowledge correlates to the Ethiopian proverbs: "When one is prepared, difficulties do not come."
I can relate to this proverb very well, It is the same as the saying “study and you’ll past the test”. The proverb is saying that if you are always on your toes and prepared for whatever this world can throw at you, you will never come in contact with difficulty because you’re so prepared that if a difficulty was to present itself you could handle it with flying colors and move on!”
How did you overcome your nervousness about going to college?
The school brought in the freshman a week ahead of the upperclassmen which I feel gave the incoming freshman a chance to really grasp the college experience and deal with everything in their own way. Every incoming college student is nervous, including myself but you slowly loose that nervousness because you begin making friends, joining clubs, etc. So in most cases you have to come out of your shell once you enter college, it’s all for the best!
What to date has been your saddest moment at your HBCU?
I cannot recall one. I am sure everyone can relate to the fact that each person has their own individual struggles. But in regards to the University I have not had any.
State how your own personal experience or knowledge correlates to the Ethiopian proverbs: "When spiders’ unite, they can tie up a lion."
I like this proverb, because it is saying that you cannot accomplish a lot on your own at some point in time you’re going to need “a team” to help achieve the ULTIMATE goal. Which is so true!
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Claflin University
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Students: 1,978
- Athletics: Claflin University is a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference of the NCAA (Division II). Men's sports include basketball, baseball, tennis, and track and field. Programs for women include basketball, softball, volleyball, tennis, and track and field.
- Notable Alumni: Roger Kenton Williams - 1936 - Educator who taught at psychology departments at North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Central University, Morgan State University, and University of Maryland-Eastern Shore** Arthur Rose Sr - 1950 - Chair of Art Department (1952 - 1973) at Claflin University; the Arthur Rose Museum at the university was named for him** Dr. Gloria Rackley Blackwell - 1953 - Civil rights activist, professor at Clark Atlanta University** Leo Twiggs - 1956 - Artist and educator at South Carolina State University; the first African American to receive a Doctorate of Arts from the University of Georgia** Joseph H. Jefferson - 1970 - Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, representing the 102nd District* Cynthia V. Anderson - 1980 - Chief Operations Officer at the U.S. Department of Energy** Bryan Andrew Wilson - 2004 - Gospel Artist** Danny! - 2005 - Recording artist for Okayplayer Records and music producer/composer for MTV's Hype Music production library** E. Roger Mitchell - 1993 - Actor - The Walking Dead, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire**
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