Cierra Michelley, Fort Valley State University- c/o 2014, Biology
Name : Cierra Michelley
HBCU : Fort Valley State University
Graduation Year : 2014
Major : Biology
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
Lithonia, Georgia. I currently reside in Decatur, Georgia. High school teachers and my mom always talked about HBCU’s.
Cierra Michelley with her parents | Image Credit: Cierra Michelley
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
My mom went to a HBCU and she wanted me to be Cierra not jus a number on a roll.
[How did you decide to become a student at Fort Valley State University?]
Feel free to elaborate…Well…… My original plan was UVI because I’m a biology major i was going to do marine biology, BUT my dad didn’t want me that far away, long story short i did one application for 30+ HBCUs and just went with the ones I felt was best for my major.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
Lol honestly, it reminds me of high school.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
Omg my very first F i was scared to tell my parents, i felt i didn’t deserve it but……
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
Dr Hardman, Dr Fields, Mrs Sibley, Dr Herd-Clark, they really care about our educational success, but they’ll give you tough love to prepare for the ‘real’ world.
Cierra Michelley and her family | Image Credit: Cierra Michelley
N/A
Best restaurants on/near campus? Best dishes?
I’ve been there since ’10 nothing is good to me anymore but we have quiznos chick-fila papa johns and a jazz cafe in our library.
Who invited you to interview with us?
N/A
Ghost stories involving buildings or spots on campus?
Yes i am! Life is too short now n days. Yes Ohio hall i think a girl committed suicide I’m not really sure, not in to all the ‘extras’ i just want to graduate!
What is your major? and Why did you choose it?
Biology I’ve always thought of being in the medical field, biology is step one to that.
How are you positively active on campus? (e.g. clubs, SGA, etc.)
I was a peer educator but i feel like studies come first. In high school i played softball n was on the swim team
Where is the “yard” located?
It’s basically a short name for campus.
Yes
What and where are the historical places on campus?
Every where lol but mainly on the ‘traditional’ side. We had upgrades on campus (we love your energy all these “lols” you seem like a really happy person)
How did your HBCU prepare you for a diverse workplace?
Good question. We have business classes that prepare us to be able to approach situations correctly when necessary.
What advice would you give high school students filling out college applications for the first time?
I would recommend a HBCU depending on the major, like i said i would rather be Cierra than a number
If you could only speak two sentences to the youth coming after you what would you say?
Stay FOCUSED freshmen year is your foundation!
How did your HBCU help you to transition into your careers workforce?
It prepares me because my class isn’t as large i can be more hands on and creates better opportunity to communicate with my teacher if needed.
Comments
Fort Valley State University
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Students: 2,227
Under Graduates: 2,004
Post Graduates: 223 - Athletics: Fort Valley State University athletic opportunities include intramural sports and intercollegiate men's basketball, cross country, football, tennis, and track and field, and women's basketball, cross country, softball, tennis, volleyball, and track and field. The school currently competes as a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC).
- Notable Alumni: John W. Blassingame - 1960 - Professor and Chair of African Studies at Yale University for 29 years** Nick Harper - 2001 - Former NFL cornerback for the Tennessee Titans and Indianapolis Colts** Marquette King - 2012 - NFL punter for the Oakland Raiders** Ricardo Lockette - Former NFL wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers** Robert J. Jones - 1973 - Chancellor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign** Charles Robinson, Jr. - 1970 - President and CEO of Sadie G. Mays Health and Rehabilitation Center in Atlanta; first African American to become certified by the American College of Healthcare Administrators** Calvin Smyre 1970 - Elected to the Georgia House of Representatives in 1974 as its youngest member at age 26; current Executive Vice President of the $34 billion financial corporation Synovus Foundation**
- Click here to view on Wikipedia