Erica Clark, North Carolina A & T State University- c/o 2018, Computer Science
Name : Erica Clark
HBCU : North Carolina A & T State University
Graduation Year : 2018
Major : Computer Science
Email : iheartblackownedbusinesss@gmail.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I am from Raleigh, North Carolina.
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
Honestly, At this time in my life I was simply trying to get into college. I took a year off after graduating from High School then I decided to further my education.
I was accepted at St. Augustine's University where I received my Bachelor's Degree. Afterwards, I worked and gained experience for about 4 years. Then I decided to pursue my Master's in Computer Science from North Carolina A&T State University. Of course, I decided to attend an HBCU again because my experience at St. Aug was nothing short of amazing.
So I just knew attending A&T would just add on to the HBCU experience already gained.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
My experience at St. Aug and North Carolina A&T was absolutely amazing. I gained lifelong friends, I pledged the best Sorority, (Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc) I grew my network, and most importantly I found out who I was.
I took many losses but with my support system, I was able to regroup, refocus and ultimately come out on top. I learned a lot of things that I don't think a predominantly white institution would've been able to teach me. There's no experience as great as the HBCU experience!
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
A "First time" experience for me was simply learning the "culture" of my institution. Everywhere you go happens to have a culture whether it's a job, a university or a neighborhood.
For me, I needed to learn the culture of the school before I could even find my place on the yard. Just learning simple things like, Don't walk on Greek plots, celebrate certain traditions, Fried chicken friday's, Homecoming Do's & Dont's, etc. That was a first time experience for me because in high school we focus so much on fitting in but when in college it's really about being your most authentic self and knowing who you really are.
It was really like I was finding myself all over again and experiencing a new Erica all over again.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
Dr. Bryant from North Carolina A&T and Professor Njai from St. Augustine's University.
Dr. Bryant pushed me in a way that I hadn't been pushed before by a professor. Dr. Bryant is the sole reason I made it out of the Computer Science Department. He saw something in me that I didn't see in myself.
Professor Njai was just a good person all around. When I fell off track, he had his sayings that would pull me back up. And for that I'm truly grateful for.
Comments
North Carolina A & T State University
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Students: 10,725
Under Graduates: 9,203
Post Graduates: 1,522 (Post Grad) / 253 (Doctoral) - Athletics: North Carolina A & T State University is a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and offers Basketball, Baseball, Bowling, Golf, Cross Country, Football, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field, and Volleyball.
- Notable Alumni: Ronald McNair - 1971 - Physicist and NASA astronaut; died during the launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger on mission STS-51-L** Patrick Cannon - 1991 - Former Democratic Mayor of Charlotte, North Carolina** Poon Chi-fai - Member of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong and Kwun Tong District Board** David Richmond, Franklin McCain, Joseph McNeil, and Randolph Blackwell - 1963 - Civil rights activist and member of the Greensboro Four/A&T Four; staged a sit-in at the Woolworth lunch counter in downtown Greensboro on February 1, 1960** Jesse Jackson Sr. - 1964 - Civil rights activist; Baptist minister; candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination (1984 and 1988); shadow U.S. Senator for the District of Columbia (1991-1997); founder of the organizations that merged to form Rainbow/Push Coalition** Joe Dudley - 1962 - Businessman and hair care entrepreneur; founder, president and CEO of Dudley Products Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of hair and skin care products for the African American community** Janice Bryant Howroyd - Entrepreneur; Founder and CEO of ACT-1 Group** Taraji P. Henson - Transferred to Howard University - Actress** Terrence J - 2004 - Actor and television personality; host of BET's 106 & Park; co-anchor of E! News** Warren Ballentine - Motivational speaker, attorney, political activist, and radio talk show host** Dwaine Board - 1979 - Former NFL player and coach; played for the San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints (1979-1988); four-time Super Bowl champion (XVI, XIX, XXIII and XXIX)**
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