Jada Vaghn-Olajide, Prairie View A & M University- c/o 2017, Psychology
Name : Jada Vaghn-Olajide
HBCU : Prairie View A & M University
Graduation Year : 2017
Major : Psychology
Email : jay.brazzell21@gmail.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I am from Houston, Texas. Majority of my teachers and mentors attended HBCU's.
Presenting research at the Annual Black Psychology conference at Virginia State University
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
Being a student who started off at a PWI, I can say my transfer to one of the best HBCU's was the best choice I could have made. I chose my HBCU because of the history and the legacy I would carry on for the rest of my life.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
My experience has been nothing less of amazing!
At first transferring to PV I feared of not being able to properly acclimate with my peers, but I was proven wrong.
The love and care that my professors have shown me has pushed me to reach all of my academic and personal goals. I have been fortunate to make connections with brilliant minds who share the same struggle as myself, being black in America.
My University has encouraged me to hold several Executive board positions for organizations that are dearly to me such as, African Student association and Association of Black Psychologist (ABPsi). The most important experience for me is the opportunity through my job as a resident assistant for incoming freshmen, I am able to mentor and mold freshmen to reach the maximum potentials as future leaders on campus and off.
Contestant in the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Annual Miss Black and Gold Scholarship
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
My "First Time" experience was being a contestant in the The Annual Miss black and Gold scholarship. Held by the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
I have never been in front a huge audience before other than meetings.
That experience not only helped my leadership skills but gave me the confidence I strongly needed as a black woman.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
I believe that all of the professors at PV have helped and molded me, but one specifically has to be Dr. Derek Wilson!
Not only has he helped me find my drive in the field of psychology but in my African identity as a whole.
He pushes all of his student to be aware in the society we live in and to take pride in who we are. With his extensive work and published research on black psychology and cultural mis-orientation among African-Americans Dr. Wilson will continue to impact and influence our community and Prairie View!
Dr. Wilson is not just my mentor but an on-going inspiration!
Comments
Prairie View A & M University
-
Students: 8,762
- Athletics: Prairie View A&M is a charter member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), and is a member of the West Division. Prairie View competes in NCAA Division I in all varsity sports; in football, the Panthers play in the Division I FCS.. Prairie View A & M University offers Men's varsity sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, football, golf, tennis, and track and field. Women's varsity sports include basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field, and volleyball. RIVALS: Texas Southern University and Grambling State University.
- Notable Alumni: Terry Ellis - 1990 - Vocalist and member of female R&B group En Vogue** Cynthia Cooper-Dyke - 2005 - Former WNBA player, Women's Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, published author, and Head Coach of the USC women's basketball team** Sandra Bland - 2009 - Black Lives Matter activist** Dr. J. Don Boney - 1948 - First president of the University of Houston–Downtown** Charlie Brackins - 1955 - One of the first African-American NFL quarterbacks** Kirko Bangz (real name Kirk Randle) - Attended - Hip-hop artist** Jermaine McGhee - 2007 - Former NFL defensive end** Frederick D. Patterson - Founder of United Negro College Fund** DJ Premier (real name Christopher Edward Martin) - Attended - Member of Gang Starr** Kase Lawal - 1978 - Chairman & CEO of Erin Energy Corporation Erin Energy Corporation** Mr. T (real name Laurence Tureaud) - Attended actor who played B. A. Baracus in The A-Team** Mark Hanna Watkins - 1926 - Linguist and anthropologist; first African-American to be awarded a Ph.D. in anthropology; first American to write a grammar of an African language** Loni Love - 1991 - Comedienne, actress, and original cast member of The Real**
- Click here to view on Wikipedia