Jameia Booker, Johnson C. Smith University- c/o 2019, Criminology
Name : Jameia Booker
HBCU : Johnson C. Smith University
Graduation Year : 2019
Major : Criminology
Minor : Pre-Law
Email : jameiabooker@yahoo.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I am a native of Atlanta, Georgia. I was introduced to HBCUs the moment I began watching “A Different World”.
After watching A Different World, I did more research on HBCUs during my sophomore year of high school.
Being that I am a first generation college student, college wasn’t much of topic in my household. It was an option but I made it a priority.
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
I chose an HBCU for many reasons. Mainly because I wanted to explore the rich history of my ancestors.
My HBCU, JCSU was built by freed slaves which means a lot to me. Everyday on that campus I am living out a dream someone could not.
Another reason I chose an HBCU was to get that family vibe, which JCSU is known for.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
My experience at JCSU it definitely has been an unique one. When I first arrived on campus I wanted to be involved, so I campaigned to become Freshman Class President. I did not win, but I didn’t let that stop my passion for becoming a leader.
I joined several organizations on campus my freshman year, such as the Golden Bulls Activities Committee, Official Student Leader, Criminal Justice Association and more.
My sophomore year I ran for class president again and won. During my sophomore year I was blessed to become a member of the Gamma Lambda Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
My junior year I held several leadership positions around campus, such as 2017-2018 SGA VP, Criminal Justice Association President for the third year, and 2017-2018 Dean of Students Award Recipient, and more. I also served in the community, which has lead to my senior year.
I currently serve as the 2018-2019 Student Government Association President, so to answer your question my involvement on campus has made my experience the best HBCU experience to offer a student.
Being involved has allowed me to make connections, gain resources, and receive several internships.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
My first experience at JCSU was meeting the Official Student Leader, who taught me the history of my HBCU. After learning the history I fell in love with JCSU even more. My passion for my school has motivated me to stay involved.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
There are several professors who have impacted my life in and out of the classroom, but my favorite pick would have to be Nicola Bivens.
Dr. Bivens is one of my Criminology professors, as well as the advisor for the Criminal Justice Association. I have worked with her for 3 1/2 years now. Not only am I her student, but the president of the association she advises and her mentee.
She has impacted my life in so many ways that I can’t thank her enough. There was a time when I was experiencing family issues and she didn’t know it, but I walked into her office as I did every morning before class and she said “Booker just keep pushing baby and stay focused everything will work out fine,” I needed to hear those words that day, because I was so close to giving up.
Even to this day, as I am currently in Washington D.C serving as a Congressional Bipartisan HBCU Caucus Intern she texts me and checks on me. That alone has made an impact on my life, because it is rare that you find a professor to stick with you and stay on you to ensure you are always doing your very best.
What to date has been your proudest moment @ Your HBCU?
Proudest moment at my HBCU would be teaching incoming freshman the history of our school.
Comments
Johnson C. Smith University
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Students: 1,438
Under Graduates: 1,375
Post Graduates: 63 - Athletics: Johnson C. Smith University competes as members of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association for all 13 varsity sports. Johnson C. Smith University offers Basketball. Cross Country. Football, Golf, Track & Field, Tennis, Bowling, Softball, Tennis, and Volleyball.
- Notable Alumni: Sadye Curry - 1963 - First African-American woman to become a gastroenterologist in the United States** De'Audra Dix - 2009 - CFL Player** Leford Green - 2011 - Track Athlete** Cheris F. Hodges - 1999 - Author of African American romance novels** John Taylor - Attended - Member of the 49ers teams that won Super Bowls XXIII, XXIV, and XXIX. He was also a 2xPro Bowler** Faya Ora Rose Touré - 1969 - American civil rights activist and lawyer. She was the first black female judge in Alabama** Danielle Williams - 2014 - Track athlete** Shermaine Williams - 2011 - Track athlete** Steve Wilks - Football Assistant coach, Assistant head coach and defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers** Mike Minter - Football Assistant coach, former NFL safety for the Carolina Panthers** Edward Jackson - Football Coach, one of the greatest HBCU football coaches of all-time. **
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