Jamilah Collins, Bethune-Cookman University- c/o 2014, Social Science Education

Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*

:< No answer on to the next question...

Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*

I chose to attend B-CU based on the school’s history, traditions, and pride that can be seen from everyone on the campus, students and faculty alike.

What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*

I consider my institution to be THEE institution, based on the fact that you receive more than just an education there. I have learned and gained so much in just my first year of college. I have started and gained a better walk with God, learned my purpose that He has for my life with Him & in this world, developed many relationships that have proven to benefit both myself and others, and given my hope and inspiration as I matriculate through the next three years to my dreams.

"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*

This was actually my first time experiencing different types of people. I mean, I have grown up around different people, but this time was different. I have experienced so may different personalities, but I have to say I definitely enjoyed what I have learned to far.

Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*

All of my professors in the History department have left an impact on me. Their love for history and their compassion for students make me want to become an educator even more. They inspire me to make the same impact and create the same passion in the students I will teach as they have done for me.

Best restaurants on/near campus? Best dishes?

It has no affiliation with the school, but it is a favorite for most of the students is a restaurant named Bethune Grill. They offer a variety of foods, including fish, oxtails, and pork chops, but their number one seller is their chicken wings.

They cover their wings in Shamp’s Famous Honey Wing Sauce, which is both sweet and tangy. You can get this sauce on anything, but it is most commonly seen on the chicken wings or chicken fingers. My favorite dish from here would be the 10 piece no fries in Shamp’s sauce.

College crush?

Definitely more than just a crush, but he knows who he is.

Ghost stories involving buildings or spots on campus?

They believe that Dr. Bethune roams campus in the form of a cat, but that is not true lol. However, this particular cat is always near the Delta tree, as we all know that Dr. Bethune was a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority.

What is your major? and Why did you choose it?

My major is Social Science Education and I chose it because my ultimate goal and dream is to become a teacher in inner city schools. I have also loved history all throughout grade school, so why not combine my dream and something I love right?

What to date has been your proudest moment @ Your HBCU?

My proudest moment would have to have been becoming a student leader on campus. I have gained so many friendships and I have grown as a young woman just by becoming involved on campus. As I learn how to be an impactful leader on campus, I hope that others who see me can see the God in me and the determination that I have. I hope that this will inspire others to have the same for themselves.

Where are the spots to go to if you wanted to cuddle with your boy or girlfriend?

Since B-CU is located on the world’s most famous beach, the beach is an excellent place to go and spend some quiet and romantic time alone, especially at night. Walking along the ocean and looking up at the moon and the stars with your sweetie makes for one beautiful evening.

What are the chants heard most often at the sporting events?

Hail Wildcats! Hail Wildcats! Hail Wildcats! Hail Wildcats! Hail Wildcat! #Hail Wildcats! Hail (other schools name we’re playing)? H*LL NO! lol

Wildcats in the front, let me hear you grunt, wildcats IN the middle, let me hear you sizzle, wildcats in the rear let me hear you cheer AHH DO IT DO IT DO IT DO IT!

My school is also known for our song “Let’s Go Wildcats”, so we also love to dance and sing the lyrics to that song in the stands or even on the quad to get us pumped up.

How are you positively active on campus? (e.g. clubs, SGA, etc.)

I am currently a Residential Assistant for the upcoming school year. I am involved on campus in various clubs such as History Club, Made Women, Toastmasters (which is a public speaking preparation club),Student Orientation leader, Peer Counselors, Pre-Alumni, and many others. I am a proud supporter of the previous freshman class and my sophomore class. I also support the new SGA board and our new Mr. & Miss B-CU. I am also very supportive of the male organizations on campus that serve to bring positivity to our male students. I am definitely a busy girl lol.

Where is the “yard” located?

The “yard”, which is referred to on our campus as the “quad”, is located on the central campus. This is where the female residential halls, Faith Hall (the first building ever built on our campus), White Hall (the chapel), and all Greek affiliated trees are located. This is where most of our students hang out in the afternoons/evenings with their friends or Greek families and just have a great time.

What and where are the historical places on campus?

As mentioned above, our first building built is Faith Hall. It is currently used for our C.A.R.E.S. offices. We also have Dr. Bethune’s house located near the Carl S. Swisher library. It has been currently renovated and is now open to the public for tours.

What to date has been your saddest moment at your HBCU?

No sad times. Everything that has happened only has made me stronger and happier.

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.)

This was actually my first time experiencing different types of people. I mean, I have grown up around different people, but this time was different. I have experienced so may different personalities, but I have to say I definitely enjoyed what I have learned to far.

How did you overcome your nervousness about going to college?

I was never really nervous lol. I just prayed and asked God to create in me the person He wanted me to be and I believe that I am starting to become that person.

At the moment, I am not going to pledge. Hopefully in the future I will, but I cannot disclose that info at this time lol.