Janelle Thompson, Howard University- c/o 2017, Administration of Justice
Name : Janelle Thompson
HBCU : Howard University
Graduation Year : 2017
Major : Administration of Justice
Email : Janelle.R.Thompson@gmail.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I was born in Kingston, Jamaica and currently live in Atlanta, Ga.
I learned of Howard through the multiple Alumni that were involved in my life.
There is a certain feeling that you get when you go to an HBCU. You feel as if you’re making history. One of my main goals in life is to create a legacy. I couldn’t be happier if that legacy was shared with African Americans and especially my fellow Jamaicans.
I chose to go to Howard University because I love how prestigious Howard is…It is basically number one in my eyes. The connections available at Howard are endless.
Janelle conducting an interview themed on the culture in Jamaica | Image Credit: Janelle Thompson
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
My Uncle graduated from Howard Law and owns his own law firm in Maryland, as well as my friend’s mother who graduated from Howard and owns her own firm in Atlanta. From there I started to do my own research on HBCUs.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
There is a certain feeling that you get when you go to an HBCU. You feel as if you’re making history. One of my main goals in life is to create a legacy. I couldn’t be happier if that legacy was shared with African Americans and especially my fellow Jamaicans.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
At the time of this interview Janelle was transitioning from high school to college and the college semester hadn't started yet.
Janelle looking elegant as a high school senior before she travels to attend the one and only Howard University | Image Credit: Janelle Thompson
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
At the time of this interview Janelle was transitioning from high school to college and the college semester hadn't started yet.
What sports and/or extra curricular activities did you do in High School? And why?
Like many Jamaicans, I ran track for two years with my High School. I also founded a multicultural group to defeat ignorance and stereotypes towards other cultures and people.
What is your major? and Why did you choose it?
My major is Administration of Justice. When I watch the news I have never been concerned about the punishment of a crime, I have always been concerned for the criminal and what took place in their life to make them do such a thing.
My major allows me to find the connection between the justice system and crime causation factors.
What's your take on love (in the philosophical sense)?
I have seen my parents strive for success starting from nothing. My parents and I were all born in the complicated, controversial island of Jamaica. Many people are surprised to hear me describe the country this way, but Jamaica isn’t all sandy beaches and coconuts, but I will always recognize that throughout the struggle; Jamaica’s people keep their head up.
No matter what they fight to become stronger as one. This attitude has inspired me to strive for my goals, not just for myself, but my country. Most people have goals just to make their parents proud, but mine is much greater, much bigger, and much more powerful. After my career in law, I plan to become the US ambassador of Jamaica and affect each of my fellow Jamaicans, whether they live in the bustling city or the quiet country.
What advice would you give high school students filling out college applications for the first time?
1 Start Now, Not tomorrow, now!
2 Speak to your counselor every chance you get
3 Don’t be afraid to get a tutor
4 Get involved in school activities
5 Join the site College Prowler
What courses are you taking in high school in preparation for college? (Honours, AP, IB, electives, etc.)
[How would you describe your high school experience and environment?]
My High School experience was definitely a good experience. I’ve learned a lot about myself and who my friends are in the past four years.
[What was your GPA? ACT, SAT, etc. scores?]
4.047, 1920
[When did you send your application to the HBCU of your choice?]
I sent in my application Early Action in November.
[Were your guidance counselors knowledgeable about HBCUs? If not, where did you get all of your information from about the HBCUs you were thinking of attending?]
My guidance counselors were somewhat knowledgeable about HBCUs. The information I did not get from them I went and researched myself on the internet or through alumni.
Comments
Howard University
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Students: 10,300
- Athletics: Howard University competes in the NCAA's Division I Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) and are members of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference. Howard University offers Basketball, Cross Country, Bowling, Football, Soccer, Lacrosse, Swimming and Diving, Tennis, Softball, Track and Field, and Volleyball.
- Notable Alumni: Andre Johnson - Actor on TV show Black-ish** Queen Latifah - Actress, was on the hit TV show "Living Single"** Erika Alexander - Actress, was on the hit TV show "Living Single"** Chadwick Boseman, actor** Taraji P. Henson - Oscar and Emmy-Nominated and Golden Globe Winning Actress** Elijah Cummings - United States Representative** Thurgood Marshall - United States Supreme Court Justice** Toni Morrison - Pulitzer Prize and Nobel Prize–winning novelist** Stan Verrett, anchor on the ESPN and ESPNEWS networks in the United States** Tom Joyner Morning Show producer Nikki Woods** United States Ambassador Andrew Young** Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia Kasim Reed** Actress Wendy Raquel Robinson** Book artist Clarissa Sligh** Shauntay Hinton, beauty pageant winner** Gus Johnson, sports broadcaster** Attorney Vernon Jordan** Television personality Ananda Lewis** Former Mayor of the District of Columbia Adrian Fenty** Actor Lance Gross** Kamala Harris, first African-American, and first Asian-American female Attorney General & US Senator from California** Television journalist Lori Stokes** Actor Ossie Davis** Former Malian prime minister and NASA engineer Cheick Modibo Diarra** David Dinkins, the first African-American mayor of New York City** Emmy Award nominated actor and star of the TV Show Black-ish Anthony Anderson** The first Nigerian president Nnamdi Azikiwe** Mayor of Newark, New Jersey Ras J. Baraka** NFL player Antoine Bethea** Civil rights leader Stokely Carmichael** Music Mogul, Sean Combs** Ben Ali, co-founder and owner of Ben's Chili Bowl, the famous restaurant in Washington, D.C.** Choreographer, actress, Producer of "A Different World" and singer Debbie Allen**
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