Jazzilynn Breland , Bethune-Cookman University- c/o 2017, Liberal Arts
Name : Jazzilynn Breland
HBCU : Bethune-Cookman University
Graduation Year : 2017
Major : Liberal Arts
Minor : Psychology
Email : jazzilynnb@gmail.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I am from Daytona Beach, Florida where Bethune Cookman University is located. The university has always been a part of the culture of my city.
Class of 2017
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
Attending an HBCU was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve attended pwi and trade schools before choosing BCU. I wish I had made it my first choice.
The first semester everyone is required to take an African American history class, it opened my eyes to so much about our history, culture, and heritage that we were never taught about ourselves. Also having the opportunity to bond and learn about other cultures of the African diaspora from the diverse student population from all over the world.
Black Students/teachers from the Caribbean, South America, and Africa learning, building the community, and bonding together was such a wonderful experience. Bethune Cookman is very involved in community service and I really felt that I was making a difference in my community.
I would have never gotten this kind of experience at a pwi.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
Bethune Cookman University is committed to community service.
Whether it be the Daytona Beach community or the hometowns where the students come from. “Enter to learn and depart to serve” is what is instilled in students from freshman to senior year. The administration and instructors weren’t just focused on creating job seekers they also provided us with the education and resources to become job creators.
This is key to building communities. Empowerment is what I took away from my experience at an HBCU.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
Although BCU plays a Huge role in the Daytona Beach community, my first time experience at an HBCU was excellent.
Being surrounded by black excellence is a wonderful feeling. It’s great to be in an environment where you can be comfortable with being yourself.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
Dr. Ford in the history department taught me so much about African Americans history.
Mr. Cooper in the business department taught us to be professionals, entrepreneurs, and create jobs in our communities.
Professor Sivasundaram inspired us to use math to solve economical problems that were actually happening in our communities.
Mrs. Vance and Ms. Arnold in the psychology department helped us realize that mental health shouldn’t be something that is taboo in the black community. We should take care of of overall health mind, body, and soul.
Lastly, I would have not made it through college without my academic advisor Mrs. Lawrence. She is really dedicated to the success of her students. If I had a problem with instructors she would help resolve the conflict. If I had obstacles in my way she would help me come up with solutions so that I could remain in school.
If I was having problems paying tuition she helped me find scholarships for books and tuition. Having a good academic advisor can make or break a student and she really is dedicated to her students.
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Bethune-Cookman University
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Students: 4,045
- Athletics: Bethune–Cookman University is a member of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and participates in NCAA Division I FCS. The school sponsors basketball, bowling, baseball, cross country, football, track and field and volleyball. B–CU has an intense in-state rivalry with FAMU. Today, they meet annually in the Florida Classic, a regular-season, neutral-site game which takes place in Orlando, FL.
- Notable Alumni: Marjorie Joyner - 1973 - Inventor of the permanent wave machine** Dr. Evelyn Bethune - 1979 - CEO of the Mary McLeod Bethune Educational Legacy Foundation, Inc and granddaughter of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune** Henry Lyons - Former President of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc.** A. Philip Randolph - 1907 - Civil rights leader; attended the Cookman Institute, before it merged with Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School and became Bethune-Cookman** Gregory Drane - 2002 - Current Director of Athletic Bands at Pennsylvania State University** Yvonne Scarlett-Golden - Educator and activist; the first African American mayor of Daytona Beach, Florida, elected in 2003** James Bush III - 1979 - Current member of the Florida House of Representatives District 109** Ryan Davis - Current NFL player** Kevin Ferguson, aka Kimbo Slice - attended - Street fighter and mixed martial arts fighter** Cy McClairen - 1953 - First Bethune-Cookman alumnus in National Football League who played tight end for five seasons; served as head football coach, head basketball coach, and athletics director at Bethune-Cookman** Eric Weems - 2007 - Current NFL wide receiver**
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