Kiara Kyle, Winston-Salem State University- c/o 2016, Nursing
Name : Kiara Kyle
HBCU : Winston-Salem State University
Graduation Year : 2016
Major : Nursing
Email : kkyle112@rams.wssu.edu
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I was born in Decatur, Georgia. I then relocated to Wilmington, Delaware and finally settled in Greensboro, North Carolina about 7 years ago. My parents introduced me to all things I know about HBCUs.
Kiara on her way to attend a ceremony for the new members of the “Black Women for Change” organization | Image Credit: Kiara Kyle
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
My parents instilled in me the importance of HBCUs. My mother attended Tuskegee University, but obtained her degree from a PWI. She always speaks of how she regrets not staying at her HBCU. My father only ever attended a PWI and if he could go back and do it again, he says he would attend a HBCU.
Together they taught me that HBCUs not only provide you with a degree, but you also leave with skills that aren’t taught at a PWI. HBCUs take a personal interest in YOU. You’re more than just a number at an HBCU, whereas at a PWI that’s all you are in my opinion.
I didn’t choose WSSU. It chose me. I say this often because it all just kind of fell into place. Something in me just knew this was the HBCU for me, it’s an indescribable feeling. Plus, I’m a Nursing major and we have one of the top Nursing programs in the country.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
I’ve experienced tremendous school pride and people that really care about you, just as I thought I would. I’ve experienced some of the worst things and people of my life and some of the best. WSSU is everything I thought it would be and more. I’ve gained life experiences that I never could of anywhere else.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
I had my first job interview, some of my firsts different types of food, and met some people that are the first that I’ve ever met like them (good and bad).
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
I just completed my first year so I’ve only had so many professors. So far, the professor that stands out the most to me is Dr.Boone.
He takes a special interest in making sure you leave with more than just a degree, with real knowledge. He challenges you to actually think; not just to do the work, but to fully understand it. He’s especially hard on his African-American male students, but pushes his African-American females also because he knows that we’re competing with people that were born more privileged than us just because of their skin color. I had a problem and he’s the only person at WSSU, I felt like I could go to. I’ll forever be grateful for that.
A Beautiful composite showcasing the friendships to be made at WSSU | Image Credit: Kiara Kyle
Best restaurants on/near campus? Best dishes?
I rarely go to our cafeteria, but the pizza is great. The Ram Shack and Java City are the best places to eat on campus. I love the smoothies in Java City and the philly cheese steak in the Ram Shack There’s supposed to be more restaurants added in our new Student Union Center that should be up and fully running any day now. We’re getting a Popeyes and we’ll have Subway still.
College crush?
I don’t really have one. My major, Nursing has all my attention. I think I’m in love lol.
Ghost stories involving buildings or spots on campus?
I’ve heard a few things, but they could just be rumors. There’s this one building that creeps me out, but it just sits there.
What is your major? and Why did you choose it?
Nursing, it chose me. My nursing teacher in high school, Ms. Nelson really made a huge impact on my decision. She exemplifies what an outstanding nurse should be in every way.
She always said that if your heart wasn’t in nursing, then don’t do it because it’s not fair to you or the patients. I don’t know what happened, but one day my heart found a home in nursing. She was my teacher to get my CNA and Clinicals in the nursing home confirmed that it was the right field for me.
Where are the spots to go to if you wanted to cuddle with your boy or girlfriend?
Your room would be the most appropriate place lol. I guess you could cuddle in any of the lounges on campus also.
What are the chants heard most often at the sporting events?
“Chew tobacco, chew tobacco, chew tobacco, spit. If you ain’t a Rammmmmm, then you aint..” “I could never be an ‘insert another school’s mascot’ & let me tell you why. I’ve been a Ram all my life & I’ll be one until the day I die. Ohhh ohhh ohhhh, so hard to be a Ram, so hard to be a Ram, so hard to be a R-A-M-S, RAMS!”
How are you positively active on campus? (e.g. clubs, SGA, etc.)
I joined an organization called Black Women for Change. We should have a lot of participation in volunteer events this year.
Where is the “yard” located?
“The Breezeway” is right outside of the Ram Shack and Thompson Center, which holds our cafeteria and some offices.
What and where are the historical places on campus?
There’s a statue outside of the library of our first president and founder, Simon Green Atkins. There’s not many historical sites that I know of, the university itself as a whole is just a historical place.
What was your proudest moment in your life to date?
I have to say, when we won the NCAA DII National Semi-Finals against West Texas A&M. There was so much Ram Pride in that stadium. It was full of extreme emotions and passion. I’ve never experienced anything like it. It was a great feeling and accomplishment for our football team.
What is your process when you are going through a hardship that you have never faced before?
I just continue on. I kind of just keep on living and try to cope with it. I have great friends like Danielle, Tari,and Bre that are there for me if I ever need them too.
How did you overcome your nervousness about going to college?
I just went and eventually you’ll get used to it. Once you’ve been there a while, the butterflies go away. There will be those few good people you meet that make the transition a lot easier too.
What was your saddest moment in your life to date?
Realizing that people aren’t who you thought they were. Being hurt physically and emotionally by people you thought would never do something like that. It’s a part of life though and it only made me stronger.
Are you a member of a sorority?
Stop it. You don’t express your interest in Greek Life publicly. Y’all know that lol. But I haven’t given much thought to any Greek activity. I’m focusing on school and work. But I do think that those organizations are wonderful to have on campus and congratulate anyone who’s a part of one.
Describe a situation from your life where this proverb came to life or occurred “The person who grew up without correction will find his mouth slipping instead of his foot.”
There’s so many. There are a lot of people who say something about someone in a negative light and I’ve watched it come back to bite them. People will spend holidays with you and talk behind your back the next day. Then they’ll act appalled and shocked when you find out.
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Winston-Salem State University
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Students: 6,442
Under Graduates: 5,975
Post Graduates: 467 - Athletics: Winston-Salem State University is currently a member of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) in NCAA Division II. Winston-Salem State University offers Baseball, Basketball, Cheerleading, Cross Country, Football, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field, and Volleyball.
- Notable Alumni: Earl "The Pearl" Monroe - Former NBA guard; member of Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame** Earl "The Twirl" Williams - American-Israeli basketball player** Stephen A. Smith - American ESPN personality, co-star of ESPN First Take** Louis Farrakhan - American religious leader, African-American activist, and social commentator** Louise Smith - Tied for the second woman to race in NASCAR at the top level. She was known as "the first lady of racing** Dennis L.A. White - American stage and screen actor noted for portraying Damion 'D-Roc' Butler in the Notorious B.I.G. biopic entitled Notorious** Yancey Thigpen - Former NFL wide receiver** Maria Howell, Wanda Maria Howell - American actress and singer. She made her film debut in The Color Purple (1985) and appeared in Hidden Figures (2016) as Ms. Sumner** William Hayes - American football defensive end in the National Football League (NFL) Ted Blunt - Retired American elected official, educator and former athlete. Ted served as the former President, City Council of Wilmington, Delaware** Carla Cunningham - American Democratic politician. She is a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives from the 106th District, being first elected in 2012** Harry Lewis - Member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, representing the 74th House district in Chester County, Pennsylvania**
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