Megan Larkin, Fisk University- c/o 2012, Finance

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

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Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*

My mentor is a graduate of Fisk University and she really inspired me to attend. Also, my passion for music led me to the Jubilee Singers. I wanted to become part of a legacy and better myself so that I can help carry it along.

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

I have utterly enjoyed my time at Fisk University so far. I have been instilled with a pride for my heritage that no other place could give. The family environment has allowed me to be who I want to be and explore the many facets of me. I am only a sophomore but the history that walks the “grove” on a daily basis inspires me to all my resources to become a leader in society and live up to what so many have already accomplished. There is great path that has been laid for students of Fisk University and it is up to us to carry it along and bring others onto this path of greatness.

"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*

Question skipped.

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

Dr. Bracks has left a lasting impression on me since the day I met her. She was my professor for African American Literature. Her wisdom of the things in the book and outside the book was so rich that I got excited when I would go to her class. She inspired us to do more with ourselves and not to settle for mediocrity. She taught us how to live our future by explaining our past as a people and I am very grateful for her.

What sports and/or extra curricular activities did you do in High School? And why?

I attended a visual and performing arts academy and my major was vocal, so I was involved in many things in the music department, including concert choir, competition, and music theatre.

Best restaurants on/near campus? Best dishes?

Tazza is one of the best restaurants ever! It’s located downtown, which is not very far from campus, but they do deliver. They tell you on the menu that tazza means fresh. I love the chicken and shrimp salad, as well as the lobster and shrimp pasta. However, if your shopping on a dime, knock out wings will fulfill your needs. They have the best biscuits ever! And their chicken is superb!

College crush?

That’s classified information…

What is your funniest college story? (everyone has one lol)

I have been volunteering at the Bethlehem Centers of Nashville, which takes in children between the ages of 7-14. Last year, my friends and I helped the kids of Bethlehem Centers put on their first Black History Program that was performed in the chapel on Fisk’s campus. The look of accomplishment on their faces when it was over filled my heart to the brim with joy.

Ghost stories involving buildings or spots on campus?

Classified Information for sons and daughters ever on the altar…

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

My major is currently Finance. I love math and my advisor saw my passion and my skills in this field and encouraged me to change my major from music business to finance. I love my major and I can’t wait to work in this field later in life, after law school.

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

My proudest moment was the day I was chosen to be a Jubilee Singer instead of an alternate.

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

Haha…in your dorm building, there are rooms in the lobby area where one can cuddle with the significant other. These rooms are made especially for socializing and hanging out. Also, the student lounge is a great place to hang out with friends, play some games, and chill out on the couches.

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

JAM WITH US!…UVE GOT TO GOT TO GOT TO JAM WITH US…F-I-S-K!

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

I have been volunteering at the Bethlehem Centers of Nashville, which takes in children between the ages of 7-14. Last year, my friends and I helped the kids of Bethlehem Centers put on their first Black History Program that was performed in the chapel on Fisk’s campus. The look of accomplishment on their faces when it was over filled my heart to the brim with joy.

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

I am a proud and dedicated member of Collegiate 100 Black Men and Women of Fisk University. I am currently the residing Vice-President of the Women’s Division. Also, I am a new member of the newly chartered NAACP Fisk University chapter.

Where is the “yard” located?

The yard is the street located in front of Adam K. Spence Hall and going down in front of the Chapel.

What and where are the historical places on campus?

Jubilee Hall, the girl’s dorm, is one of the most historical places on campus as well as the Franklin Library, the Chapel, Cravath Hall, which is the administration building.

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

I was devastated the day I didn’t make the Jubilee Singers my freshman year.

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.)

I have had 1 true first and that would be my first apartment, which I love so much!

What is your view on materialism, vanity and greed?

All three are things that the world has taken to very well. Also, each of them has a thin line determining how much is too much. However, I feel that one should set their own goals. If these goals have no positive motive, then it is on the wrong side of the spectrum. If they are for a positive purpose, reach for the sky!

What was your happiest moment in your life to date?

The day my little brother was born.

What adversities (hardships) have you overcome to become the strong person that you are?

My father wasn’t a part of my life for over eight years and that really took a toll on my life. Also, my great grandmother passed away this past September. That was a hard thing as well, but I know that everything that seems to go wrong is making you stronger.

Who was your greatest influence in your life growing up? And Why?

My mother has always been my greatest influence because no matter what happens, she keeps a positive outlook and succeeds with grace and poise, not to mention she’s the person I’m around the most.

What type of household did you grow up in?

My household was very family oriented. My mom always made sure, first, that we had everything we needed. I have a fantastic relationship with my mom and all my siblings. In my house, we had fun together and we weren’t forced. We just love being with our mother. I had a great childhood and I am continuing this with an even greater adulthood.

What was your proudest moment in your life to date?

The day I got accepted to attend Fisk University.

How do you deal with racism when you encounter it?

That is not an easy thing to answer because every situation has been different, so I’ve dealt with it differently.

What is your process when you are going through a hardship that you have never faced before?

Access, Plan, Implement.

What elders do you look to for guidance?

My grandmother.

Name 1-2 Global Majority (“melanin-efficient”) people that have inspired you. And why? (e.g. Oprah, Malcom X, Marcus Garvey, etc.)

Off the top of my head, I can’t pinpoint the greatest, but I am inspired by all the great Nubian people because each of them has contributed in furthering our development as a people and have paved the way for me to believe I can do whatever I want to do.

What life-changing books would you recommend to others to read?

The Race Debate by Michael Eric Dyson

What music would you recommend to others to listen to, to find strength and motivation?

Erykah Badu, Common, Jill Scott

What do you feel is most beautiful about you?

My cheery disposition, my smile, and my positive outlook…

When and how did you discover your passion in life?

I have known my passion for life since I was a little girl because no matter where I went, I always looked for the music. It is a part of my everyday living and will always be.

What's your take on life (in the philosophical sense)?

Life is what you make it, so live it to the fullest and GO GET IT!

State how your own personal experience or knowledge correlates to the Ethiopian proverbs: "When one is prepared, difficulties do not come."

Procrastination is something that I have dealt with, but every time I give in to that procrastination, everything goes wrong at the last minute with no time to fix it. I am definitely working on that by forcing myself to do things as soon as I get them.

How did you overcome your nervousness about going to college?

My friends here really helped me overcome my nervousness and I think because we were all nervous, we made sure that no one was ever left alone until we picked up our own routine where we could then branch out.

State how your own personal experience or knowledge correlates to the Ethiopian proverbs: "When spiders’ unite, they can tie up a lion."

My aunt was recently in the hospital for a blood clot the size of a lemon in her brain. The family was alerted and I contacted all the “warriors” I know to pray for her. With all the prayer that was coming her way, God brought her out of that coma and she is now is quick recovery.

That’s classified information as well…

State how your own personal experience or knowledge correlates to the Ethiopian proverbs: "Advise and counsel him; if he does not listen, let adversity teach him."

My friends have been through a lot and many times I’ve tried to tell them not to do something, but once you tell a person, it is up to them to carry that action through. If they don’t do it, they will learn and your job is done.

What and when was your first encounter with racism?

I attend a pwi elementary school and when I was in the 5th grade, my teacher would always put the white kids on a higher pedestal than us. She didn’t give as much attention to the Black students.

What was your saddest moment in your life to date?

The day I found out my great grandmother only had 1 week to live.

State how your own personal experience or knowledge correlates to the Ethiopian proverb - "If you offend, ask for pardon; if offended, forgive."

My roommate from freshman year and I didn’t get along too well and she would do things that she knew bothered me, but instead of getting upset and going into an altercation, I would pray for her and pray that God change my heart so that I wouldn’t have anything against her.

State how your own personal experience or knowledge correlates to the Ethiopian proverb - "When one is in love, a cliff becomes a meadow."

My last relationship always made those things that seemed like the worst ever brighten up. I never really realized why outside things were not as complicated when I would share them with my love.

State how your own personal experience or knowledge correlates to the Ethiopian proverb - "A cow gave birth to a fire: she wanted to lick it, but it burned; she wanted to leave it, but she could not because it was her own child."

During the time my father was gone, I wanted to be done with him and get rid of the thoughts that I had about him because every time I would put my trust in him and expect him to come around, I was always let down, but although I wanted him rid from my life, I couldn’t give up hope because he is a part of me that I now realize is a vital entity.

State how your own personal experience or knowledge correlates to the Ethiopian proverb - "Anticipate the good so that you may enjoy it."

I seem to always expect the worse and not plan for the best. This trait has caused me to miss out on many good things because I’m too focused on what could’ve gone wrong or what didn’t exactly go my way.