Monique Arrington, Wilberforce University- c/o 2000, Psychology
Name : Monique Arrington
HBCU : Wilberforce University
Graduation Year : 2000
Major : Psychology
Email : moserya@gmail.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I first learned about HBCUs from my parents. My parents graduated from Wilberforce University in Ohio.
“I have won awards for my educational teaching style…” Monique Arrington | Image Credit: Monique Arrington
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
I chose to attend a HBCU over a PWI honestly because I wanted to experience life like the television show “Different World.
[How did you decide to become a student at Wilberforce University?]
First,I wanted to attend Alcorn State, Hampton University, or Howard University after attending several college tours and doing research I felt it would be nice to continue the family legacy and attend Wilberforce University.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
It hasn’t been easy, there have been a lot of ups and downs but I believe that’s what makes you a stronger and more focused person. I have met so many wonderful people whom I have grown to love.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
I had several first but I do not think they are appropriate for this interview.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
I have had several inspirational professors that have pushed me to the limits. The two most influential are Dr. Eugenia Shittu and James Arthur Williams.
Dr. Shittu was a woman of excellence with high expectations. Dr. Shittu challenged us and now I do not have any problems writing long extensive papers!
James Arthur Williams was a man that made me realize a special type of discipline when it comes down to choral music. Mr. Williams pushed me into a realm of learning to be humble, courageous, and determined.
I am grateful for the things that they’ve taught me while at Wilberforce because it has made me the educator that I am today.
Monique Arrington, a proud graduate of Wilberforce University (c/o December 2000) | Image Credit: Monique Arrington
Best restaurants on/near campus? Best dishes?
In the town which was 15min from the campus driving there was a Burger King,Perkins, Chinese Place, McDonalds, and Lee’s Famous Recipe.
If none of those options were available we cooked in the room.
College crush?
This question will not be answered…but he knows!!!
What sports and/or extra curricular activities did you do in High School? And why?
I was in the Marching Band, Chorus, and all the musical events at the school.
Ghost stories involving buildings or spots on campus?
I really do not remember any.
What is your major? and Why did you choose it?
I was a Music Major who took a Psychology course and fell in love with the fact it was something new and exciting. I love Music but had done that my whole life and wanted a challenge. So I changed my Major to Psychology, and still was able to sing!
What to date has been your proudest moment @ Your HBCU?
My proudest moment at Wilberforce University would definitely be traveling with the Wilberforce University Choir on various tours. I remember being on the Today Show, Vibe, touring the East and West Coasts. I also remember eating lunch with Phylicia Rashad on one of our tours. I will never forget when we arrived in Los Angeles the Alumni Association joined us in singing the Alma Mater and it echoed through the Airport! These memories will never be forgotten especially the once in a lifetime voyage to Egypt.
Where are the spots to go to if you wanted to cuddle with your boy or girlfriend?
Well there are a lot of nice places in the area. Depends on the type of relationship!!!
What are the chants heard most often at the sporting events?
You should’ve been a Bulldog….
How are you positively active on campus? (e.g. clubs, SGA, etc.)
I was a soloist for the Wilberforce University Chorus. We had so many memorable travels from New York, California, and Cairo Egypt just to name a few.
Where is the “yard” located?
Wilberforce,Ohio
What and where are the historical places on campus?
Wilberforce University is known for being the First, Future, and Finest! My favorite historical place is on the lands of the original campus is none other than the African American History Museum.
What to date has been your saddest moment at your HBCU?
The saddest moment at Wilberforce University was knowing my best friend wasn’t returning to school. The reality of Freshmen week when the President states look to your right and left the people next to you will not be the same on graduation day was a reality. It hurt but I finished thank God.
What situation in your life made you feel like you had arrived into woman/manhood?
The situation in my life on campus of knowing I had stepped into womanhood was when I realized that I was no longer a student living with mom and dad . I was on a campus with educated pupils from all over the world making decisions that can impact my future.
How do you deal with racism when you encounter it?
When faced with adversities I usually do not respond in a negative or aggressive manner. I know Education is the one thing a person can never take away from you.
Knowledge is the key to dealing and overcoming obstacles with racism.
When and how did you discover your passion in life?
I was working as a Case Manager and began to get fed up with the treatment of people in need not receiving their services from the agency. I took a chance on applying for a job at a school.
I was hired as a Kindergarten teacher in 2001. I loved it I was able to see students transform into scholars. It was then I knew my passion is to make every child learn as much as possible.
How did you overcome your nervousness about going to college?
I overcame my nervousness by becoming involved in different activities. Wilberforce also had a great Big Brother / Big Sister program that assisted in allowing new people to get acquainted to the life changing experience.
If you could speak to those family members that have risen but that live forever through you, what words would you speak?
I would speak to my sister Takisha A. Davis who motivated me to do better. I would tell her thanks for showing how to persevere no matter the circumstances. I would tell her because of her I am now a successful Educator, Administrator and better woman. I have won awards for my educational teaching style and will graduate this year with my Masters of Education in Educational Leadership.
How did your HBCU prepare you for a diverse workplace?
Wilberforce University prepared me for the diverse workplace by making sure we had exposure, experience, and highly educated in the field we were studying.
What advice would you give high school students filling out college applications for the first time?
I would tell them to read the information about the school before applying for the school. It is very important to attend the school that has your career interests.
If you could only speak two sentences to the youth coming after you what would you say?
I would tell the youth coming after me to first enjoy yourself . Then I would tell them to learn who they really are set to be.
How did your HBCU help you to transition into your careers workforce?
Wilberforce University prepared me for the workplace by making sure I was are aware of time management.
Wilberforce taught me the meaning of the saying “When you are early you are on time” and “When are on time you are late”.
While at Wilberforce University we were required to complete two Cooperative Education experiences that equipped me with the hands on training to learn the career before being faced with challenges of the field of Social Work.
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Wilberforce University
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Students: 500
- Athletics: Wilberforce University is a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing as an Independent of the Association of Independent Institutions (AII). Wilberforce University offers Men's sports including basketball and cross country, while women's sports include basketball and cross country. Students also participate in the following intramural sports: basketball, softball, volleyball, flag football, and tennis.
- Notable Alumni: Ossian Sweet - African American doctor notable for self-defense in 1925 against a white mob's attempt to force him out of his Detroit neighborhood, and acquittal at trial** Theophilus Gould Steward - 1881 - U.S. Army chaplain and Buffalo Soldier** Demetrius Newton - Civil rights attorney** Bill Powell - Owner and designer of Clearview Golf Club, the first integrated golf course in America and the first owned and designed by an African American** Leontyne Price - Opera singer and first African American prima donna of the Metropolitan Opera** Leon Jordan - 1932 - Politician and civil rights activist; considered one of the most influential African Americans in the history of Kansas City, Missouri** James H. McGee - City commissioner and first African American mayor of Dayton, Ohio** John R. Fox - Recipient of the Medal of Honor** Raymond V. Haysbert - Business executive and civil rights leader** Floy Clements - First African-American woman to serve in the Illinois House of Representatives (1959-1960)** Victoria Gray Adams - Pioneering civil rights activist** Regina M. Anderson - Playwright, librarian, and member of the Harlem Renaissance** Hallie Quinn Brown - 1873 - Educator, writer and activist**
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