Onshala Alexander, Grambling State University- c/o 2020, Elementary Education
Name : Onshala Alexander
HBCU : Grambling State University
Graduation Year : 2020
Major : Elementary Education
Minor : Social Work
Email : onshala@gmail.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I am from Milwaukee, WI and my cousin Tierra Smith (GSU Alumni) introduced me to HBCUs but my bestfriend Star’Tyana Carter encouraged me to attend an HBCU.
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
I chose an HBCU over a pwi, because I’ve always wanted the college experience like the movies. Such as Drum Line, I’ve always pictured college as sororities and fraternities, nonstop partying, endless memories.
Attending Grambling unfortunately but fortunately I’ve experienced all of those things and more! Grambling has opened so many doors for me and has exposed me to so many life changing opportunities! If I hadn’t chose Grambling I don’t know where I’d be today from the faculty to my peers, everyone has made this experience more than memorable.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
My first experience of my HBCU was seeing my cousin pledge Delta Sigma Theta at Grambling in 2014.
I seen how happy it made her to be in a sisterhood, and be active on campus that I knew I had to be just like her when I became older. Not only was she an active member of Delta Sigma Theta she also was the Editor in Chief of the Gramblinite!
She set the bar high and she made my first overall experience amazing and I knew there was no other HBCU for me!
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
A few first time a experiences from Grambling from what I could remember, when I first got to Grambling 65% of the people were rude will the other 35% were very friendly and made me feel welcomed. It was many people who were stubborn and stuck in their ways and by me being from Wisconsin I didn’t understand a lot I felt rejected and pushed away because the people around me weren’t the same as me.
It took me awhile to adjust, I wanted to just give up until I met Jimmitriv Roberson, who was FSUB president at the time. Upon meeting Jimmi, I explained to her that I wanted to drop out and leave Grambling and attend school back home because I felt that Grambling was a scam. Jimmi talked me into joining SGA and FSUB where eventually I found me a “school family” and they have had my back every since.
I thank my GramFam because I feel like we are each other’s family away from real family.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
I have two professors who push me to my fullest potential and genuinely want to see me succeed, which are Ms. Ghongkedze and Dr. Tracy.
Both teachers always worked with me when they see I started slipping or became less focused than normal. They didn’t chastise or judge me right away they asked what was wrong or what had been going on what could they do to fix it.
Many professors wouldn’t care about what you have going on, most only care about if their assignment was turned in.
I appreciate them for that because most students aren’t lucky enough to get not one but two professors who actually love them and cares about their education.
How are you positively active on campus? (e.g. clubs, SGA, etc.)
I am positively active on campus by being a member of the Student Government Association, a member of the Favrot Student Union Board, a member of Kappa Delta Pi as well as Miss Kappa Delta Pi, and I am the founder and president of the Grambling State University women's empowerment group!
Comments
Grambling State University
-
Students: 4,863
Under Graduates: 3,883
Post Graduates: 980 - Athletics: Grambling State University competes in the NCAA Division I (Football Championship Subdivision for football) in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Currently, the Grambling State University Department of Athletics sponsors Men's Intercollegiate football, along with men's and women's basketball, baseball, track & field, softball, golf, soccer, tennis, bowling and volleyball. RIVALS: Southern University, Prairie View A&M University, and Texas Southern University.
- Notable Alumni: Charles M. Blow - 1991 - New York Times columnist** Erykah Badu - Grammy Award-winning artist** Natalie Desselle-Reid - Actress best known for roles in B*A*P*S, Def Jam's How to Be a Player, and Disney's Cinderella** Judi Ann Mason - Television writer, producer and playwright** Burl Cain - Master's degree in criminal justice, now warden of the Louisiana State Penitentiary (also known as Angola)** Ollie Tyler - Mayor of Shreveport; former interim state superintendent of education; former Caddo Parish school superintendent** E. Edward Jones - 1952 - Educator, civil rights advocate, pastor, and former president of the National Baptist Convention of America, Inc., in Shreveport** Edward Joseph Price - 1975 - Member of the Louisiana House of Representatives (District 58), businessman in Gonzales** Alicia Reece - Politician, member of the Ohio House of Representatives (33rd district)** Robert Bobb - Politician and public administrator; Emergency Financial Director for Detroit Public Schools; city manager for thirty years in the cities of Kalamazoo, Michigan; Santa Ana, California; and Richmond, Virginia** Israel "Bo" Curtis - Member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1992 to 2008; member of the Rapides Parish School Board from 1976 to 1992** Bettye Davis - Member of the Alaska Senate and former member of the Alaska House of Representatives from the 21st district** Rick Gallot - Democratic member of the Louisiana State Senate for District 29 since 2012; former state representative for the 11th district** Jeff Hall - Member of the Louisiana House of Representatives (District 26), accountant in Alexandria** Patricia Cage-Bibbs - 1972 - Women's basketball head coach at North Carolina A&T State University, Hampton University, and Grambling State University; has over 400 wins in her coaching career** Ronnie Coleman - Professional bodybuilder and eight-time Mr. Olympia winner** Jason Hatcher - 2006 - Current NFL defensive end** Tyree Hollins - professional football player** Doug Williams - former NFL quarterback; MVP of Super Bowl XXII**
- Click here to view on Wikipedia