Sharhonda Pickett, Langston University- c/o 2011, Biology

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

On to the next question!!

Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*

Well, my mother is a Langston Alumni and always wanted me to continue her legacy, I also spent the majority of my life attending private schools and I needed to break away and get back to my roots.

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

Well, my mother is a Langston Alumni and always wanted me to continue her legacy, I also spent the majority of my life attending private schools and I needed to break away and get back to my roots.

"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*

Nope no answer here please proceed to the next question.

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

Dr. Drain, Acting Chair of the Biology Department, and Dr. Coleman, Chair of the Chemistry Department, have had the greatest impressions on me thus far. Dr. Drain is very encouraging and challenged me to reach my full potential while I was taking her class and Dr. Coleman has opened many doors for me and continues to do so as he constantly offers a helping hand in my endeavors. Another professor that has done a lot for me is Dr. Matand. I have worked with him for the past year in the Biotechnology Lab and he has been nothing but kind and helpful as he too always offers a helping hand.

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

I was Senior Class President, making me an Executive member of Student Council, Manager for the girls basketball team, Publicist for the National Honor Society, Secretary of Latin Club (yes, Latin Club), and a student Ambassador for one year. I wanted to take an active role in all of these organizations because they were what I was passionate about in High School and they helped me stay busy.
What do you feel is most beautiful about you?

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

I chose Biology as a major because I really like the life sciences and as a major, biology, crosses over into many different fields of science, allowing me to explore many options.
What are you pledging? And why? And if not, why not?

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

My proudest moment at Langston University would have to be the day that I became a Devastating Diva ofDelta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.

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

I am a member of the McCabe Scholars’ Club, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., NAACP, College Women, L.I.N.C., and the Biology Club.

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

I’ve actually had a very comfortable life so far and have been very blessed as to where I have not had to overcome anything really.

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

Actually, my whole family has greatly influenced my life, especially my parents because they have always encouraged me to pursue my dreams and have sacrificed so much for me to have the wonderful life that I’ve been truly blessed with and I will never be able to express how much I appreciate them. My whole family’s been supportive of me and continues to help me reach my goals. If it weren’t for them instilling the values that I have today, I would not be half the person I am today, nor would I be as strong and confident. My aunts and uncles provide me with words of courage and wisdom, my siblings taught me not to be afraid to express myself, and my parents did everything else, teaching me how to express myself without being rude and how to carry myself as a lady.

What type of household did you grow up in?

I grew up in a positive household where my parents were strict but not so strict that I was afraid to approach them. Let’s just say that by the time I was eight, I knew what to ask for, definitely what not to ask for, and what was expected of me.

How do you deal with racism when you encounter it?

There’s usually some form of suttle racism that I encounter a little too often, if you know what I’m saying. Attending predominately Caucasian schools for the majority of my life, I never noticed racism or even saw “colors” until I started attending an HBCU. All of a sudden, I started paying more attention to it at stores, restaurants, and even ignorant things people from other schools say. For the most part I can just brush it off because I know that the person saying these stupid things is nothing more than ignorance embodied in a hollow shell; however, I do challenge them sometimes and ask them what they mean by such things…usually they have no answer and stare blankly with their mouth gaping open.

What do you feel is most beautiful about you?

Well, physically it’s my smile; however, I think that my compassion for others is my most beautiful feature.

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

I’ll usually psych myself out for a test and study for hours a day for three days prior to the day of the test and on that day I’ll walk in nervously, sit down, hesitate to turn the paper over and then usually give a sigh of relief as I see that, due to studying, I know all the answers to the test.

How did you overcome your nervousness about going to college?

I was actually the only one of my friends that was attending Langston and I was extremely nervous but luckily I was in the Honors Program and we were all pretty much in the same classes so I made friends within my small group and branched out.

I recently pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated because we represent very strong, passionate women who give back to the community and stand for human rights. We are a positive and active force on campus and in the community. Why wouldn’t I want to be a part of this wonderful organization?

State how your own personal experience or knowledge correlates to the Ethiopian proverbs: "One who tries to hide with a dog, a child, a goat, or a person with a cold, will not remain hidden."

Well, it’s actually a dirty little secret of mine but I don’t mind exposing it now seeing as how I’ve grown to love and live with it but I have an evil laugh. It sounds like Cruella Devil’s laugh and for years I’ve tried to change it and disguise it but to no avail because it would always find some way to sneak out randomly whenever something was really funny to me. Nowadays, I just laugh the way I was intended to, and although my friends point it out, it doesn’t bother me anymore because it’s part of what makes me who I am.

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."

I love this quote because it basically tells you not to argue with an idiot. I used to be one of those children that thought that they knew everything and noone was the wiser so my parents would let me learn some of my own lessons the hard way. Although I usually did not like the outcomes, I appreciate them letting me make my own mistakes.