Tiasha Jones , Claflin University- c/o 2012, Middle Grades Education
Name : Tiasha Jones
HBCU : Claflin University
Graduation Year : 2012
Major : Middle Grades Education
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
N/A
"I am the first in my family to attend college."
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
Claflin University initially acquired my attention because of its state-of-the-art science programs offered. I applied and was accepted, and then Claflin University challenged me to apply to its rigorous Honors program, where I too was accepted. I felt that if a college could challenge me before I even walk through the doors, then it was the right school for me!
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
From the beginning, Claflin has been motivating me to push myself and to go beyond the barriers I had previously set for myself. It started June 8, 2008, when I began taking courses at Claflin having had only 3 days since my high school graduation. The year 2008 was a year of tremendous change.
The night President Barack Obama was elected will forever remain etched in my heart and being, as I felt proud to be a part of my generation, of this country, of my Black race, of history, and to be a proud Claflinite. Additionally, the opportunities given to give back to the community adds to the ultimate college experience. As a college student, I felt a part of Claflin, not of Orangeburg. Sure, I shop in the stores and frequent the restaurants; however, the large number of community service allowed me to become a part of Orangeburg and the state of South Carolina.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
N/A
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
All of my professors have left meaningful impressions on my life as a woman and student. All of my English professors have been awesome! They have pushed me to pursue writing in my leisure, as well as helped me to find my passion—helping others—which led to a major change. Because of my English professors’ belief in me, I have been able to lead our University Writing Center and host various forms of civic education opportunities on campus.
Additionally, the staff of the Honors program have helped mold my life as they have taught me to believe in myself and others. My research advisor, too, impacts my life daily as I work hard on producing scholarly research in the field of education. Her support and passion mirrors my own, and she encourages me to continue through all the rough patches and to work hard.
"A group of Claflin University students traveled and studied in Ecuador under the guidance of Ms. Clarissa Williams, Instructor of Spanish, during the summer of 2008.” Image Courtesy of Claflin University
College crush?
N/A : )
Best restaurants on/near campus? Best dishes?
Off campus: For soul food, I would recommend The Brown Derby (above). The chicken is great! Also, everyone loves the convenient IHOP with their all-you-can-eat pancakes.
On-campus: We have a coffee shop, Jazzman’s. My favorite things are a brownie cookie and an iced white chocolate mocha.
Ghost stories involving buildings or spots on campus?
There is one about the ghost of one of our former presidents roaming Tingley Hall at night.
What is your major? and Why did you choose it?
My major is Middle Grades Education, and it chose me.
I was determined not to become a teacher (because of the salary); however, after doing work at a nursery, God pointed out my talent and said that I should be a teacher.
It is the best decision I ever made. I began college as a chemistry major. I still miss the curriculum, but it was a decision I toyed with for over a year before making a move.
I aspire to touch the lives of middle schoolers as my teachers did for me in grades 6-8. That was the roughest time in my young life, and I am blessed to have had such wonderful people in my life to keep me out of trouble and to believe in me in a time when I didn’t believe in myself.
What to date has been your proudest moment @ Your HBCU?
The day I was initiated into Gamma Nu chapter of THE Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. That was the day when I took a second step (the first being a college student) in creating a legacy for my family.
My cousin (who graduated high school with me in 2008 and attends Winthrop University) and I are the first in our family to attend four-year schools, and we are also the first Greeks in our family. We were initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha within days of each other!
Where are the spots to go to if you wanted to cuddle with your boy or girlfriend?
???? That information is top-secret. Haha! There are parks around town.
What are the chants heard most often at the sporting events?
We are the Panthers from Panthertown, and it takes a Panther to knock us down. If you don’t like our apples, then don’t shake our trees, ‘cause we are the Panthers from C-U!
How are you positively active on campus? (e.g. clubs, SGA, etc.)
Resident Assistant, Alpha Kappa Alpha—Gamma Nu chapter, Alpha Kappa Mu
Where is the “yard” located?
Panther Plaza
What and where are the historical places on campus?
Trustee Hall, Tingley Hall…Claflin’s campus is historic, for we are the oldest HBCU in South Carolina—founded in 1869 by William and Lee Claflin
What to date has been your saddest moment at your HBCU?
My saddest moment was the first semester of junior year. To say the least, it was a time where bonds I’d built were broken all due to lack of trust.
I don’t think I’d ever felt so alone, but thanks to my Sisters, that sad moment was short-lived.
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.)
Two firsts are significant: I am the first in my family to attend college. I am the first in my family to become a member of a Greek organization, which happens to be the first Black sorority! : )
How did you overcome your nervousness about going to college?
I just did it!
Are you a member of a sorority?
The proper term is Membership Intake Process. And I have become a member of an elite sorority already. Gamma Nu Spring 2010
Comments
Claflin University
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Students: 1,978
- Athletics: Claflin University is a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference of the NCAA (Division II). Men's sports include basketball, baseball, tennis, and track and field. Programs for women include basketball, softball, volleyball, tennis, and track and field.
- Notable Alumni: Roger Kenton Williams - 1936 - Educator who taught at psychology departments at North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina Central University, Morgan State University, and University of Maryland-Eastern Shore** Arthur Rose Sr - 1950 - Chair of Art Department (1952 - 1973) at Claflin University; the Arthur Rose Museum at the university was named for him** Dr. Gloria Rackley Blackwell - 1953 - Civil rights activist, professor at Clark Atlanta University** Leo Twiggs - 1956 - Artist and educator at South Carolina State University; the first African American to receive a Doctorate of Arts from the University of Georgia** Joseph H. Jefferson - 1970 - Member of the South Carolina House of Representatives, representing the 102nd District* Cynthia V. Anderson - 1980 - Chief Operations Officer at the U.S. Department of Energy** Bryan Andrew Wilson - 2004 - Gospel Artist** Danny! - 2005 - Recording artist for Okayplayer Records and music producer/composer for MTV's Hype Music production library** E. Roger Mitchell - 1993 - Actor - The Walking Dead, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire**
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