Tiona Blyden, Morgan State University- c/o 2011, Telecommunications
Name : Tiona Blyden
HBCU : Morgan State University
Graduation Year : 2011
Major : Telecommunications
Email : tiona@tionablyden.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland.
There was a College Bound Representative at my school, Ms. Bajar. She made sure that we understood the difference between HBCUs, Universities and College.
[Were your guidance counselors knowledgeable about HBCUs? If not, where did you get all of your information from about the HBCUs you were thinking of attending?]
My College Bound Representative was very knowledgeable. She even went as far as allowing us to go on free trips to visit schools around Maryland.
Tiona inpsiring and motivating the youth | Image Credit: Tiona Blyden
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
I felt that it was very important for me to be around students, professors and administrators who understood what it was like to be in my shoes and who could offer me suggestions to make my experience memorable.
I decided to attend Morgan State University because when I was 5-years-old my cousin Nicole took me on campus and I fell in love with campus life. As a young adult, I also watched “A Different World” which supported my need for the HBCU experience.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
N/A
"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?*
N/A
What sports and/or extra curricular activities did you do in High School? And why?
In high school I was an overachiever. I did the morning announcements as a senior, was a member of the step team, and two other organizations for young ladies at the school.
Academically, I did very well. While I only gave about 70?fort, I graduated at the top ten percent of my class and graduated with two scholarships toward my college education.
What is your major? and Why did you choose it?
I originally chose Political Science as a major because people told me that I should be a lawyer because I liked to talk. Then I changed my major to Psychology because I was always interested in the way that the mind worked and always enjoyed counseling people. Finally, I changed my major to Telecommunications and I loved it! I could speak, write, talk; some of my favorite things to do.
What advice would you give high school students filling out college applications for the first time?
[When did you send your application to the HBCU of your choice?]
I began preparing my college applications at the end of my junior year and sent my college applications in at the beginning of senior year.
[What was your GPA? ACT, SAT, etc. scores?]
GPA 3.3; I’m not sure what my SAT scores were, but the scores were pretty good.
What advice would you give to other high school students thinking about their future?
Choose a career and major based on your natural talents. It will save you lots of time, agony and disappointment. Making a living doing what you love is the best reward of all.
Comments
Morgan State University
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Students: 7,698
Under Graduates: 6,302
Post Graduates: 1,396 - Athletics: Morgan State University offers men and women's basketball, cross country, tennis and track and field; women's-only bowling, softball, and volleyball; and men's-only football. Morgan State University competes in the NCAA Division I FCS and are members of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.
- Notable Alumni: Earl G. Graves - 1957 - Entrepreneur, philanthropist, founder of Black Enterprise magazine** David E. Talbert - playwright, TV producer, and entrepreneur** Dan Foster - Nigerian-based radio DJ** Mo'Nique - attended - Academy Award winning actress** William C. Rhoden - 1972 - New York Times columnist** Jae Deal - 2002 - Composer, music producer** Jan M. Alexander - 1982 - Judge, District Court of Maryland for Baltimore County (2002–2010), Circuit Court, Baltimore County (2010–)** Alexander Wright, Jr. - Judge, Circuit Court, Baltimore County (1998–2000); Judge, Maryland Court of Special Appeals (2008–)** Catherine E. Pugh - Mayor of Baltimore**
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