Toi Dorsey, Alabama A & M University- c/o 2006, Psychology
Name : Toi Dorsey
HBCU : Alabama A & M University
Graduation Year : 2006
Major : Psychology
Minor : Communications
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I’m from Chicago, IL. My first encounter with an HBCU was a Historically Black College Tour sponsored by Trinity United Church. They rented a bus and drove like 30 kids to 15 different black colleges… it was amazing!! I’d recommend that for anyone considering college.
Toi Dorsey, Proud AAMU Alum | Image Credit: Toi Dorsey
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
The tour left a serious impression on me. I got to interact with the students, sit in some classes, eat in the cafe, walk around the yard….
During the tour we visited AAMU.
That day I think the fraternity Kappa Alpha Psi was having the probate show and during probates there were typically hundreds of students crowded on ‘the block’ (a small street that houses all the fraternity and sorority plots). Seeing all those people, getting to ask them personal questions, the atmosphere… it was live and exciting!! I knew right then and there I wanted to be an AAMU Bulldog.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
I can honestly say I had one of the best college experiences of anyone I know. I joined several organizations, served on the student council, was president and vice president of a couple of honor societies… I was even a campus queen one year (Miss Psi Chi National Psychology Honor Society). I go back every year for homecoming and I’m still best friends with my college roommate. It changed my life!!
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
First love, first relationship, first road trip (to TSU). First time drinking… turned 21 and had the biggest party!!
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
My entire psychology department left an impression on me.
Dr. Winn was my statistics and Human sexuality professor. Those two courses actually helped me decide on my major. She made psychology fun and entertaining. I’ve not been the same since, I aspire to one day teach psychology with the enthusiasm that Dr. Winn taught it.
AAMUs’ Campus | Image Credit: Toi Dorsey
Best restaurants on/near campus? Best dishes?
OMG the Greasy Spoon was the absolute BEST restaurant on campus. I don’t know if its still open but it was so much like The Pit on A Different World. The place where everybody hung out, ate, met up, even watched probate shows.The Bulldog Burger was legendary… ask any AAMU student that attended during the 1999 – 2007 school years.
College crush?
The two guys I dated were my crushes… They know who they are.
What sports and/or extra curricular activities did you do in High School? And why?
I was in the student council, the African american culture club and the drama club. These clubs gave me a broad perspective of human nature. I was exposed to so many different groups…
Ghost stories involving buildings or spots on campus?
Yes, there is an abandoned female dorm up on the block… they say a girl killed herself in that dorm. It was closed before I got there and the building is still closed today (to the best of my knowledge). They also say William H. Council‘s ghost (The founder) walks the yard.
What is your major? and Why did you choose it?
Psychology with a minor in communications. Dr. Winn made it fun!
What to date has been your proudest moment @ Your HBCU?
Graduation was the best. That whole week of graduation… was awesome.
Where are the spots to go to if you wanted to cuddle with your boy or girlfriend?
Hahaha… well. The mountains in Huntsville were always packed with cars. Gorgeous view of the city late at night.
What are the chants heard most often at the sporting events?
Glad to see you again… I haven’t seen you since I don’t know when. We are the Marching Bulldog Band, and we are the BEST BAND!! Best Band in the land…
A&M, A&M, A&M, A&M! U! WHOOOOOO, DAT BOOTAY BOOTAY!!!
How are you positively active on campus? (e.g. clubs, SGA, etc.)
Sigma Tau Epsilon Fraternity, Student Government Association (for 3 years). Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society, Psy Chi Honor Society
Where is the “yard” located?
The whole school was referred to as the Yard but typically the huge grassy quad area.
What and where are the historical places on campus?
The quad, the greasy spoon. The president’s house was located at the very TOP of the hills… There is also an old bell up on the block that they say slaves used to be sold from back in the day.
What situation in your life made you feel like you had arrived into woman/manhood?
Having a child (after I’d graduated). Made the real world come crashing down but in a good way.
How do you deal with racism when you encounter it?
In the south, there will always be racism. I kept on smiling.
What is your process when you are going through a hardship that you have never faced before?
Choose life and live. Don’t be afraid to make changes and above all pursue happiness.
When and how did you discover your passion in life?
I’m still searching…
What's your take on life (in the philosophical sense)?
Choose life and live. Don’t be afraid to make changes and above all pursue happiness.
How did you overcome your nervousness about going to college?
I think my excitement overcame my nervousness.
If you could speak to those family members that have risen but that live forever through you, what words would you speak?
I hope that I’m making use of your lineage and your blood line… That one day everyone will know how great you had to have been because of how great I am.
If you could only speak two sentences to the youth coming after you what would you say?
Be careful what you put out into the universe. If you put out good positive energy, you’ll get good vibes in return but if you put out the wrong energy… well.
Are you a member of a sorority?
My saddest moment was not getting an opportunity to pledge the sorority I wanted to pledge. Its a lot of competition at HBCU’s so get ready!! But it was alright, I’m still very good friends with several members of the sorority so I still walked away with a feeling of sisterhood.
Read above answer lol. It just wasn’t my time… I did have to pledge Sigma Tau Epsilon though, and let me just say it was run by all Greeks in the divine nine so you can imagine what the process was like
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