William Jefferson, Miles College- c/o 2017, Journalism & Mass Communications
Name : William Jefferson
HBCU : Miles College
Graduation Year : 2017
Major : Journalism & Mass Communications
Email : william_jefferson911@yahoo.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
The Chicago Bulls, White Sox, Cubs, Harold's Chicken, Deep dish pizza. The Willis Tower , Navy pier. Footwork & Juke Dancing. First Black Mayor Harold Washington , Famous R kelly, Common, Kayne West, and others you cant help but to love my city.
I am from the windy city Chicago, Illinois.
Growing Up on the Southside (Englewood) It was hard because of the peer pressure. I stayed active to not get distracted. I attended Simeon Career Academy ( Wolverines! ) which was mostly black students.
My high school didn't necessarily promote HBCUs. Watching Drumline, Stomp the Yard, and A Different World really made me want to go.
Culture, Class, and Civility
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
I chose an HBCU because I wanted to learn about my culture more. I didn't have a good GPA. I didn't make a great score on my ACT so I prayed god to send me away to a 4 year accredited college not just a College but an Historical Black College where my ancestors fought for me to get an higher education...Then I got the phone call from admissions and my life turned around - I was ready to go instantly.
This school taught me to get over fear & disappointment, Be a better change, Handle situations & Learn life lessons to prepare me for the real world. Throughout my time I have made a couple mistakes but who is to judge no one is perfect.
Lost a couple friends gained some amazing ones and networked. From the One on One with the teachers, The smaller classrooms. The Organizations on campus that helped me gain scholarships NAACP, UNCF, Student Ambassdor, & SGA. I made one of the best choices ever. The homecoming was insane from the alumni, greeks, the band and the great food it felt like a family reunion.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
To my illustrious institution Miles College "Home of the Southern Beauty" they promote academic excellence. It raised me for four great years and it opened doors for me. I will always be indebted to Dear Ol Miles and its 119 years of greatness.
Mintues Ahead.........Miles Away
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
I've had some good days and I've had some bad ones. I've had some weary days and some sleepless nights. But now that I look back I smile. It was a long road but my first experience taught me friendships, politics, life, love, and loss.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
My esteemed president Dr. George T French Jr who called me his " Scholar ".
To Dr Chewka who believed in me when I came in with a low GPA and graduated with Honors.
To Dr. Welch who always made sure I was going in the right direction. To my advisor Ms. Brown Bivens who made sure I stayed on top of everything and that I stayed faithful to God.
To My Advisor Mrs Courtney Sankey who I could talk to about my problems and she would give me the best advice.
To My Communications Department Dr. Baptiste, Mrs. McConico, Mrs. Morton, Ms. Chekwa everyone made sure I was the best of best.
Comments
Miles College
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Students: 1,823
- Athletics: Miles College competes in the NCAA Division II's Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). Miles College offers men's and women's sports that include: basketball, football, volleyball, track, baseball, softball, cross country, and golf.
- Notable Alumni: Richard Arrington Jr. - First African-American Mayor of the City of Birmingham** U. W. Clemon - First African-American federal judge in the State of Alabama** Jesse Lewis - Founder of the Birmingham Times** Fred Horn - Politician, Former Alabama House of Representatives** Juandalynn Givan - Politician, Alabama House of Representatives** Bennett M. Stewart - Former Democratic U.S. Representative from Illinois** Cleopatra Tucker - Politician, who has served in the New Jersey General Assembly since 2008**
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