“Along with my great academic experiences I have met some lifelong friends at my institution. Over the years I have grown from a young lady into a woman. JCSU has made me more diverse and open minded.”
C/O 2012
Major: Biology & Chemistry
Personal Contacts:
How did you decide to become a student at Johnson C. Smith University?
I was a participant in the Upward Bound Programs on the campus of JCSU and the rest is history. There I was afforded the opportunity to interact with professors, link up with the tennis coach, and explore campus life.
“Johnson C. Smith University’s Upward Bound Programs (Upward Bound/Upward Bound Math and Science) are committed to providing students opportunities for a successful future.” [Image Courtesy of JCSU]
Being so family oriented the commute from the campus to home was perfect. When I went to visit other campuses it just wasn’t the same. Essentially I think my HBCU chose me.
What professors at Johnson C. Smith University are leaving the most impression upon you as a student and/or person? What did they do that continues to mean so much to you to this day?
The professor that has impacted my college career the most would have to be Dr. Joseph Fail. He teaches botany, ecology, evolution, and other special topics biology classes.
JCSU Students and Dr. Fail during Earth Day; Image Courtesy of JCSU
Dr. Fail would have to be the hardest biology teacher at JCSU but I appreciate him for that. He never cuts his students any slack, he is always willing to help, and his teaching style helps in retaining the information. He also wants his students to succeed so he always make sure that he exposes us to the right people and provides us with many opportunities within our major.
What is the story of your “experience” to date at Johnson C. Smith University given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious HBCU?
Along with my great academic experiences I have met some lifelong friends at my institution. Over the years I have grown from a young lady into a woman. JCSU has made me more diverse and open minded. It has helped me get more involved into my community and it I get exposure to many people from different networks. Also being a student-athlete helps me take my pride from in the classroom to tennis courts.
Nubian Queen Rolanda Sue poised and ready to win her next match!! – Image Courtesy of JCSU Golden Bullsports
Overall my experience has been rewarding and unforgettable. I love my Gold and Blue.
Where are the spots to go to if you wanted to cuddle with your boy or girlfriend?
Best place to cuddle would have to be in your room but on nice days you can catch couples on the bleachers by the tennis courts.
Beautiful courts with a beautiful backdrop of Downtown Charlotte, North Carolina
What are the best restaurants on and near the campus? Which dishes do you enjoy the most?
Enso: any type of sushi rolls especially the kiss me rolls
Wow! This dish looks so appetizing! – Image Courtesy of Enso Sushi Bar and Asian Bistro
Chipotle: chicken and steak burrito bowl Cookout: always fast and cheap, especially if its late and you are on a budget Rock bottom, Carrabbas, Fuel, Buffalo Wild Wings, Outback Steak House.
What are the chants heard most often at the sporting events?
“This aint nothing but a smith thing that’s all that’s all that’s all, to the window (to the window), to the wall (to the wall)” “Rock the Blue and Gold” “We the BEST in the CI CI DOUBLE A”
Who is your College crush?
A poet 
How did you overcome your nervousness about going to college?
I was never really nervous about going to college. I felt prepared and I had a great support system, my family.
Family is all you have in this lifetime! [Image Courtesy of African American Family Conference]
What is your major? and Why did you choose it?
Biology and Chemistry. I have always been interested in the sciences since I was a child so by the time I got to college my mind was set on being a science major.
What to date has been your proudest moment at Johnson C. Smith University?
Winning the title of Miss JCSU would have to be one of my proudest moments along with my travels to Haiti to start our new JCSU-Haitian Initiative.
Congratulations on becoming Miss JCSU for the year 2011-2012 and we really liked this video you filmed during your campaign, very creative! – Image Courtesy of Rolanda Sue
What are you pledging? And why? And if not, why not?
I have not decided if I am going to pledge.
How are you positively active on campus? (e.g. clubs, SGA, etc.)
Miss JCSU 11-12, Captain Women’s tennis team, President of Student Athletic Advisory Committee, VP of the Science Club, STEM Tutor, Upward Bound Tutor Counselor, Miss Kappa Alpha Psi 10-11, NSBE, Sigma Tau Delta Honor Society.
NSBE Members spending time together working hard!- Image Courtesy of NSBE
Where is the “yard” located?
In the center of the campus, mostly referred to as the “block”
A Glimpse of the “Block” during a Frat performance! Looks really nice!
What and where are the historical places on campus?
Biddle Hall located on the block Campus itself is historic because it is built on the highest hill in Charlotte.
Biddle Hall is in the background; Image Courtesy of Black Past
Are there any ghost stories involving buildings or spots on campus?
There have been rumors that some of the dorms were hospitals and at night students claim to have heard ghost. Also says that lovers meet on the bridge at midnight and a female ghost lingers on the clock above biddle hall.
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.)
First time I pulled all nighters, got my first C, first time I went streaking
