Jaslyn Parks , Paine College- c/o 2017, Biology & Pre-Medicine
Name : Jaslyn Parks
HBCU : Paine College
Graduation Year : 2017
Major : Biology & Pre-Medicine
Minor : Pre-Allied Health
Email : jaslynparks91@gmail.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I am from a small southern city named Soperton, Ga. The population is around 1200. My cousin Jane Baker was the one that introduced me to colleges. I did not have a role model growing up that went to college among my mother and father. I wanted to experience the depth of knowledge as well as broaden my education.
My cousin Jane Baker went to the HBCU Paine College and I decided I wanted to go as well.
Current Day 2019
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
I selected an HBCU because of the television show "A Different World". The show gave me so much excitement growing up about how college was different in "our world" versus the world of others. I wanted to experience the Dwayne Waynes, Whitley Gilberts, Kimberly Reeses, and the Ron Johnsons. Trust me they had ALL of them at EVERY HBCU. I knew that if I went to a PWI, I would not belong. Choosing an HBCU was the right choice for me. Also my cousin Jane Baker used to have talks with me concerning HBCUs so I wanted to experience it.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
Paine College was the college where EVERYONE was considered as family. The professors were hands on with you and they knew everyone in their classroom. We were based on a three-legged foundation where faculty, staff, and students worked together to push students to the next level.
I remember when my sister died and I did not want to go to class or anything because of the devastating news. I started to receive visits and love from some of the SGA members, professors, faculty and students in my very own dorm room. I was overwhelmed with joy in my heart because you will never know of any university taking the time out to make sure their student is okay. Paine College was the home away from home.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
I met my best friend at Paine. Karnia Lake and I met the very first day of freshman orientation. Her mother and my mother instantly became close making sure we were safe and sharing how we ended up at Paine together.
Paine brought me a friend who has grown to be my sister over 9 years ago. I remember my first time singing in the Paine College Concert Choir and how Dean Woodson welcomed me with open arms and helped perfect my gift. I remember my first chapel assembly. I literally brought all church clothes thinking we were going to be in a regular church service. I learned then to tone down my "COGIC" attire.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
The professors that have impacted my life would have to be Dr. Tantiana Burns and Dr. Raul Peters. These two played a big sister and uncle figure in my life. They both pushed me to my limits and helped me excel to be all that I can be.
Because of them I was able to be a successful person in a program called MAPS (Minority Association for Pre-Medical Students). I was able to help freshman to excel in their studies with science emphasis. Those professors showed me tough love in order for me to grind until I received my degree. Paine College Biology Department is no joke. You must be disciplined for the journey and they showed me tools and prayed with and for me to succeed.
_thumb3.JPG)
Graduation Day 2017
What is your major? and Why did you choose it?
Biology was my major. Ever since I was a little girl I wanted to do something in the health field but I didn't know what. My mother was diagnosed with Epilepsy when she was little (she suffered from Grand Mal seizures). When I saw her have a seizure for the first time, I made my decision to go into biology so one day I can find a cure for epilepsy. I wanted to understand why she was experiencing them. Why was she the only one out of her siblings to experience them. Where in the body did they come from. I want to find a cure for seizures. My mother is my motivation daily.
What was your proudest moment in your life to date?
The proudest moment for me was May 7, 2017, GRADUATION DAY. I am the first in my family, both sides, to go to college straight out of high school and to graduate. To see the look on my parents faces said how proud they are of me. I endured every obstacle that I was faced with. I was sad that I was leaving my beloved institution, but it was time for me to continue to spread my wings and soar with the tools Paine instilled me with.
What type of household did you grow up in?
I grew up in a one parented household where it was just my mother, my sister, and myself. She prayed for us every morning before we went to school and prayed for us every night before bedtime. She made sure we had everything we needed. She was the hero in my sister and I's eyes. She still is.
What is your process when you are going through a hardship that you have never faced before?
When I experience hardships, I simply do three things. I cry first to let out all of the anger and frustration of the news. I then go into my secret closet to get away from the world. And lastly I pray to reassure my faith in God. Without him I cannot go through these hardships and bounce back even stronger.
Comments
Paine College
-
Students: 500
- Athletics: Paine College competes in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) at the Division II level as a member of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC). Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf and track & field; women's sports include basketball, cross country, softball, track & field and volleyball.
- Notable Alumni: John Wesley Gilbert - 1886 - First African-American archaeologist** Emma R. Gresham - 1953 - Mayor of Keysville, Georgia (1985-2005) and the second African American female to be elected as a chief official in Georgia** Louis Lomax - 1942 - Journalist, first African American to appear on television as a newsman** Joseph Lowery - President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference 1977-1997** Mike Thurmond - 1975 - Attorney and first African-American elected as Georgia Labor Commissioner** Channing Tobias - 1902 - Civil rights activist and appointee on the President's Committee on Civil Rights** Woodie W. White - 1958 - Bishop of the United Methodist Church** Frank Yerby - 1937 - Internationally acclaimed author and film writer**
- Click here to view on Wikipedia