Shakena McBride , Tougaloo College- c/o 2019, Economics
Name : Shakena McBride
HBCU : Tougaloo College
Graduation Year : 2019
Major : Economics
Minor : Accounting
Email : shakena.mcbride@gmail.com
Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I am from Jackson, Mississippi. I was introduced to HBCUs through school but for Tougaloo College my cousin Kendrick Amerson introduced that particular HBCU.
Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
The reason i chose a HBCU over a pwi was not only the history of Tougaloo but also the meaning behind a HBCU. School wasn’t given to us we had to work hard to learn. We weren’t allowed into a pwi without a fight so we created our institutions for our education.
We get served lemons and make lemonade.
What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
Well my experience at Tougaloo isn’t short of amazing. When i first came to Tougaloo I was 5 months pregnant with my son. I was tired and sick most days but my teachers worked with me.
I was having contractions on my last final and my teacher let me take it that last semester so I wouldn’t have to take the class over and still pass. I am forever grateful for his patience with me.
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
It was very welcoming. I felt like I belong like we were all a family. I also learned so much about African culture. I became in touch with my roots at Tougaloo.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
Dr. Eldabour is a teacher I will never forget. He pushed me so hard because he saw potential in me. He made me realize that i can push myself harder.
When i get to his office it seems as if I’m still in a classroom. I am forever grateful for his seeing something that i didn’t even see I’m myself.
What type of household did you grow up in?
I grew up with my grandparents. My mom was on drugs and my father was in the streets. Growing up i was always told i was very smart and always put in advanced classes but never really applied myself. It was second nature to me so i really didn’t have a challenge growing and not much help. I taught myself and my siblings what i knew.
I grew up in the “hood” as most would say but i never let that define me. My dad got custody of me and my little sister when i was in seventh grade but in his household showing affection was lost. I knew what love was my grandma showed me that but I expected that same love from my parents also. That affected me but made me not focus on affection but rather reality and that time will keep going so let’s not waste it.
What was your proudest moment in your life to date?
When I became the financial secretary of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. I had my son and still did what I had to do for our future.
Comments
Tougaloo College
-
Students: 900
- Athletics: Tougaloo College is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), competing in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference (GCAC). Men's sports include baseball, basketball, cross country, golf and tennis; while women's sports include basketball, cross country, tennis and volleyball.
- Notable Alumni: Colia Clark - Civil rights activist and candidate for U.S. Senate in New York** Aunjanue Ellis - Attended - actor** Anne Moody - Author and civil rights activist** Aaron Shirley, MD - Founder of Jackson Medical Mall and recipient of MacArthur award** Dr. Hakeem M. Oluseyi, PhD - 1991 - Astrophysicist and popularizer of science, graduated from Tougaloo College with a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics. Went on to graduate from Stanford University with a PhD in Physics** Walter Turnbull, PhD - Founder of the Boys Choir of Harlem** Karen Williams Weaver, PhD - 1982 - Mayor, city of Flint, Michigan**
- Click here to view on Wikipedia