I’m a nontraditional student who started at SMC back in Fall 2013. During my time here, I lost multiple family members to health illnesses before, during, and after COVID. But I was able to find my community in Black Collegians—they helped me find both a family in the program and my authentic self.
SMC helped me be of service to my community and find a career as an educator so I can continue giving back.
The classes that focused on different aspects of African American Studies helped me better understand myself as a Black student and individual, and showed me ways to better my community.
Thank you to Mrs. Bradford, Ms. Jocelyn, and the counselors in the Black Collegians Program for your love and support during my time at SMC. And thank you to Professor Ross, Dr. Isaacs, Professor Shaw, soon-to-be Dr. Peeples, and Dr. Junius for your dedication to Black and Brown students on campus. Your wisdom, care, and compassion are things I’ll carry with me—and I’ll treat others with the same respect you’ve shown me.
Be of service to your community to discover what you love and want to do as a career. Take the classes that align with that path, and take a few extra just to keep things fun. But more importantly, find your community!