Illustrating for The Blue and White Flash for the past three years has been nothing short of an amazing experience. It has given me the opportunity to give something back to my university; to leave at least one thing here to be proud of. When I first started drawing for the Flash, I wasn’t sure that I would be of much help. I was certain that there had been several art majors that have worked with the paper in years past and doubted that my drawings would even hold a candle to theirs. I am a chemistry major that used to draw as a long lost hobby… What was I doing trying to draw for a college publication? I didn’t see myself making it past year one, let alone three. Working for the Flash has been a learning experience, though. Not only have I been able to get tips from accomplished cartoonists like Marshall Ramsey, but I have learned a lot about myself as well. I have learned that you can not go into situations doubting yourself, no matter how you foresee the outcome. I appreciate the staff for both the great times and encouragement throughout the years. Thanks also for letting me draw for you, allowing me to do something I had almost forgotten I loved to do!!! I wish nothing but the best for my journalism home within my “dear old college home”!
-Allen Wells
Dear Flash,
Thank you for allowing me to assist with writing various stories for the newspaper these past few years. I am appreciative of the experience that I received working with student publications and it is something that I will cherish forever. From Learning the ins and outs of AP style writing, accurately quoting sources, deadlines, to attending media conferences. I can truly say my experience thus far from the Flash, has prepared me to take on any task that the workforce may throw my way. I recently accepted a full-time position as a news producer at WLBT/WDBD and will begin producing the 8 a.m. newscast. Also I am planning to attend graduate school and study public relations and corporate communication.
I want to say thank you for everything because I truly found a home at The Flash. To students, please take this great opportunity and write for your school newspaper, it’s really a rewarding experience.
With Love,
Kachelle S. Pratcher
It seems like it was yesterday that I was congregating with my classmates on the Gibbs-Green pedestrian walkway outside of Alexander Dormitory my freshman year.
Since my arrival at Jackson State University as a freshman in 2009, I challenged myself to become a better person than I was before I set foot on campus. I wanted to be more sociable, step outside of my comfort zone, yet staying true to myself in the process. Now, just a week away from graduation, my matriculation throughout college has bought upon life lessons, experiences, and relationships which have prepared me for life after undergrad.
During my freshman year, I vowed to make the best out of my college experience and gain a new perspective on life. After high school, I wanted to press a reset button and start fresh with new memories and grow as a young adult. Although, it took me a while to adjust to college, I quickly got accustomed to the culture at JSU. My freshman and sophomore year had to be the best years during my time at Jackson State. I often find myself reminiscing about some of the foolery that took place in Alexander: The fights, loud music, parties/forums in the lobby, unsanitary housing conditions, random fire alarms at 4 a.m., listening to the Sonic Boom practice during late nights, food fights in the café, having hotspots throughout the night as well as three times a week. Five years later, those memories have become nostalgic.
Once entering my sophomore year, I soon realized that I needed to be flexible with academics and extra activities. That was the time I joined the JSU NAACP chapter and met the late NAACP President Michael Teasley. Mike and I shared so many memories, that I can’t keep count. He has been my guardian angel since the day God called him home and I know he’s in heaven cheering for me and his fiancée Dominique McCraney. Also, I have to give the utmost gratitude to my first and only mentor/professor/motivator, Dr. Hilliard Lackey. I remember meeting you when I was in the summer development program, you always pushed me to through any adversity that I faced. Jackson State University has brought the best and worst out of me, I have made some dumbfounded decisions that I regret, but I willingly took that as a lesson to be learned.
I want to give thanks to The Blue & White Flash for believing in me and offering me a chance to prove myself. You all have made my years at JSU worthwhile, writing for the Flash has made me realize my value and my passion in life. Ms. Shannon, you were primarily the reason why I became enthusiastic to share my talent to the student body and I can recall being timid to join the staff, because I wasn’t confident in my capability to write. I wouldn’t have written a single article if it wasn’t for your encouragement and astute wisdom. Ms. Sylvia Watley, advisor of student publications, thank you for all of the constructive criticism of my work. Your blunt remarks, and candid conversations have prepared me for the real world. I know I almost drove you into a psychiatric ward several times with my stubbornness and unorthodox conduct in the office. Thank you for putting up with me and giving me chance after chance to redeem myself.
I couldn’t have chosen a better HBCU that would have molded me into the young lady that I am today. JSU has definitely challenged my mind and changed my life forever. I’m not sure where my destination will be, only God knows that answer but I won’t forget about my Dear Ole College Home, wherever I may roam.
-Alexis Anderson
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