Essence of a Lady Tiger group molds minds

Jennifer Wiles
Staff Writer

Many people dedicate themselves to mentoring young girls, but there is actually an organization composed of women whose mission is to help mold young ladies into Jacksonian women.

The ladies of Essence of a Lady Tiger (EOLT), teamed up with two Jackson State University class queens, Miss Junior Destiny Harris, and Miss Sophomore Jesslyn Course to mentor freshmen ladies at JSU on Sept. 15 in the Reddix Building General Purpose Room.

Side by side, the women took charge in getting to know the freshmen girls with their intimate forum, “The Do’s and Don’ts of Freshman Year”.

Diamond McCray, a junior political science major from Magnolia, Miss., and one of the hostesses of the event, relies on guidance.

“They need mentorship! They need mentorship because they’re kind of in their selves and it’s hard for them to come out so they need someone who can help them break out of their shells,” said McCray.

The ladies enjoyed open conversation between EOLT and interested members over cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and juice.

A question/answer session delved into many trending topics including: “How do I stay cute and classy on my off days?” and “How do you ask a guy if he’s been tested?” just to name a few.

General members of EOLT strongly suggested that women should not just ask their partners about whether or not they have been tested but ask what the results were so that there is clarity in the relationship before there is intimacy.

Destiny Harris, a junior biology/pre-dental major from Memphis, Tenn., believes the freshmen in attendance benefitted from the advice of the upperclassmen.

“The most important thing that I think the ladies learned is to put themselves first in all situations they have to think about themselves before they can think about anyone else,” said Harris.

Charence Higgins, 2015-2016 Miss Jackson State University and other royal court members also came to support and give advice.

“There are three things you need to keep: One, a mentor, two, someone who inspires you, three, someone you don’t want to be, and four, a mentee,” said Higgins.