In Canada, where I’m from, university athletics are not as big as they are down here. So, for me, being able to attend a university in the States is huge. This is all kind of new to me. I didn’t know anything about HBCU’s before I got here. But, I honestly love it. It’s very exciting because there’s always something to do. People are very enthusiastic, and there’s definitely southern hospitality here. Everyone is very genuine and nice. And, I love the weather down here. I do not miss the cold at all.

I had been doing pretty well for myself despite not finishing. I’ve been blessed with great jobs and opportunities, multiple vehicles, and a nice house. But last year something happened and God put me in a position to go back to school and finish, even though I fought it until I couldn’t anymore. He works in mysterious ways. I’ve always wanted to make my wife, grandparents, parents, and those who really are invested in my success proud.

Saturday, I will receive my college degree and hear First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama speak. My only regret is not doing it sooner, when my grandparents could have witnessed it. Nevertheless, I’m happy my little ones will see their dad get his diploma and maybe when they get older, they will look back and realize they can do anything they want. Special thanks to the one who has pushed me from the day I met her at Jackson State and who has been there every step of the way. Erica Young Frazier, I love you to the moon and back.”

– Julian, graduating senior English major from Jackson, Mississippi / April 2016

At first, I was hesitant to come here. I had never been to America, and I didn’t know anyone here. And, America is so far from home. It’s a 24-hour flight, and the time difference is 13 hours. But, my dad said that this was a great opportunity and that I should go for it. After a while, I started to get pretty excited about it, and I took the offer.

Being here has been really different, with the culture and everything. In Singapore, we live in a really fast paced society similar to New York. But, here, it is a lot more relaxing. And, the people here are a lot friendlier. I was really taken aback when I first got here. People were just randomly saying, ‘Hi. How are you?’ and I’m like, ‘Are you talking to me? I don’t know you.’ *laughs*

It’s been a good experience. I’ve made good friends and met good people, so I’ve gotten really comfortable. I used to go home during the breaks. But, I have my own place now, so I’m learning to be independent and not go home. And, I’m actually planning to get my master’s here, as well.

I would tell others to be open to new opportunities. You’ll never know what you can achieve until you take the first step forward, and I’m glad that I did. I’m glad to be here.”

– Dyana, senior interdisciplinary studies major from Singapore

My teachers and counselors didn’t want me to do get out of school that early because they said that I was too young. And, other adults said that I wasn’t ready for the college environment. But, I felt like I was really mature, and I don’t get involved in negative stuff. I know good from bad, so I’m watching over myself. I felt like I was ready, and my mom felt like I was ready. So, here I am.

I don’t really tell my age to a lot of people. Some of my summer bridge classmates know about my age, and a few others know. But, I guess, just about everyone will know now.”

– Charity, sophomore computer engineering major from Jackson, Mississippi

When I was younger, I would see my mother maybe once every three or four years. She always said she did what she had to do, so she can support us financially. But I don’t think anything compares to just being there physically. I mean, I never really wanted for anything, but I guess, it was just the time we missed.

I never realized how much it hurt up until this point. And I think it hurt her as well. We don’t have the relationship that a typical mother and daughter have. I see her more as my older sister, than I do as my mother.

I was raised by grandmother, my mom’s mother. Sometimes I feel bad, because looking back, I realize that my grandmother had to deal with a lot of stuff that my mother and father didn’t have to deal with. Anytime we were sick, she was the one that was running with us back and forth to the doctors. I always say, when I make it, she will never have to worry about anything. I love my grandmother.”

– Ariel, senior accounting major from Belzoni, MS on full academic scholarship at JSU.

I’m an artist, signed to Juvenile and I’m in a group with Juvenile’s son and BG’s son. I really want to own my own record label in the future. It’s easy to just go and find a job. But, if you want to own the business and give jobs, you need to know the business. You need to know everything that goes along with it. So, I’m here to own the business. I plan to further my career and be a 50 Cent or a Jay-Z.

The toughest part for me right now is having to make these Thursday night and Friday night shows, way out of town and making it back for class on Monday. It’s tough, but I get it done. So, it’s never impossible. It’s always possible.”

– Adarryl (Lil Soulja Slim), junior management major