“I’m actually a first-generation college student. It’s hard because everybody expects a lot from you. It’s pressure at times because they don’t really understand what it’s like and how hard it is to manage sometimes. But they’re proud of me and happy for me. I transferred here from a school in Alabama. I was a cheerleader there for two years, but I just didn’t feel at home. So for my last two years, I wanted to have that real college experience. That’s why I’m here. This is where my family wanted me to come to begin with.

I really love cheerleading. I started cheering during my sophomore year in high school. I did all-star cheer and I cheered in school. And in Alabama, I worked in a gym and coached an all-star team. Now I cheer at Jackson State.

It really has taught me to manage a lot of stuff well. I came here from Alabama doing a lot, and now I’m here doing pretty much the same thing. So for the most part, I’ve kind of got my time management skills down pat. Eventually, I want to open up my own gym and be a coach.”

– Steven, junior physical education major from Jackson, Miss.