Jerrika Nelson
Staff Writer
In a celebration of triumph and ambition, Jackson State University’s Trio program curated a Vision Board Party on Nov. 7. This event, which honored first-generation students during the First-Gen Week, spotlighted their unique journeys.
Ronald Hicks, director of the McNeil HBCU Scholars Program and a pivotal force in orchestrating the event, shared that the vision for this event was clear from the beginning.
“Being a part of the planning process, the idea was to intentionally organize programs that would empower our first-generation students and celebrate their wins, their journey leading into being the first in their families to become college educated,” Hicks stated.
Hicks is especially passionate about encouraging first generation students into believing that despite the complication they will face in their academic journeys, it’s crucial that they know there are no limitations to what they can achieve.
“First-generation students deal with a lot of obstacles. Life can blind you into assuming what you can’t have and where you can’t go, but this vision party is to help solidify the idea that there are all types of possibilities of where all of our first-generation students can go.”
Mykia Horton, a sophomore business administration major from Hueytown, Ala., spoke about her motivation to attend the event.
“I’ve never participated in something like this before. I’ve never created a vision board, and I’ve never really put all of my thoughts and goals down on paper,” said Horton.
Horton wants to be a serial entrepreneur, owning multiple businesses and establishing herself as a businesswoman.
Chelsea Irving Hood, a freshman biology/pre-physical therapy major from Bailey, Miss., is a proud first-generation student.
“Being a first-time freshman and first-gen student, my takeaway was that there are people at this school ready to help and guide you through your college years. They just want you to succeed and do your very best,” she said. “It might take tough love and hard work, but success is achievable.”
Hood appreciates the opportunity to fully express her goals and place them on a physical life.
“The most exciting thing about today’s event was the vision board session because we got to put our thoughts and what we want in our life on a board to see,” said Hood.
Jeremiah Friday, a senior electrical engineering major from Madison, Miss. was one of those students.
“This event really motivated me for my future. It inspired me by showing what I need to be doing to achieve my goals for next year, especially since I’m scheduled to graduate soon,” said Friday. “The networking reception really taught me how important it is networking and making those new connections. Through networking, I was able to get a full-time job for this upcoming January.”
The event showcased a mosaic of student goals and visions. It also served as a platform for students from different backgrounds to share their goals and visions for the near future.
