WSSU Class of 2021: Where are they headed?
While the global pandemic shaped the Class of 2021’s final year on campus, these graduates are #RamStrong activists, advocates, artists, and athletes who are prepared to take on whatever challenges they may face in the future.
Major: Mass Communications, Justice Studies minor
Hometown: Fayetteville, NC
Je’den Clark served on the Student Government Association (SGA) beginning in her freshman year and was SGA President 2020-2021. She was an Honors Scholar, Miss Beta Iota (2018-2019), and the WSSU representative for the College Advisory Board for the City of Winston-Salem (2019-2020)
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about attending WSSU?
WSSU is the perfect place to be for someone who wants catalytic growth. Unlike other universities, this institution welcomes adversity, for in the midst of adversity, greatness forms. WSSU is the space that encourages creativity, innovation, and collaboration while also instilling core values in every setting regardless of the curriculum. You will learn the importance of social justice and its five pillars: community sustainability, community empowerment, diversity, educational equity, and health equity and you will be able to apply it to your life no matter the career path.
How has WSSU prepared you to achieve your ultimate goal?
WSSU heightened my passion for advocacy. My ultimate goal in life is to advocate for the success and happiness of myself and those around me, providing encouragement and any resource I can to achieve better. I can say that because of WSSU, adversity is something that only holds weight if I allow it to and I have the power to speak over mountains and move the obstacles that come my way.
What’s next for you after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to continue pursuing my higher education in mass communications in hopes of providing a platform for minority-owned businesses to enter and transform mainstream media. The amount of talent, passion, and drive among minorities is abundant and I believe it’s time for the rest of the world to see it.
Major: Biology, Chemistry minor
Hometown: Waldorf, Maryland
Mia Coates was a Simon Green Atkins Scholar, member of the Beta Beta Beta Biological Honor Society, and an SGA representative. She was part of the Powerhouse of Red and White Cheerleading Team and served as the captain of the Red Team Cheerleaders from 2017-2021.
After graduation she will be working at Twin City Bio as a Quality Control Laboratory Analyst. In the near future, she plans to join the United State military and become a clinical laboratory scientist.
How has WSSU prepared you for life after undergrad?
WSSU has provided me with the support, family, knowledge, mental and physical toughness to properly equip me for success post-graduation. I am leaving WSSU with complete confidence that I have everything I need to achieve greatness. I also know that if I ever run into troubles, I have a community of people who will willingly help me and support me through the good and bad times.
How did the pandemic affect your senior year?
My senior year did not go as expected, but my teammates and I made the best of it! We pushed each other daily and released 10 performance videos, hosted a Virtual Homecoming, a Unity Ramboree with all the CIAA teams that we would have played during football season, and released one virtual CIAA Exhibition video on the @Wssupowerhouse Instagram. We set new standards and grew as individuals.
I mentioned all this to say, no matter how bad you think a situation is, look at the bigger picture and keep in mind your purpose and impact. In every aspect of life continue to push yourself through the good and bad because if the 11 of us can push ourselves through a pandemic, then you can push to achieve greatness as well. The world is yours to conquer!
Major: Mass Communications
Hometown: Fayetteville, NC
Te’Drenna Coleman immersed herself in creative activities while at WSSU. After graduation, she will be working with the Creative Team at Interscope Records through the Universal Music Group Internship Program.
What student activities/groups were you a part of
at WSSU?
I served as Vice President of the Campus Life Marketing Committee, the University Photographer Intern, the University Multimedia Producer Intern, the New Student Orientation and Transition Programs Assistant, the Public Relations Director for the Inspirational Voices Gospel Choir, and a member of the Homecoming/Ram Fest Committee.
How has WSSU helped to develop you as a person?
WSSU has truly molded me into the woman I am today. While providing me a home where I can embody every authentic piece of me, WSSU has shaped me into a leader, visionary, and innovator.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about attending WSSU?
To someone who is thinking about attending WSSU, I would advise them to “be bold, be proud, and be you.” Be bold in academics, athletics, extra-curricular activities, and most importantly, who you are. Be proud of the institution you attend and the culture you’re a part of. Be you and exude passion in every space where you show up.
What is your fondest memory of your time at WSSU?
My fondest memory of my time at WSSU is when our Men’s Basketball Team won the CIAA Championship. It was the last moment I spent celebrating with my Ramily before the pandemic hit. The feeling was unmatched!
Major: Justice Studies, Psychology and Sociology minors
Hometown: Tarboro, NC
Tykaijha Howell will be using the knowledge she gained at WSSU to work with juveniles in the criminal justice system to decrease the likelihood of troubled youth being irrevocably pulled into the system. She plans to attend graduate school in the near future.
What student activities/groups were you a part of
at WSSU?
Legacy Leaders, Black Women for Change, the National Council of Negro Women, Senior Class Council, SGA Senate, Team BOSS Program, Justice Studies Club, and Ragin’ Rams.
What motivates you to succeed?
My goals for myself constantly push me to succeed every day because I know I will be able to make an impact in other peoples’ lives as well as my own. I grew up in a small town that did not have many opportunities to grow but going to college allowed me to do just that.
How has WSSU prepared you to achieve your ultimate goals?
WSSU has shaped me into achieving my goals by providing me with an environment that allowed growth, leadership, confidence, and change. Through the diversity, variety of learning, and endless opportunities provided through WSSU, I am prepared for my future and have learned what it is like to effectively serve others.
What is your fondest memory of your time at WSSU?
Ramdition when we had our very first clock tower party during my freshman year. Everyone was outside having the time of their lives and it felt as if I was at a family cookout, you know, minus the food. Even after being here for a few days, it already felt like home.
Major: Political Science and Justice Studies double major
In addition to being Miss Winston-Salem State University, Quieysha McDougle is committed to social justice. After graduation she will attend law school in the fall of 2021 and have 90% of her tuition paid.
What student activities/groups were you a part of at WSSU?
I was involved in many groups/activities which included class council, SGA, and the Simon G. Atkins Scholar Society. I held the position of Miss Freshman, Miss Junior, and the 81st Miss Winston-Salem State University. I also rebranded and co-founded Project UPLIFT which is a one-on-one based mentorship program here at WSSU for incoming freshman women.
What motivates you to succeed?
I am motivated by the efforts of those who have come before me, those who fought the good fight to allow for opportunities of education to be possible for minority students. I am motivated by my circumstances, and I am motivated to show those who look like me that their dreams are possible.
What is your fondest memory of your time at WSSU?
My fondest memory at WSSU would definitely have to be during Ramdition in 2017 during our Sister-to-Sister discussion. During that conversation I felt so deeply connected to the women around me as we all shared our life experiences.
What will you miss most about WSSU?
I am going to miss all of my professors and all of the students who have shaped me and who have been a light during this collegiate journey.
Major: Sport Management
Hometown: Fayetteville, NC
Lewis Moore scored a job as a sales associate with the Milwaukee Bucks. He will be selling ticket and hospitality packages and working on promotional initiatives. He has plans to create an HBCU program to recruit more students from HBCUs for internships and jobs.
What student activities/groups were involved in at WSSU?
Campus Life Marketing Committee, Athletics Intern, Campus Ambassador, Freshman Male Advisory Board, Male Initiatives, Program Coordinator for Relay for Life, Vice President of the Rotaract Club, Treasurer and President for the Sport Management Club, Student Senator, Mister Campus Activities Board, President of Campus Activities Board, Dean’s List Recipient, Legacy Leader, Homecoming/Ram Fest Committee Chair, SGA, and Thurgood Marshall College Fund Leadership Institute Recipient.
What has your experience been like at WSSU?
My experience here at WSSU has been phenomenal, personal, and fun-filled. This is truly my second family. From the first day on campus until the last day of undergrad, I have no regrets and loved every single part of my college experience.
What motivates you to succeed?
The factors that motivate me to succeed are my family, the chance to create an impact, the students who will come after me, young black men, and the chance to create a legacy for which I can be remembered.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about attending WSSU?
If you want to be around a group of people who you can genuinely call family this where you need to be. Have a chance to be a part of rich culture and legacy. Everyone from alumni, current students, and the people in community will help you become the best version of yourself.
Major: Political Science, Mass Communications minor
Hometown: High Point, NC
Tavin Felton-Stackhouse’s time at WSSU definitely prepared him for a career in politics. After graduating he will begin interning for the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and pursuing a career in government.
What student activities/groups were you a part of at WSSU?
SGA Political Action Committee Co-Chair, Model United Nations Club President, Broadcast Education Association, Student Senator, Senate Rules & Internal Affairs Committee Chair, Campus Election Engagement Project Fellow, Black History Month Committee, Senate Parliamentarian, Black Political Awareness League and Campaign Manager Assistant.
How has WSSU helped to develop you as a person?
WSSU has make me a stronger, wiser, and more vocal person. WSSU made me into a student who speaks up for others and find my true passions. Over the years I have advocated for students in many different ways and in many different discussions. All of the skills I came here with have improved and expanded thanks to my professors pushing me to be better.
Who has encouraged you the most throughout your college journey?
My family has been my biggest encouragement throughout my college journey. Making them proud is what matters most me. They have helped me get to this point and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to fully show them how much I appreciate them.
If you could give advice to the freshman version of yourself, what would it be?
I would’ve told myself to get involved on campus sooner and build those connections. I would’ve told myself not to be so hard on myself and just have fun.
How has WSSU prepared you to achieve your ultimate goals?
WSSU gave me the tools and connections that are going to help me reach the goals I have set for myself. My professors have all individually given me a new skill or lesson that I still use in my daily life. I know I will especially be using those tools in my career field.
What is your fondest memory of your time at WSSU?
Homecoming 2019 was the highlight of my time here at WSSU. The togetherness and fun was something that can’t be compared to anything else I’ve experienced here. Another huge moment for me was the second “March to the Polls” event for the 2020 elections. My co-chair worked and I really hard the entire semester to put both marches together and the second one made us even prouder than we were after how well the first one went.
What will you miss most about WSSU?
I will miss being around people who shared similar experiences and the atmosphere. The students of WSSU have an energy and drive that I’m going to miss dearly.
Major: Fine Arts, Mass Communications minor
Hometown: Bridgeport, CT
Courtney Thompson was a transfer student from Connecticut who was welcomed into Alpha Sigma Lambda, WSSU’s Transfer Student Honor Society and the Simon G. Atkins Scholars Society.
What inspired you to return back to education after taking a break?
I was burnt out in my career, and I wanted to begin anew. I wanted to do something with a degree behind it. I had earned an associate degree from my previous university, but I always wanted to go further. I just didn't know where to being up until two years ago when I visited the WSSU campus and decided this was where I wanted to be.
What motivates you to succeed?
Truthfully, the women in my family. They are my very strength and every time I feel like I am at a dead end I remember those before me and the sacrifices made to push me to this point to be the first college graduate but, certainly not the last in my immediate family.
How has WSSU prepared you to achieve your ultimate goals?
WSSU has allowed me to see people that look like me succeed in a manner that inspired me to persevere through any challenge. I have gained skillsets from some of the most knowledgeable, patient, and professional professors I have met throughout my years of education. The resources on campus are extensive enough for any student to apply themselves and be prepped and primed for their goals, professional and personal. I feel very lucky to be included in this Ramily.
What’s next for you after graduation?
I plan to get right to work. I have been applying for both my major and minor for internships and employment while also working on my own entrepreneurial endeavors. I am so excited for what the next steps will look like for me, and I look forward to representing myself as a Ram every single place my feet land.
