Throughout my life, I’ve often been told I talk too much. While this was sometimes seen as a flaw, it became the foundation of my greatest strength—communication. From comforting my younger siblings during tough times to anchoring my middle school news journal, I realized early on that my voice had power. That power found new meaning as I grew older, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, when I began experimenting with social media and discovered a passion for digital marketing. But it wasn’t just a personal journey—it was a realization that I could use my voice to uplift others, particularly in communities like my own. That desire is what led me to attend an HBCU.

Growing up in the Philadelphia school system, conversations about success were rare. When my family moved to a suburban district, I was suddenly immersed in an environment where my white peers seemed years ahead in college readiness and career planning. The contrast was jarring. I found myself not only navigating cultural displacement as one of the only Black Muslim students in the district but also grappling with the lack of resources I had grown up with. I saw firsthand how Black students from urban neighborhoods were being left behind—not because of lack of talent, but because of lack of opportunity. That experience awakened a sense of responsibility in me. I didn’t just want to succeed for myself—I wanted to find ways to build up others like me.

As the eldest of five in a single-parent household, I’ve always had to lead with resilience. My mother did her best to shelter us from life’s harsh realities, but our move from Philadelphia to rural Pennsylvania exposed me to something I had never known before: open discrimination. I was mocked for my name, fetishized for my appearance, and treated as a threat—despite excelling in school and presenting my best self. Those experiences made me yearn for a space where I wouldn’t have to explain or justify my identity—a space where I could just be. That space, I came to realize, was an HBCU.

I chose to attend Savannah State University without ever touring the campus. What guided my decision was research, affordability, and a strong desire to be part of a learning environment that reflected my identity. As I explored the university online, I saw a place where Black excellence wasn’t an exception—it was the standard. Savannah State offered the academic programs I was passionate about, particularly its Mass Communications major with a concentration in Digital Marketing. And as someone funding my own education, the relatively inexpensive tuition made higher education a real and accessible goal. I took a leap of faith—and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.

Attending an HBCU has not only equipped me with the academic knowledge I need but has also surrounded me with mentors, peers, and leaders who understand my experiences without needing an explanation. It’s in this space that I’ve been able to sharpen my voice into something intentional and strategic. Through classes, workshops, and campus leadership roles, I’ve learned how to harness the power of digital media to tell stories that matter, amplify underrepresented voices, and build authentic brands. My work in content creation, both personal and professional, has allowed me to help small businesses grow and engage audiences in meaningful ways.

Looking forward, I want to build a career that combines communication, marketing, and social advocacy. Whether it’s helping Black-owned businesses thrive or launching my own initiatives to teach media literacy and career readiness to young people, my goal is to empower others using the tools I’ve gained. I want to be the kind of role model I never had growing up—a confident, creative, and caring Black woman who uses her platform to make a difference. And I know that being at an HBCU is the reason I now have the confidence and capacity to do just that.

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