FOSSI: Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hi, My name is Shikea Reeder and I will be the first in my family to attend college. I am the oldest of 7 siblings and I want to ensure I set the best example for them.
After I receive my degree, my goal is to return to my hometown to show my sisters and other young black girls that we belong in STEM.
I was born into a stereotype because my mother had me at a young age and my father was absent, but I worked hard to overcome every obstacle and hurdle put in my way. I am very proud of where I have come from and I'm very determined to create a better future for myself and my family.
FOSSI: Why are you passionate about pursuing a degree in a STEM-related field?
I want to pursue a degree in STEM because it's a field where you never stop learning. I get bored very quickly but with biochemistry, it's as if a new world of possibilities opens up for me when I walk into the classroom. Biochem has also helped me discover a lot about the world and it has allowed me to see the world through a different lens.
FOSSI: Who is a role model that has influenced you?
My role model is a simple woman with a dream for her students. Mrs. Gordon, my only teacher of color, gave me the courage I needed to overcome obstacles and pursue topics that I enjoy. Academically, she knew my heart was set on an HBCU. She told me how hard I needed to work and how I could do it. She is my role model because she never lied to me. Instead of sugar coating the reality of the outside world, she prepared me for it. She taught me how to conquer my surroundings.
Mrs. Gordon left in 2021. I thought I would be voiceless, but I am not voiceless; she gave me a voice in the community she helped to create. She taught us that we are stronger together, and she still inspires me to find solutions to seemingly helpless situations. Even though she is not with me anymore, she instilled me with wisdom and strength that I couldn't survive without. Knowledge is power and she made sure every one of us knew our power and potential.
FOSSI: Share a few fun facts about yourself.
I am a huge Hamilton fan and I could put on a one-woman show of it. I also play trumpet and I love playing songs from Hamilton on my trumpet.
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