FOSSI: Could you share a few highlights about your first few semesters at Alabama A&M University? Has anything surprised you about college life so far?
My first few semesters of college have been nothing but proactive; there have been endless opportunities, and I’ve met incredible friends on campus whom I now consider family. I also received several career 
opportunities in summits and scholarships, and I’ve won awards on campus.
All these things wouldn’t have happened without The Future of STEM Scholars Initiative in my corner. It lifted a financial burden on me and my family, allowing me to focus all my energy on receiving my degree and taking opportunities to build my resume and character. I hope one day I’ll be able to do the same for someone else.
FOSSI: How has the FOSSI Scholarship impacted your experience at Alabama A&M University?
FOSSI has been so impactful for my undergraduate career. The program set me up with a mentor dedicated to guiding me through my college experience. Through FOSSI, I've also attended workshops to educate me on life skills outside of classes on campus; including topics like time management and financial literacy. Of course, it also provides me with economic opportunities to pay for school as I work towards my degree. Lastly, their endless internship opportunities will give me learning experiences to last throughout my intended career.
FOSSI: How are your studies going – what are the biggest challenges and what do you like most?
My studies are going great; In each class, I have grown a more profound love for engineering. The biggest challenge I encountered was failing a class my first semester freshman year when I had an 18-credit hour schedule. My GPA dropped very low, and I had concerns about losing scholarships and internship opportunities. But after an all-A semester and summer classes to replace that grade, my GPA is back to a 3.7, and I currently have an upcoming internship opportunity.
FOSSI: What extra-curricular activities are you enjoying on campus?
I am a part of several clubs here on campus—specifically, the University’s Honors Program, where I serve as the queen. I represented the program with beauty and poise at several school events. I also got to envision my mentor-mentee program within the organization. I'm also a part of a new start-up club on campus, Vex-Robotics, where I serve as Public Relations. I'm responsible for keeping the general student body informed through creative content on our social media platforms.
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