FOSSI: Could you share a few highlights about your time at Alabama A&M University?
Coming up on four years at Alabama A&M University, I’ve had the opportunity not only to grow as a student but also as a young adult. One of the main highlights of my time at AAMU would have to be my time as a student worker for the math department. During this time, I worked alongside the head of the department, Dr. Yinshu Wu, and got to see first-hand how the schedules for the semester are made. In addition, I worked on the outline used to assign professors their workload for the upcoming semester. I was also able to develop relationships with the math professors and was praised for the work that I did in the office.
On the academic side, I have maintained my name on the dean’s list, honor roll, and received the Presidential Silver and Bronze Medallion for all my academic accomplishments.
FOSSI: Has anything surprised you about college life so far?
One thing that has surprised me about college life is that it can be challenging at times. I was one of those students in high school who was able to not study and still show up and get an A on a test. However, I was humbled in college. Throughout my college career, I learned how to be a student first and everything else second. Especially, as a STEM student, I could not afford to skip out on studying. After completing my internship, I noticed that the discipline I had for myself in school transferred over into my work/life balance as well.
FOSSI: How has the FOSSI Scholarship impacted your experience at Alabama A&M University?
The FOSSI Scholarship has really helped me throughout school. It has enabled me to be the first of my siblings to leave college debt free. With the FOSSI Scholarship, my experience at AAMU was less stressful because I knew that I was covered financially. In addition, my corporate sponsor, CPChem, gave me an opportunity to tour their Houston location in November 2023. The trip was amazing because it was my first time in Houston, and I got to meet my fellow FOSSI Scholars in person. This scholarship is not just about money, it’s also about forming meaningful relationships with fellow students and companies.
FOSSI: How are your studies going – what are the biggest challenges and what do you like most?
My studies are going well so far. Junior year became my biggest challenge due to the intensity of my math courses. Unlike my favorite math course, Calculus 3, Abstract Algebra and Real Analysis challenged my way to describe exactly what I was doing. I majored in math because I love numbers, but these two courses turned numbers into word form. Calculus 3 is my favorite math course because the equations were easy to complete despite having multiple steps to get to the solution. As a mathematician, I enjoy utilizing one formula to get a solution, but I also enjoy challenging my ability to utilize multiple formulas to reach a solution.
FOSSI: What extracurricular activities are you enjoying on campus?
An extracurricular activity that I enjoy participating in is the Pep Squad. The Pep Squad is a group of students that are passionate about showing school spirit and ensures that the crowds at games feel that passion. The Pep Squad is in charge of getting the crowd excited to see our Bulldogs play.
FOSSI: Tell us about your internship experience.
I am currently completing a 10-week program called the Premier College Intern Program through the Air Force Civilian Service. I am completing this internship at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, NM, where I am working at the Air Force Research Lab as a contracting intern. As a contracting intern, I use my business skills to analyze, build, and negotiate contracts. Contracts can take a couple of months to years to develop, depending on the size of the contract, so the training process for being a contract specialist starts with the PCIP program and can lead to graduate school where participants learn even more about contracts. After I complete my senior year of college, I have the opportunity to come back as a full-time worker.
Also, during my fifth week as an intern, I got to travel to Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City, OK. During that week, I got to meet the other 250 interns who spread across 12 career fields. I was able to meet the Senior Executive Service Contracting Director, as well as network with senior-level contracting workers.
In addition, this past November I got to travel to Houston, TX, to meet with my FOSSI sponsor, CPChem.
We got to tour the chemical plant, meet with a panel of distinguished workers, and meet fellow FOSSI scholars in person for the first time. I really enjoyed getting to know the other FOSSI scholars and form new friendships.
FOSSI: Is there anything else you would like to share?
As I am going into my last year as a FOSSI scholar, I really want to share my gratitude for this scholarship. It was really one of the greatest awards I have received. I am really grateful for this scholarship and cannot wait to see how many more scholars it helps put through college.
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