Though it has only been one year, being a North Carolina A&T Aggie has completely transformed my life. My journey to becoming an Aggie began unexpectedly on December 1, 2022. At the time, A&T wasn’t really on my radar. My father is an alumnus, and I hadn’t visited the campus since I was five years old, so I thought, why not? However, during my visit, something felt different. Despite having toured numerous college campuses, including my top choice at the time, the University of South Carolina, none resonated with me the way A&T did. The moment I set foot on campus, I felt an overwhelming sense of belonging—it felt like home. Externally, I faced a tough decision, but internally, I knew I was destined to be an Aggie, born and bred. A&T has offered me a wealth of resources, networking opportunities, and the beginnings of lifelong friendships. It was here that I discovered my new passion for photography, a hobby that has since become an integral part of my life. Additionally, A&T is a place where I can be unapologetically African-American without fear of judgment. This environment has empowered me to embrace my identity fully and confidently. Embracing my identity, I applied to become an Aggie Success Leader and a Residential Assistant at the end of this school year—two of the most sought-after on-campus jobs. I was thrilled to be accepted for both positions. These roles will put me at the forefront of welcoming the next class of Aggies, providing them with resources, guidance, and advice that will help them throughout their college careers. It’s a privilege to be able assist new students in navigating their own paths and to witness their growth and achievements as my RAs and ASLs did for me. Plus, let’s be honest, it's pretty fun being the go-to person for all things “Ayantee”! The supportive community at A&T has fostered both my personal and professional development. Being surrounded by like-minded, driven individuals has not only invigorated me but also made me realize the importance of working diligently in the present to secure my future. The encouragement and inspiration from my peers and mentors have been invaluable in shaping my aspirations. I’ve even learned to appreciate early morning classes (well, almost). Looking ahead, I am determined to earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer Graphics Design with a focus on User Experience, complemented by a minor in Marketing. This academic path will equip me with the skills necessary for a successful career in sports media, particularly in social media teams for sports organizations. With the education I receive at A&T, I will be adept in graphic design, website design, and various other digital competencies, while also possessing a solid understanding of marketing strategies from one of the best business schools in the country. Combined with my passion for photography, I will emerge as a highly versatile candidate in the field, one that any organization would be eager to hire. North Carolina A&T has given me more than I could have ever imagined. It has allowed me to carry on my father’s legacy while creating my own. I am deeply grateful for the knowledge, experiences, and connections I have gained here. These will undoubtedly serve me well in my future endeavors. As an Aggie, I embody the spirit of resilience and ambition. For Aggies will always do, but will never be done. Aggie Pride! And if you ever need a tour guide or someone to brag about our amazing campus, I’m your guy.

I love being black. The way we talk. The way we express ourselves. The way we look. The way we are resilient. Being black is a blessing. Being black is being a part of excellence. I want to attend an HBCU because I want to be a part of a legacy of intelligent black men and women who had to fight to gain the ultimate lever of knowledge. The lever they tried but ultimately failed to take away from us. A quote from one of the creators of the NAACP W. E. B. Du Bois states “Education and work are the levers to uplift a people.” “They” knew that and that’s why they restricted that lever away from us for many many years. The use of “they” in the previous sentence may be grammatically incorrect because I didn’t introduce a proper noun before using a pronoun but as my uncles always say, “What’s understood doesn’t need to be said”. It started during the slave trade. They didn’t let us know their real intentions to kidnap, relocate, and enslave us. It then carried on to overseas when they didn’t let us know how to read and write the English language. It proceeded to carry on after the abolition of slavery when they didn’t let us into their institutions and universities even though we were more qualified and capable than half of their student body to attend. The one thing they didn’t know about us, however, is our aforementioned resilience. They don’t let us learn their language? We make our own. They don’t want us in their universities? We make our own. The prestigious and illustrious HBCUs of this country. The institutions that are made for us, by us and there is nothing “they” can do about that.