Post by myhbcuinterview on Jan 8, 2012 17:53:51 GMT -5
Journalist and Owner of dextermullins.com/ interviewed with us and elaborated on his unique A&T HBCU Experience. This gentleman is a great man to know.
"How did you decide to become a student at North Carolina A&T State University?
My junior year in high school, I went on a black college tour in North Carolina. After seeing that there actually was a place in the world where I wasn’t the only black male in a classroom with a brain, I immediately decided that I wanted to apply to HBCUs. A&T stood out to me because of the beauty of the campus, the programs, and the people. When I got back to California, I did more research and discovered the history of the institution and the legacies so many of the alumni have left behind, and I was sold.
What professors at North Carolina A&T State University left the most impression upon you as a student and/or person? What did they do that continues to mean so much to you to this day?
I would definitely say that Emily Harris, Teresa Styles, and DeWayne Wickham have been some of the most influential professors in my life, although every professor I had at A&T impacted me in different ways. They all genuinely care about the learning of the students, not just a pay check or filling quotas.
I’ve never been pushed so hard, challenged as much, or encouraged to succeed as I was with them. I credit my success and my acceptance into Columbia University to the “tough love” and motivation they gave me. It’s rare that black students are accepted by mainstream American Universities as equal, and especially at Ivy League institutions. If it wasn’t for the consistent encouragement and challenging from these people, I wouldn’t have been nearly as successful. They mean everything to me. I still call, e-mail, or work with them to this day.
What is the story of your “experience” to date at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?
My experience at A&T is unique. I tell everyone that college is exactly what you make of it, no matter where you go and if you want to give your university 100 percent, it will give itself unto you. I came to A&T and immediately felt as if a friend had taken me in. A lot of times, I think people go to college based on what they think the name of the school will do for them, without actually thinking about how little the school may care. What’s the point in going to a Yale or a Harvard if the professors will never actually learn your name, and you won’t have any resources to turn to if you are in a tough spot?
Because of how great my university made me feel, I felt the responsibility to get involved, give back and help to further the legacy of my institution. I didn’t even know all of the civil rights history of A&T until I actually started attending. From the beginning of my experience in August of 2006, to graduation on May 8, 2010, I was cultivated and groomed into the person I am. I got in touch with my heritage, gained a new appreciation for my black history and black culture, and lobbied for the rights of my people. I think every black student should go to an HBCU, so they can truly grow. I had the choice to go to 15 other institutions, but I chose to go to A&T and I’ve never regretted that decision.
But no matter who you talk to here on campus, there is no experience like Aggie Homecoming {Greatest Homecoming on Earth}. It feels like the entire east coast rides into Greensboro for the week. Nothing but memories to last you a lifetime.
How did you overcome your nervousness about going to college?
A&T does an absolutely amazing job of making people feel welcome through their Office of Orientation and First Year Experience. By the time I left orientation, I had met friends (see Jennifer from previous question), handled most of my pre-college business, learned how to navigate the emphamis HBCU bureaucracy, and found my way around. When school started I wasn’t worried about a thing.
What was your major? and Why did you choose it?
I majored in Journalism and Mass Communications, because I’ve wanted to be a journalist since I was 14. I found an HBCU with a fully accredited program, a great legacy and good people. It was a no brainer.
What was been your proudest moment @ North Carolina A&T State University?
My proudest moment, oh wow. There are so many it’s hard to pick just one. I would have to say that it would have to be the day a new student came up to me and told me that I was the reason he decided to come to North Carolina A&T. My freshman year I decided I wanted to get involved and I immediately volunteered to be a tour guide. Since freshman couldn’t be paid first semester, I said I would do it for free because of my love for A&T. I became one of the most requested tour guides and I led some of the largest groups, sometimes 3 or 4 times a day. This one young man came to A&T during his spring break with his classmates and told me he was having a bit of trouble in school. I just told him that he had to believe in himself and refocus his priorities. Then I told him about how involved I was at A&T and all the opportunities I had been blessed with because of A&T. So when he came to speak to me, it was three years later and I was so proud of him. Not only had he managed to graduate with honors from high school, but he was also on track to finish his first semester with a 4.0. Seeing that I had a direct impact on someone was just amazing."
Finish the rest of the interview, www.myhbcuinterview.com/2011/09/05/nubian-king-dexter-mullins-of-north-carolina-a-t-university/
