By Aron Smith
Jackson State University’s Division of Academic Affairs, THEE Pathway, continued its ‘Leadership and Legacy Speaker Series: Thee Pathway to Becoming Who You are Meant to Be’ at the Student Center Ballroom on Tuesday, April 9, giving students valuable insights into self-discovery and personal growth.
“Our new general education curriculum at JSU advances equity and emphasizes ‘my path, my voice.’ We intentionally planned a panel to support students in discovering who they are meant to be and how they craft their experiences at JSU to map out their path,” Brandi Newkirk-Turner, Ph.D., associate provost for Academic Affairs, stated.
Moderated by Tyler Bell, senior director of Inclusion at 16O/90, the panel discussion featured influential figures from the HBCU community to students through the challenges of navigating personal journeys.
Mark Geil, interim chair for the Department of Art, stressed the importance of setting achievable goals and envisioning future success. “Establishing a persistent, concrete, and attainable goal on the horizon, coupled with a supportive community, paves the way for success,” Geil remarked.
Notable JSU alumna Reshonda Perryman, director of brands and creative engagement at Visit Jackson, reflected on the impact of past experiences on her current pursuits. She shared her journey of overcoming untreated anxiety and urged the audience to prioritize mental health. “It’s crucial to be in tune with yourself professionally and personally,” Perryman emphasized.
The event further emphasized the importance of actively seeking opportunities and networking. Lauryn Lundy, a freshman marketing major, shared that she was motivated by attending and felt motivated to seize the opportunity to connect with others more.
“The panel discussion was incredibly enlightening and well-executed. Each speaker brought valuable insights to the table, and I walked away inspired to really put myself out there and network. It was a truly enriching experience from start to finish,” she said.
Joseph McBride, a doctoral student in clinical psychology, recounted his transformative journey from facing adversity to pursuing academic excellence.
Growing up in the Midwest, he faced discrimination and violence which influenced his decision to disengage from school, ultimately resulting in him dropping out after the seventh grade. These behaviors persisted into his adulthood and led to a series of adverse consequences.
“After seeing my parents’ eyes full of pain, I decided to transform my life through education,” he shared. “I pursued my goals with the zeal of a dream I never knew I had, dedicating every ounce of energy, action, belief, and emotion within me.”
McBride was awarded a $120,000 Johns Hopkins School of Public Health fellowship, emerging as one of the 40 scholars selected nationwide. He then chose JSU as the place to pursue his doctorate.
Caleb Pickens, a junior public health major, encouraged students to prioritize self-care and personal well-being. “Only when we give our all to ourselves can we give our best to others,” he stated.
Panelists offered advice on finding one’s path, emphasizing the importance of starting where you are and taking actionable steps toward your goals.
“Pursue your dreams and goals with every fiber of your being,” McBride urged students. “Every day, get up and push forward, defying the odds and proving your resilience.”