What makes you a Difference Maker?
I believe what makes me a Difference Maker most is my commitment to helping other students make a difference. Throughout the course of my time here at UM-Dearborn, I’ve encountered numerous students who haven’t fully understood the power that we possess as students. I’ve dedicated myself to making sure that every student I come across is fully aware of just how much they can bring about change. Time and time again students have approached me with issues they need help with, entrusting me with giving them the right advice. This includes countless hours spent helping students succeed academically and providing students with different avenues to be successful in their future endeavors.
At times, I’ve had solutions and at times I haven’t, but I feel proud to be able to say that so many students trust me enough to confide in me.
I’ve had the privilege of serving as a connection between Black students on the UM-Dearborn campus and others at the university and in the community. I’ve been entrusted with uncovering the issues that Black students face, bringing those issues to the forefront, and working with various groups and individuals to bring about change in a way that’s suitable for black students. Helping others help black students make a difference has made me more proud than anything.
As a member of BSU, MAPS and SPC, I’ve been put in a position to speak about issues that make people uncomfortable, such as sexual assault, underrepresentation of minorities in high-paying career fields and the need for an increase in the number of students giving back to our campus. Having these types of conversations have made members of the UM-Dearborn community aware that these issues exist and affect students on our campus, and have provided a means for students to find their own solutions to some of these problems.
Highlight your campus achievements:
I’ve been a member of the Black Student Union for three years, two of which I have served as president. I’ve been a member of the Student Philanthropy Council for two years, and a member of the Minority Association for Pre-Medical Students for three years. I’ve done research on the nearly non-existent discussion of intersectionality among religious Black women in the field of mathematics, the result of which was awarded an Honorable Mention at the 2016 Writing Awards. I’ve been selected as an Emerging Leader twice at the Student Leadership Awards. I’ve also had the privilege of serving as a discussion facilitator and panelist for the New Detroit Youth Race Summit twice.
Highlight your leadership experiences both on and off campus:
While being a part of numerous organizations on campus, I’ve had the ability to help students navigate through social issues and lead them to better solutions. Having attended various conferences, such as the African and African American Studies Retreat, the National Conference for Collegiate Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL), the Central Black Student Union's "Our Place at a PWI", the Student National Medical Association Annual Medical Education Conference and the Engaging Victor's Conference has equipped me with the ability to give knowledge of what leadership looks like to other students, helping them find a version of leadership that fits their needs. I’ve also helped plan events for Tuition Freedom Day, MLK Week and World AIDS Day.
Off campus, I’ve volunteered at various local organizations. I was an intern for the City of Detroit Fire Department during Summer 2016, and I volunteer as a tutor for students in the Detroit Public Schools System.
What is your dream career and/or long term life goal?
My dream career goal, for the moment, is to work for the government using mathematics and statistics to help with local, state and national security. I’d love to be able to analyze data and provide solutions pertaining to the public regarding public safety.
My life term goal involves providing avenues to help Black students succeed in life, in general and in the field of mathematics, in particular. So few many Black students are discouraged from seeking out advanced levels of mathematics due to its difficulty, and it’s my goal to change that. My goal overall is to use mathematics, statistics and sociology to help students in general become as successful as possible.
What was your most defining moment at UM-Dearborn?
I’ve had two most defining moments at UM-Dearborn. The first involved me helping a friend succeed in one of his math classes. It brought me great joy to see him become comfortable with his growing knowledge of mathematics, and his level of intelligence in general. During this time, I began to become comfortable with my abilities as a leader and my ability to help others.
The second was during the time after the passing of Dr. Rahman in September of 2015. Dr. Rahman served as a father figure to many students on campus and when he passed many students, naturally, felt lost. Dr. Rahman consistently advocated on students' behalf and made sure that students knew he was always there for whatever they needed. I’d just become president of the Black Student Union (BSU) shortly before he passed and I knew that my actions during the time of his passing would define me as a leader, regardless of whether I wanted them to or not. Working with numerous individuals on campus and alumni, we were able to have a memorial ceremony for Dr. Rahman on campus, which brought awareness to the way he made an impact on students on our campus, Black students in particular, and the type of support that students need to feel successful. Since then, I’ve made it my duty to ensure that students on our campus feel supported and capable. I could never replace Dr. Rahman, but everyday I strive to follow in his footsteps.