In 2021, I received my associate’s degree and transferred to Grambling State University just before my 21st birthday. It was one of the most worthwhile decisions I’ve ever made. As a Mass Communication student, I was excited to start reporting and working in the radio station.

The culture shock of moving from Southern California to North Louisiana shook me to my core. That was an adjustment I had to make but wasn’t fully ready for. What helped me make it through, was the genuine connections I made. Being able to make lifelong connections with people was the best part of attending Grambling State. The community bonds are stronger than anything I’ve experienced.

After returning from the summer, I joined The Gramblinite student newspaper. Within that Fall semester, I was also named Editor-In-Chief. I would serve in that position for the next three years. During my tenure as Editor-In-Chief, I had the privilege to cover the transition of University Presidents. I covered the 2022 Grambling Mayoral election. I also became a Pulliam Fellow with the Arizona Republic.

I believe that Grambling’s Mass Communication department produces pretty strong alumni. I am one example of the many. This department needs to be invested in to increase student retention. Once a strong presence takes the department head position, the department will produce even more.

My experience as a member of Grambling’s Royal Court gave me memories that will last the rest of my life. It is why I tell people to get out of their comfort zone and get involved in school activities. I also learned that opportunities I’ve had aren’t equally accessible. Deserving students are not always given opportunities to showcase their capabilities. 

The support we received as student leaders from GSU staff, and the Grambling community was outstanding. GSU however isn’t the place we need it to be just yet.

One major improvement Grambling needs to make is student living. Due to rising admissions and retention, finding housing for all of its students has been an issue. The quality of housing is also a problem, alongside understaffed maintenance issues which pop up and usually stay. Alumni support for causes that directly impact student life would go a long way. 

The new student success center should have modern dorms to help with student living issues. The new buildings are directly across from the offices they are replacing. Long-Jones Hall is a fine building to hold resources such as financial aid, and resources for international students. The quad would be a perfect place for additional dorms.

More work-study opportunities are needed for out-of-state students, and students without reliable transportation. These work-study opportunities could be tied with career services to help students prepare for life after college.

Student Government is mentioned when these conversations come up. During my Senior Year, I served as SGA Senior Class Senator. My opinion is that it’s too complicated of a situation to simply say SGA is responsible for student living conditions. My class cabinet, unfortunately to our own admission, did not do as much as we knew we could have.

Is there a problem with the election process? Absolutely! Does more need to be done to guarantee students have power once elected? 1,000%. That’s why conversation and collaboration are crucial. Too many voices get left out at the place where, “Everybody is Somebody”.