In this exclusive raw and uncut interview, Lola and Jay reveal their thoughts and ideas about transitioning to an HBCU as freshmen. Often times, I can be a little biased about my school because I know what Kentucky State has done for me, and where it will take me.
Question: How did you enjoy freshmen week? Was it fun?
Answer (Lola): Yes, I think some sections really did help me mingle, to be honest if some of them were not mandatory I would have just stayed here in my room. I didn't go to any of the parties since it isn't my thing, and although I'm not a fan of icebreakers, I felt like it was necessary in this scenery due to everyone being so new and unaware of who's who and what's what.
Answer (Jay): I feel like freshman week was okay...I'm thankful for the mandatory events because most of them were getting us ready for this week (first week of classes). The things that were meant to be fun, just didn't cut it for me. Whenever we would come back to the dorm I would have more fun with the freshmen around me.
Question: What do you think the school can do to improve the events?
Answer (Jay): If they are going to try and have fun events let it be student ran. Let the students plan it.
Question: Are you looking forward to this year?
Answer (Jay): Yeah, I can say that I am looking forward to this year. Simply because I want to see how the rest of it will go, and I want to get used to the new college environment. I want to pass pretty much.
Answer (Lola): Yes, I am actually really excited. I like the fact that the class sizes are small and it allows for me to have more one on one time with the professors. I do like the diversity of the staff. It kind of upsets me that people comment and say it's so hard to understand them, but that happens everywhere. I'm really excited to see how my first year will go. It's one thing to talk about it, but it's another thing to actually go through with it.
Question: Do you feel a lot of pressure to succeed from your families? Are you all first generation college students?
Answer (Lola): I am a first generation. In my personal life, I have always had that pressure, most of it coming from me. I think a thing with being a minority is that you see a lot of examples of what you don't want to be. It's kind of like self motivation. Although you my not have had the best childhood or lifestyle, I feel that those are some of the best people that you will meet due to their surroundings and culture. And some people who have it all tend to not appreciate what they have at all.
Answer (Jay): I am not a first generation student, but I do feel a lot of pressure. I do not want to let myself or others down because of all of the goals I have set for myself. I know my family wants to see me do great things so whenever I think about that it puts more pressure on me because I'm thinking "Man I cannot let everyone down".
Question: Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Will Kentucky State lead you in the right direction?
Answer (Lola): I see myself doing something in chemical engineering, and Kentucky State is like the gateway to get myself to where I want to be.
Answer (Jay): I see myself actually using my degree. I don't want to graduate and then end up doing something that has nothing to do with my field of study. I'm not exactly sure about where I will be, but hopefully in a good place (laughs). And about Kentucky State, I feel like it is a bridge to where I want to be in life. At the moment, I need to cross it so I can get to where I need to go.
After Lola and Jay's freshmen year, I will do a follow up interview on their overall college experience. Be on the look out for more exclusive content and other stories from students on the hill!
