As the tassels turn and diplomas are framed, the HBCU Class of 2025 is walking away with more than just degrees. They are leaving with stories of resilience, leadership, sisterhood, brotherhood, and purpose. These graduates—from Alabama to Maryland, Georgia to Ohio—have not only excelled academically but have also embraced the culture, challenges, and community that only Historically Black Colleges and Universities can offer.
To spotlight this transformative journey, we asked 16 graduates two powerful questions:
What is the biggest lesson your HBCU taught you?
What advice would you give to your freshman self?
Their answers, deeply personal and profoundly reflective, offer a glimpse into the unmatched experience of attending an HBCU—and how it shapes scholars into changemakers.
1. Christian Locke, Wilberforce University
Major: Mass Communications
Involvements: Miss UNCF, Dawg Team Media, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., Women in Business, President’s Council, Big Brother Big Sister, and UNCF Pre-Alumni Council.
Lesson:
Graduating a year early from Wilberforce University with a degree in Mass Communications is more than a milestone to me —it’s a reflection of everything this HBCU has poured into me, and how it has shaped me. Wilberforce taught me to lead with purpose. Through my roles as Miss UNCF and President / Basileus of the Kappa Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., I learned that true leadership is rooted in selfless service and impact. The WU taught me the strength and importance of community—from mentoring in “Big Brother Big Sister” to collaborating on the President’s Council and serving on the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Wilberforce showed me that success is a collective effort. Juggling multiple roles—as a media leader, photographer, and social media coordinator of multiple organizations—taught me time management, resilience, and how to execute effectively with excellence. I didn’t just find my voice here—I learned to amplify it for myself AND for others. Wilberforce didn’t just prepare me for a career. It gave me lifelong friends, family, an abundant network, plus the confidence, clarity, and courage to lead in any room I step into. And for that, I’m forever grateful.
To freshman self:
To the freshman version of me: I know you’re intimidated and have no idea what’s about to come because you’ve never been to Ohio before — but you’re going to find your roots here. You’re going to have a good band season, but band wouldn’t be the reason you stay here. You’re going to find your identity outside of the music program, and my oh my, are you going to soar. You’re going to grow into a woman who leads, creates, mentors, and represents with power and grace. You’ll wear many hats—Miss UNCF being one of the most beautiful crowns you’ve ever seen, you’re going to join the best sorority on Earth and develop lifelong connections, you’re even going to become a photographer — something you always dreamed of doing, and so much more — every single thing you touch will teach you something about strength, balance, leadership, and impact. There will be long nights, tough decisions, and moments where you question yourself and everything around you. But you have to keep going. Every challenge will sharpen you. Every opportunity will push you closer to who you’re meant to be. And yes—you’re going to graduate early, with a 4.0 and a résumé full of accomplishments, with an even bigger heart overflowing with gratitude. Be the leader you wish you had. And never shrink to fit into spaces that were never designed to hold your full potential. Wilberforce will change your life—but even more, you will help shape Wilberforce. Proud of you already, Senior You.
2. Nicole Cosby, Alabama State University
Major: Social Work
Involvements: Phi Alpha Honors, NAACP, NABSW, Whitney Young, NSLS
Lesson:
One of the biggest lessons my HBCU, Alabama State University, has taught me is the power of community- knowing that I have a village that truly wants to see me thrive. At an HBCU, you are reminded that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness and that black culture has long embraced a collective mindset rooted in mural uplifting. I leaned to prioritize my mental health, build REAL relationships with professors who care deeply about my growth and embrace the legacy of excellence and resilience that is often found on our campuses. The experience is always unique, you’re not just earning a degree at an HBCU, you’re becoming part of a powerful tradition.
To freshman self:
Things may be hard now, but they won’t be hard forever. Continue to remind yourself that you deserve to be here, you have and will work hard, and you will see both success and favor on the other side. You are loved, significant and SEEN. You got this Nicole!
Nicole’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_coleworld24/
Error: No feed found.
Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.
3. Hadassah Meralus, Alabama A&M University
Major: Criminal Justice, minor in Communications Media
Involvements: SGA, Pre-Law Society, Pre-Alumni, Phi Beta Lambda
Lesson:
My HBCU, Alabama A&M University, taught me how to walk in purpose and lead with confidence. It reminded me that my background, my story, and my voice matter—especially as a first-generation Haitian American woman navigating both the legal field and media spaces. Being surrounded by students and faculty who look like me, who understand the weight of representation, gave me the courage to take up space, challenge injustice, and use my voice to inspire change.
To freshman self:
You’ll struggle, but you’ll grow. Stay focused, lean into your purpose, and don’t let fear make you shrink. Every moment—from the setbacks to the small wins—is shaping you into the woman you’re becoming. You belong here, and you’re not just making it through—you’re setting the stage for something greater than you can imagine.
4. Mikah Harris, Virginia State University
Major: Psychology
Involvements: P.A.N.I.C. 2000
Lesson:
One huge lesson that my HBCU, Virginia State University, taught me was to always put myself out there. Always be the voice that someone may need. Always make sure to be yourself and never let anyone deteriorate the person you can become in the future.
To freshman self:
My senior self would tell my freshman self to be more outgoing. I would have told myself to be more open to trying new things and meeting new people. Also, I would have told myself to never give up, always think positive, even when times get hard, and never forget to pray.
5. Ty’Janae Livers, Miles College
Major: Biology Pre-Med
Involvements: Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated., Women in Pre-Med, NCNW, UNCF, Student Health Board, Culture Club, and more.
Lesson:
My HBCU taught me the power of resilience and the importance of true grit. Without Miles College , I probably wouldn’t know how to get out and navigate tough spaces in order to get where I want to be. This takes hard work, perseverance, and the ability to move through obstacles head on with no excuses.
To freshman self:
Hold your head up. It may be lonely now, but God has bigger plans for you.
6. Michaela Hart, Morgan State University / South Carolina State Alumna
Major: Music (Instrumental Conducting)
Involvements: University Bands, Tau Beta Sigma
Lesson:
1. Know your own curriculum; If you depend on your advisor, you will end up falling behind. 2. Go where you are appreciated. 3. Don’t take anything for granted. 4. Everyone that looks like you aren’t for you, even at your institution. 5. Any opportunity you get to leave your city, state, or country, TAKE IT!
To freshman self:
Never hesitate to advocate for yourself.
7. Jada Nichole Williams, Alabama A&M University
Major: Biology
Involvements: NAACP, NSLS, NSBWM
Lesson:
My HBCU, the illustrious Alabama A&M University, taught me how to lead with purpose, walk in faith, and serve with compassion. As a Biology major preparing for a career in pediatrics, I learned that true success is rooted in God, guided by service, and strengthened by resilience. Surrounded by a supportive community, I saw the power of representation in medicine and the importance of using my gifts to uplift others. Through leadership roles and mentoring, I learned to lead with humility and grace. Most importantly, my HBCU reminded me that when I put God first, everything else will fall into place and that I am called not only to succeed, but to serve.
To freshman self:
I would tell freshman me: Trust God, trust the process, and trust yourself. I know you’re nervous walking into a new chapter, unsure if you belong, but you do. That biology exam you stressed over? You passed. The late nights juggling leadership roles, volunteering, and mentoring? They paid off. Every moment of doubt pushed you closer to purpose. Keep praying, keep showing up, and keep believing. The woman you’re becoming is confident, called, and committed – everything you’ve once dreamed of. And she’s just getting started.
8. Anya Tucker, Hampton University
Major: Psychology
Involvements: Women of Victory, Social Society U, Psychology Club
Lesson:
The biggest lesson that Hampton University taught me is to always stay true to yourself and show up as yourself in every situation.
To freshman self:
Keep God first.
9. Robert Adams, Fisk University
Major: Business
Involvements: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated.
Lesson:
Friendship is the driving force to navigate life’s problems.
To freshman self:
Get comfortable being uncomfortable.
10. Zarria Smith, Alcorn State University
Major: Agribusiness Management
Involvements: MANRRS, NSLS, Alpha Kappa Mu, HEROS
Lesson:
Networking is key. Be open to change and true to who you are.
To freshman self:
Be open to change and be the change you want to see . Don’t be close minded to uncomfortable situations.
Zarria Smith’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamzbaby._/
11. Imani B. Wash, Delaware State University
Major: Political Science, minor in Financial Planning
Involvements: Miss DSU, SGA, Royal Court, ELITE, and more.
Lesson:
I can be in the same rooms as PWI students, and still own the room because that’s the specialty of HBCU students!
To freshman self:
It’s not how you start, but it’s about how you finish. It’s nothing you can’t do because God will make sure you do it every time, even when it gets hard. Leave the worrying to him and focus on the bigger picture.
12. Sage Abdullah, Albany State University
Major: Health & Human Performance
Involvements: Track & Field, NAACP, MALES, Phreshlyfe, SAAC, and more
Lesson:
My HBCU, Albany State University, taught me how important it is to know your school’s history from its foundation to its traditions and why HBCU exists. From a student leadership point of view, and being a high achiever, everybody won’t have the same mentally you do. Be very supportive of each other.
To freshman self:
Understand this: it’s not going to be easy. You will be tested mentally and physically during your time at your HBCU. Never rush to the finish line to graduate. Enjoy every moment in undergrad because you can’t take those years back. Appreciate every moment in your college experience no matter how good or bad it is. You’re not going to have everything figure out. Take advantage of the resources that you have access to. Remember you have a voice, let your voice be heard by faculty,staff,and your peers.
13. Oluwanifemi Mercy Faniyi, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Major: Human Ecology (Child Development)
Involvements: African Student Association, Caribbean International Club, SWING PHI SWING Social Fellowship Incorporated, and UMES Imperial Court.
Lesson:
My HBCU, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, taught me a lot about networking. It also taught me how to present myself in different places, and it also taught me how to utilize my skills in whatever space I entered. My HBCU also brought me out of my shell and taught me different things about myself that I did not know and place me in different rooms that I never thought I would be able to step in.
To freshman self:
All the prayers that Mom prayed definitely came to past. You are going to turn heads and shake rooms.
14. Alea Williams, Alabama A&M University
Major: Family and Consumer Sciences
Involvements: NAACP, Pi Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity, Inc.
Lesson:
My HBCU, Alabama A&M University, taught me to be comfortable being uncomfortable. God opened doors for me to walk through even when I felt uncomfortable going in. I was challenged to lead, be resilient and navigate different worlds.
To freshman self:
I would tell myself to outside your comfort zone. Join that org, apply for that internship, talk to that professor. Growth and greatness don’t live in your comfort zone.
15. Anthony Mitchell, Clark Atlanta University
Major: Religion and Philosophy
Involvements: The 5th Mister CAU, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated., Pre-Alumni Council/United Negro College Fund- Mister United Negro Fund, Collegiate 100, UNCF, and Martin Luther King International Chapel Assistant at Morehouse College.
Lesson:
One of the biggest lessons that my HBCU, Clark Atlanta University, has taught me in the past four years is to take life one day at a time. In college, you have good days, and of course, you will have some bad days. Sometimes it feels as if your bad days outweigh your good days due to grades, financial aid, housing, and simply life. You find yourself stressing out about things and adopting the mindset of, “I can’t wait until I’m done.” I had to learn not to stress over things I have no control over, especially when I have done everything I could to turn the situation around. Not only that, I had to lean on my faith and remember that the Lord and I have history together, and looking back at it, if he didn’t leave me in grade school; I don’t see why He would leave me now in higher education. He ALWAYS handles it. So, take it one day at a time and don’t rush it, because when college is over, it’s over.
To freshman self:
I would tell myself, “You are enough.” It took me a while to realize that. Sometimes, I felt like I needed to be like something or someone else. It felt like I was overlooked; I didn’t feel seen. I started to compare myself to other people, which made me feel the weight of their expectations, but that weight was on me because I put it there. Once you start to notice that you are enough and that you are needed, you realize that you are literally one of a kind. There are too many copycats in the world, and it gets exhausting for the one who is copying. However, when you move in the purpose, the body, and the gifts that God has given you, you don’t need to borrow or take things from others because what He planted in you is more than enough for you.
16. Tiffani Alexandria Grayes, Savannah State University
Major: Computer Science Technology
Involvements: Miss Junior – Royal Court, NAACP, Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated., NSBE, STEM Peer Tutor, Tiger Ambassadors, SSU Pre-Alumni Council and more.
Lesson:
Resilience and perseverance through any situation are two of many great qualities that produces a true story of success in the end.
To freshman self:
If I had to talk to the 2021 Tiffani from Freshman Year, I would let her know that keeping your faith strong and continuing to work towards my goals is the mindset to have, in order to succeed and get through undergrad at Savannah State University.
The Legacy Continues
These reflections from the Class of 2025 are not just personal stories—they are living proof that HBCUs are sacred spaces of transformation. They nurture students into global citizens, game-changers, and visionaries. As these graduates go out into the world, they carry with them not just degrees, but the powerful legacy of Black excellence, community, and culture.
The future is in good hands—and it’s HBCU made.
