Page 37 - The Scepter - Summer_Fall 2016

TTA Alumni Corner

Greetings Top Ladies of Distinction Inc.

I am Kerry William Jones, a former Top Teen from Area III Lincoln Park Chicago Chapter of Top Teens of
America. I am currently a sophomore,
electrical engineering major at the
infamous Tuskegee University, in
Tuskegee, Alabama. Tuskegee Uni-
versity is one of the top Historical
Black Colleges and Universities in
America. In reflection of my first year
at Tuskegee, I have joined a host of
organizations and clubs that have not
only allowed me to showcase my
leadership skills but ambled me to
learn and develop more beneficial
skills. Many of these organizations
include: Freshman Student Government, Freshman Royal Court, Next Step Up
Community Tutorial Service, Tuskegee University Ambassadors, the National
Society for Leadership and Success, Pre-Alumni Council, and the National Socie-
ty of Black Engineers’. During my first year at Tuskegee University, three ele-
ments have helped me effectively transition into my new academic environment.
These three elements include: the welcoming of an HBCU, the love and support
from my family and friends, and the teachings and exposure gained as a partici-
pant in Top Teens of America.

Recalling my move in day to Tuskegee, I realized how exciting and how different
my life would be at this point. No more parents around to tell you what to do,
no more curfews, or set rules that dictate my life. But I soon realized that with
this new found freedom came great responsibility. Moreover, during move in day
I immediately noticed that the atmosphere of my HBCU was completely differ-
ent from Chicago. Not only was I greeted by faculty, students, and staff; but I
received a warm heartfelt welcome into the Tuskegee family from every person
there that I and my family saw. Furthermore, as I transgressed through my fresh-
man year I noticed immediately how much support, respect, and dedication I re-
ceived from professors, teachers assistants, my resident advisors and so many
more of my Tuskegee classmates on campus.

The next comment that was essential to my immediate survival on campus was
the constant love and support I received from my family and friends. I recall sev-
eral occasions when I struggled financially and academically and my family would
always be there to help me out. As of now, I contact my mother at least three
times a week just to check in and let her know my progress. I can also recall a
time when I sent my Aunt a paper to proofread before I submitted it. Overall, I
realized how important it was to constantly keep in touch with your family, not
only to solve issues but to hear words of encouragement that kept me going
through all the hard final days.