Maia Saine
Major: Biology, Senior
Choosing to be a part of the HBCU Awareness Foundation upon graduating high school was by far one of the best decisions I’ve made. When thinking about where I wanted to further my education I didn’t know exactly where I wanted to be but I knew it had to be an HBCU. What better way to explore those options than finding and participating in a program geared toward bringing more students into HBCUs? Each college fair/tour that I participated in gave me a glimpse of what the next four years could potentially be like at my future institution. My experience within the HBCU Awareness Foundation allowed me many key networking opportunities within various universities, scholarship opportunities, on-site admissions and so much more! This experience also allowed me to meet people from different backgrounds who had similar mindsets when it came to HBCUs and our education, whom I still keep in contact with today even if they didn’t attend the institution I chose. I feel these programs are not only crucial but beneficial to high school students due to the exposure that this foundation gives each individual. It’s truly a blessing in disguise, the more I reflect on the work that is being done, it provides the scholars of Memphis and surrounding areas access to higher education without the pressure of figuring it out and doing it on your own.
I am currently a (Senior) Biology major at Grambling State University. I chose GSU for many reasons but to name a few, the Biology program as it is one of the top majors offered at my institution, Residence Life, the Culture, and simply because it felt like HOME! My experience at my HBCU thus far has been one to remember. It has been a growing experience for me in many ways, they have given me the space and opportunity to be authentically myself while giving me the foundation I need to excel academically.