Alcorn freshmen reflect on starting college in the midst of a pandemic

Students, the heartbeat of Alcorn State University, began returning to campus Saturday to continue their pursuit of scholarship.

Students moved into Revels and Burrus Halls Aug. 15 during the first weekend of phased residence hall openings. Move-in to campus housing will be phased over the next three weekends by residence hall.

The freshman class of 2024 said goodbye to their parents and loved ones as they set out on their journeys as young adults.

Even amid today’s circumstances due to the pandemic, students still expressed their excitement to begin school. Joshua Jackson, a freshman business administration major from Canton, Mississippi, is motivated about the upcoming year.

“I’m the first person in my immediate family to go to a university,” Jackson said. “I’m excited to start my journey in a new environment. Despite everything that’s happening with COVID-19, my goal remains to become a better person and pursue a career. My mom also motivates me because she didn’t finish college because she had my siblings and me. I want to make her proud.”

Tiffany Nash, Jackson’s mother, is a strong woman of faith. She is confident that her son will be fine living on Alcorn’s campus. She’s proud of her son and looks forward to seeing what’s in store for his future.

“He’s growing into a young man, and I feel that he’s at the age where he can take care of himself,” Nash said. “Regardless of the pandemic, I trust in the Lord, and I trust that Alcorn has measures in place to keep him safe. Of course, I’m going to miss him, but he has to live and learn for himself. I believe this is a good move for him.”

Tabrika Carter, a freshman from Magnolia, Mississippi, is determined not to let anything distract her from living her dream of attending college.

“I’m glad to start college,” Carter said. “I believe that Alcorn will keep everything under control so that we can have a safe experience. I know things are different, but I hope that it will be as normal as possible. I believe we will be fine.”

Her mother, Ericka Carter, was happy to watch her daughter set out on a new chapter in her young life.

“It’s exciting to see her move in,” Ericka Carter said. “Even though we have to deal with everything that’s happening, I feel that Alcorn has everything set up for her and her peers to be safe.”

Getting a chance to play in Alcorn’s Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite Marching band builds Kelvin Frye’s anticipation for the start of school. The freshman from Natchez, Mississippi, who plans to major in agriculture business management believes his Alcorn experience will be amazing.

“I’m so ready to start school,” Frye said. “I will be playing the snare drum in the band, so I’m looking forward to that opportunity. I hope that the University works around everything that’s happening so that I can fulfill my dream. I can’t wait.”

Frye’s parents, Frederick and Kelia Lane, are happy for their son. They are confident that he will make them proud.

“I’m thinking about his safety, but I also know that playing in the band has been his dream for the past six years,” Kelia Lane said. “So that makes me excited for him to start school and eventually live his dream of playing in the band. It’s going to be different, but I believe he’ll be just fine.”

“It’s good to see him pursue his endeavors,” added Frederick Lane. “I encourage him to stay focused. I wish him the best, and I’m excited for him.”

The students realize that the key to a healthy and productive academic year is following safety guidelines. Canton, Mississippi, native Ja’Miliyah Williams, a freshman pre-nursing major, believes that she, along with her peers, can play a significant role in creating a safe space on campus by following COVID-19 guidelines.

“This is an experience that I’m looking forward to beginning,” Williams said. “I have confidence that if we wear our masks, sanitize our hands and social distance, then we will have a safe school year, and no one will get sick.”