JALEN BRADFORD

Clark Atlanta University (graduated senior C/O 21)

Fashion Design & Merchandising

"My school essentials always start with the bag. I love using my Telfar bag to hold my life in. It's usually very messy and filled with all types of stuff, but I always make sure to have the 'wash bag,' as I call it, which consists of all my mini products to keep me refreshed throughout the day. Being able to recharge myself with a spray of a scent, piece of gum or rose water helps me feel a lot better going throughout a long school day. I also always have to have water. It keeps me refreshed and hydrated which allows me to focus more. Lastly, a notepad and pencil are the most important for me. As a fashion student, I'm always jotting, doodling, or drawing down something so, I always need access to something I can have all my thoughts in and reflect on them when needed."

"If I could give my freshmen self any advice it would be to get out of my comfort zone, stop relying heavily on safety nets and get out and do. One of my biggest regrets reflecting on my college years is that I didn't do all the things I should have. I was too comfortable with being comfortable within my own safe spaces. This led to me not having as many experiences as some of my peers, missing out on opportunities, and overall just not allowing myself to grow and learn from new experiences. Although I enjoyed my freshmen year, there are some things I would have changed about how I managed my time, but I'm grateful that I'm able to reflect on that now and see the growth I've had since."

"Attending an HBCU is like being a part of this progressive royal monarchy where everyone is treated equally but also holds the power of being royalty. HBCUs have so much enriched culture and traditions that embody the ethos of how it feels to be a part of this royal court built for you, by you, on this kingdom surrounded by so many Kings and Queens. There's this overwhelming feeling of excellence around campus, where you could bump into someone and feel the energy of greatness within your presence. Being able to exist in this space with people who are almost identical to you physically, mentally, and spiritually and knowing that they have the same odds against them as you all while excelling themselves within their livelihoods to be the best they could be is so inspiring."

U’LIA HARGROVE

North Carolina A&T State University

Fashion Merchandising and Design; Supply Chain Management


"Some advice that I would give my freshman self is to not be afraid of the unknown, meaning that you should get out of your comfort zone and explore what you don’t know. Don’t be afraid to try things that you’ve never done before such as joining clubs and organizations, making friends, attending events, entering competitions, etc. Great things can happen when you step out of the box and into the unknown!"

"NCA&T values integrity, confidence, responsibility, accountability and inclusiveness among their students, just as any other HBCU. Aggies are expected to stay honest in who they are and hold themselves up to the highest of standards! You also have to take on accountability for yourself because your future is what you make it out to be. Overall, Aggies value knowledge, honesty, responsibility, and diversity!"

"I am working on building my own fashion brand titled ‘N I R V E N A A’. You can follow my personal insta account @nirvenaa or you can follow my design page that I just created @nirvenaaofficial. Within my brand, I am hoping to develop + design apparel that is inclusive to every single person with a unique, edgy, chic sense of fashion. If there is a design that you have in mind that isn’t in your closet yet, find me and I’ll make it come to life for you!"

JASMINE LOGAN

Clark Atlanta University

Fashion Merchandising & Design

"My back to school essentials consist of a fully stocked cosmetic bag, portable phone charger, and of course a multi-subject five star notebook. In my cosmetic bag I like to make sure I have a travel size of my favorite parfum (which is Mugler Angel Nova right now), a fun scented hand sanitizer, some lip balm, and hand lotion. I also always try to keep a spare phone charger and portable charger as well. Last but not least a multi-subject five star notebook is essential to have all your work in one place."

"To me, going to an HBCU was like being gifted an extended family that understood my disposition as a black women and supported me through any and everything. They kept me together. Going to an HBCU gave me a personalized, tailored experience I couldn't get at any PWI. I brag different being an HBCU grad."

"I am super blessed to be staying on the UO team full-time as a Women's Structured Buying Assistant/Sample Coordinator. For my intern project, I proposed an initiative focusing on denim size inclusion and size expansion, so I would love to be able to move forward with that. I'm also looking to start a mentorship program to help youth learn more about the fashion industry and provide industry prep such as resume and portfolio workshops, school visits and more. Follow me on Instagram for updates: @Jazzylogan."

JANAE MONIQUE CLAXTON

Howard University

Public Relations major, Community Development Minor

"One thing I would tell my freshman self would be to have the utmost confidence in yourself in everything you do. That confidence comes from within and is something that even if you have to fake right now, eventually you won't and it will be natural. I would lastly tell her that she has all the tools and abilities already and that she only has to believe that."

"The values of Howard University that truly resonant with me is our motto which is 'Execellence in Truth and Service.' Giving back to our communities is at the forefront of my career and personal goals, so being involved in a campus that values that as well is important. Throughout my time in middle and high school I longed for that feeling of community and a shared experience amongst my peers. Not until I arrived on Howard's campus did I get that feeling. I realize how important it is to have people around you that understand your struggles and experiences. The Howard community has made me a stronger Black woman, and also educated me on the intersectionality of Black people. This experience has changed and shifted my world view for the better, as well as my own view of myself and my Blackness."

"Staying happy and healthy has been something that I have taken very seriously, and for me that looks like therapy sessions, journaling, taking the time to do my skin and hair care routines, online shopping, and exercising when I feel the desire to. I think self-care is different for everyone and should be taken as seriously as all other care."

DACIA REDMOND

Clark Atlanta University

Fashion Merchandising

"My advice to my freshman self is: GO TO EVERY FUNCTION ON CAMPUS. If I could do it all over again, I'd trade in playing college sports for free just to get a freshman year experience that COVID-19 took away."

"Attending an HBCU is carrying the torch. I accepted the task of continuing the legacy started at my institution by strong, brave, and trailblazing African-American men and women. It's a sense of pride and honor to be able to attend such monumental and historical institutions that are made with your culture in mind. Attending an HBCU is basically like living in the same neighborhood as all your famous and super successful cousins and meeting up every day at your iconic grandma's house to play; we're one big family."

"My UO experience has been a dream come true. I had the opportunity to work in an amazing department with super dope people. I wasn't just an employee, but a valued employee. I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be. I had the opportunity to connect with heavy hitters here at UO, URBN, and Free People. UO Summer Class '21 was one of the most amazing experiences ever! The biggest lesson I learned since being here was to never downplay my abilities, talent, and who I am as a person. My time here has forced me to accept that I am, in fact, talented and deserving of all of the wins that come with my journey through life. Additionally, the journey of accepting that I don't know or need help has allowed me to be a sponge during my 10 weeks here and really grow as a young woman!"