N IO IT ED
“U n re de su r t lts he of M th ask c ” a e It ’ s a mp SC and ai Sta t ll i h g n iss sid n! te T e fi op na ue e ! thi 5 l s
L IA EC SP
August 2015• Back To School Issue
Xi Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Spring ’15 • Queluminati 31
August 2015
6 7 8 9 16 25 26
SC STATE TOP 5
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Welcome to the new STATED Magazine!
RELATIONSHIP ADVICE
It’s never too early to start looking for “the one”. We have five tips to help you hopeful romantics find ‘em and keep ‘em.
9
JIM WEST IS TAKING OVER
Is Jim West a legend in the making? We sit down with him and get to know the man with the plan.
SC STATE TOP 5
The long-awaited results! STATED reveals who SC State students think are the finest we have to offer. Continues on pages 19-24.
UNDER THE MASK
We take an inside look at the 2015 probate season by sitting down with the neophytes of Omega Psi Phi, Alpha Phi Alpha, Phi Beta Sigma, and Sigma Gamma Rho.
“WE’RE GONNA BE BULLDOGS”
- CREDITS -
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ROBERT S. BLUE II
WRITERS
MARQUIS WALLACE ALEXIS ROBERTS STEPHANIE LAMPKIN
PHOTOGRAPHY
ERIC J. SMITH FERRANTE DUNHAM CHRIS SPELL
VIDEOGRAPHY
Our new SGA President, Reginald T. Dupree, Jr., has a lot on his mind for the new year. He’s ready to make the 2015-2016 year the best yet.
MARKETING & PUBLIC RELATIONS
HUMBLY, 78
ADVISING EDITOR
Meet royalty! Errin Pitts is our 78th Miss SC State! We ask about all the important things-her freshman year, her embarrassing moments, and her worst date!
ANDREA LASHAY RAVEN BARKER ERIC J. SMITH
ADVISOR OF STUDENT MEDIA JAMES MCCLINTON III
August 2015 STATED 3
Letter From the Editor: A New STATED Magazine
South Carolina State University has a lot to be proud of. On the surface, it has the rich history, notable alumni, and legacy as a landmark for black education throughout its existence. Look a bit deeper and one will that the pride of South Carolina State University is its students; young adult men and women who have come from near and far to create the unique atmosphere and culture that is modernday SC State. There are a lot of talent, stories, and people that fly under the radar or haven’t yet been brought to light. There are ideas and achievements that are a product of these young scholars’ boundless imagination and infinite aspiration. There is a whole world inside SC State that we all have yet to experience. The purpose of STATED Magazine is to bring to surface the talent, stories, ideas, and achievement of the individuals who walk through the gates of our campus. The magazine strives to be a glue that further brings our campus and students together, and catalyze innovation and breed creativity. We Are SC State. That phrase and idealism needs to be understood. We, the student body, faculty, staff, and alumni, represent what SC State was, is, and will be. We dictate what SC State is now. There is no “they”. In order for this campus to be the best in the land, we all have to take pride in each other and support each other. STATED strives to make that a reality. I know that SC State has otherworldly talent within the students. I’ve seen it with my own eyes, and often at that. I’ve heard of the things students have accomplished with not a sound of applause. I’ve envisioned the direction that SC State can take if we look a bit deeper and appreciate what our classmates have to bring. 6 STATED August 2015
I implore even the new freshman class, the Class of 2019, who are adjusting to the beginning of a brand new world, to go out and impact your school. Be a part what you want to see from SC State. Make your mark early, make it proudly, and be loud about it. And we will be there to capture your best moments. I encourage you to be a part of STATED. Tell us your stories, give us your ideas, and let us know if we are achieving our goals. This magazine is a mirror of the campus, and we want all of you reading now to be seen in the reflection. No student left behind, no story left behind. This magazine will tell the tale of our school and you have a part in that story, no matter your age, classification, or your background. This magazine isn’t just student media. It’s all of us. At this moment, I would like to re-introduce to you the new STATED Magazine, and reaffirm our new standard and our new mission with our special edition issue. Please enjoy. We’re looking forward to seeing you many times again this year!
Thanks for reading,
Robert S. Blue II • Editor-In-Chief
5 Ways to Keep A Relationship In College By Marquis Wallace
As the summer ends and we fall into autumn, it’s not too early to start looking for “the one” again. I know last year’s “bae” was a fail, but that was last time. This will be different! Here are a few tips to make sure your college love will forever bloom, no matter the season. Warning! Results may vary.
1
Get Yourself Together First: Most couples fail because they feel like they must spend their every waking moment with each other, and even if they don’t think that, most pairs end up doing it anyway. A great way to avoid that is to build your own schedule around your wants and needs first. If you need time in the gym, then you need to incorporate that into your routine. If you prefer the Pitt with your friends over Fried Chicken Wednesdays, then go be free. If you study better in the morning than at night, then own it and stick to it. Be yourself. If you’re unhappy with your routine, then when you find someone, your unhappiness will spill on them as well.
2
Don’t Rush: Learn the person, get to know the person, and find out things about him or her that you didn’t know before. You can never learn too much about a person before dating them. A college relationship can go from “aww” to “ugh” based on a few things that you may not have noticed at first glance. Maybe he is a broke or a manipulative person. Maybe she is too clingy. Take your time to find out who is right for you. You could waste a lot of valuable time spending it with someone who only wanted to spend a few nights in your life, while you were looking for a lifetime of fun.
3
Avoid Comparisons: When you’ve been in a relatively decent relationship before, it’s completely normal to say, “I want someone who was just like my ex, except a little better.” But this isn’t the right way to go. Comparing your potential new mate to an old one creates unfathomable standards for him/her. You can’t put that kind of pressure on a relationship or else it’s bound to explode. Imagine being compared to your lover’s ex. You’re your own person and you deserve to be treated like such. The same method goes for your partner. Let them be themselves.
4
Get Out of Here!: SC State is the greatest campus on Earth, but it’s a bit limited for budding couples. If you can find a ride and some time, take a weekend away to go to the movies in Columbia or to the beach in Charleston, the malls in Charlotte, or even Atlanta. Go somewhere like San Diego for spring break. Time away from the campus, no matter how far or long, can be beneficial to the relationship. A good memory can make things better in the midst of a heated argument.
5
Keep It Moving: I’m a big advocate for second chances, but if it isn’t working, then it probably isn’t going to work. This is why it is so important to know your mate before you jump in a relationship. Sometimes, the chemistry is there, but the other things won’t work (no car or money, different views on different things, etc.). Work it out if possible, but don’t dwell on the negatives for too long. If it doesn’t work, then leave. Focus on something else. Know what makes you happy. Make yourself happy. Afterwards, find someone to add to that happiness. Relationships are not about completion. They’re about finding the one who can add to your life, rather than taking your life away. Be happy with yourself and everything else will fall into place.
August 2015 STATED 7
Spotlight: Jim West
“BEFORE ME THERE WERE MANY. AFTER ME THERE WILL BE NONE. I AM THE ONE.” JIM WEST IS TAKING OVER. By Robert S. Blue II
Raven Barker knows business. He knows the importance of Just a few years later, Jim West heard his own song on the business and he knows the business of business. It’s how the radio. It was the first song he ever recorded, “Jim West Swang”, senior broadcasting major became known to SC State as the and it was featured on Philadelphia’s 103.9 The Beat. He was rapper and entertainer Jim West. But it is easy to see that West only 17 years old when he heard his music blasting through the is more than just the music, more than just the rap name, more airwaves of Philadelphia, one of the largest media markets in than just a student, and more than just a business man. You see America. How’s that to solidify the talent brewing in the young that the moment he greets you. He would tell you that business man? is half of what makes the world flow, but he would also tell you Jim West is more than his music. The beats, lyrics, and that the other half of that would be how you communicate with rhythm of his Just Call Me Jimmy mixtape that introduced him others. Before any business proposition, debate, or interview, to this campus in a big way was just that—the introduction. The he requires ten minutes to sit down talk with you on a personal next step is leaving his mark in the state of South Carolina. level–get to know you, see what makes you tick, what your In the summer of 2014, West created Karolina Konnect, a passions are, and to see how he can relate to you. media company focusing on all aspects of marketing. In less “Your passion shows, man. It shows through everything you than a year, Karolina Konnect had hosted big music names such do. If you’re not passionate about it, people are going to see.” as Gunplay from Maybach Music, as well as the promotion team To West, it’s all about having a passion for what you’re doing. He loves putting his passion for music and media on display, he loves hearing about the passions of his peers and fellow men. He loves to see how genuine people’s drives are. “I always try to make sure that whatever I do, it always has a message, for one. Two, it’s something that I’m actually passionate about or something I truly feel. Just for the simple fact that music is powerful. It’s kind of like, for lack of a better term, a new religion.” He references how rap music was originally created to be the voice and empowerment of blacks in America, the outlet to release and vent emotion of all different kinds in a way that the world could understand. Music–the universal IG: @JimWest21 language. Jim West’s music is his emotion and his mind. When he attended middle school in New Jersey, he lived on the behind DJ B Lord’s “Happy Juice” launch campaign, shooting same street as four different beatmakers–one of which was his the premier interview and video for the event. The goal for older brother. West’s journey to becoming a skilled a producer Karolina Konnect? Simple. as his brother and the rest of the block came to an early end “The overview for the next five years is to be the when his brother would refuse to let him use the computer or entertainment outlet for of the Carolinas–both North and the music software. The early signs of the man that Jim West South”. would grow up to be began to shine through his incredible West and Karolina Konnect host their annual “I Love My ingenuity at such a young age. His brother would have to let HBCU” Appreciation Cookout every August right here in him make beats on the computer if he wrote raps to go along Orangeburg, South Carolina. Last year, the team fed 615 people. with the beats. That’s what he did. Growing up in an area known Not only is it his way of showing support for his university, but a for its violence, youth who are quick to insults, and a less than way to show support for the people who believe in Jim West. pristine environment for those growing up in the area, there was “It’s really the people that really keep me motivated,” West always an avenue to release emotion. says. “Some people genuinely believe in the direction I want to “That’s how I got into rap. It was really just me expressing go in and genuinely believe in me and that’s definitely one of the myself, with my brother not letting me get on the computer. I main components that keep me motivated. Not only do I see just decided to do my own thing and the power of words helped and believe in my vision, but I can see through other people that me find my place.” they feel the same way.” 8 STATED August 2015
topfive SC STATE’S FINEST
You chose, we listened. This past April, we asked SC State students on Instagram who they thought their finest classmates were. After 2,030 responses, we have our list. Check pages 10-14 to find our five most beautiful women on campus and pages 1924 to see our five most attractive men.
August 2015 STATED 9
Feature: SC State Top 5
DELEAH MORGAN
Instagram: @deleah_brianna Deleah is a junior marketing major from Charlotte, N.C. who has interest in all genres of music. She has an interest in interior design and real estate. She loves sports, shopping and making crafts. “I love my SC State. This university has opened so many doors for me and I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. I thank all the faculty and staff for making every year a success.”
Photo Credit: Ferrante Dunham 10 STATED August 2015
ALAYCIA BELL
Instagram: @laysbliss Alaycia, from Columbia, S.C., is known for her fiery personality. She enjoys scrapbooking and working out. Last semester, she became a member of Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity, Inc.! “We are all masterpieces in progress.”
Photo Credit: Ferrante Dunham August 2015 STATED 11
Feature: SC State Top 5
BRIANNA SAILEM
Instagram: @beautyembraces The current Miss Sophomore, Brianna is also a member of the SC State Honors College! She enjoys spending time with family and friends and aspires to attend NYU for grad school and become a publicist! She thanks her peers for voting her for Top 5! “Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.”
Photo Credit: Ferrante Dunham 12 STATED August 2015
TAYLOR JOHNSON
Instagram: @misstrjohnson An Orangeburg native, Taylor one of the hosts for the talk show We Are Front Row. The three-member team appeared as guests on Fox network’s “The Real”. Now that she’s graduated, she has big plans for the future! “Never look at the past as you move forward, and always believe in your dreams.”
Photo Credit: Robert S. Blue II August 2015 STATED 13
Feature: SC State Top 5
GIZELLE POWELL
Instagram: @imsofetch_ A Charleston, S.C. native, Gizelle is a childhood education major with an interest in old school funk and R&B. Her Instagram name was inspired by her favorite movie, Mean Girls.
“A woman who follows the crowd will usually go no further than the crowd. The woman who walks alone is likely to find herself in places no one has been before.”
Photo Credit: Ferrante Dunham 14 STATED August 2015
Be a part of
Student Media serves as the student voice of South Carolina State University and is comprised of the The Collegian newspaper, STATED Magazine, Bulldog Television, and our school yearbook, The Bulldog. If you have interest in building an awesome magazine, taking stunning photos, writing must-read articles, filming, editing, and starring in cool videos, interviewing celebrities, putting fun ideas to action, or want to be part of a cool, fun, and innovative student-run organization on campus, this is exactly where you need to be! We’re always looking to add to the team! Apply online at scsu.edu/forms/ studentmediarequest or send us an e-mail at studentmedia@scsu.edu! We can also be contacted through our Instagram page, @scstatestudentmedia, or @SCSUStudntMedia on Twitter! Our office is located in Suite 100 of the Donma Administration Building across from MLK Auditorium. What are you waiting for?
JOIN TODAY!
By Robert S. Blue II
At an HBCU, Greek life takes center stage. To don the colors and responsibilities of being a leader on campus is something students look forward to as early as their freshmen year. SC State’s spring 2015 probate season featured new Greeks for the Xi Psi chapter of Omega Psi Phi, Beta Delta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, Eta Alpha chapter of Phi Beta Sigma, and the Zeta Kappa chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho. It’s seemingly always the bond that Greeks share that attracts future initiates. Jerel Palmer, the ace from Phi Beta Sigma’s Spring ’15 line, originally attended Allen University in Columbia, where he was first exposed to Phi Beta Sigma. “Before coming to college, I had never heard of Sigma,” he tells STATED. After transferring to State, he saw that the bond that kept the brothers of Sigma’s Alpha Omicron chapter at Allen University was the same, if not stronger at SC State’s Eta Alpha chapter. It drew him in without hesitation. Similarly, Eirrion Timmons, from the Beta Delta chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha’s new spring ’15 line, was amazed by what Greek life had to offer. “I became an Alpha because of what I saw on campus,” Timmons says. “I saw the brotherhood. I never saw an Alpha member by himself. He was always accompanied by two or three more of the Brothers. The community service played a big part for me. Personally, I’m a big advocate for that because my passion is to give back what I didn’t have.” The difficulty to make it into a Greek organization is well-known; a part of the reason why the members of each organization are so well-respected. For any initiate, the fruits of the trials begin on the day of their neophyte presentation. This year, they started a bit earlier for the new members of Alpha and Omega in the form of a death march—a practice in which initiates are presented on campus, usually a the night before the neophyte presentation. This represents the “death” of the initiates’ former selves, as well as stirring the hype for the presentation.
Jonathan Boggs, Omega, fondly remembers his death march, down to the exhilieration he felt throughout the day and the frenzied atmosphere eminating from SC State students, anxious to get their very first look at the new class of Omega men . “We hopped in the car, we get to going down there, and it’s like ‘yo, this is surreal. We’re really about to do this.’” He bounces in his seat and the energy in his voice becomes even more telling than his words. “We’re about to be revealed to the people! The people need this—this is what the people want! [The Omegas] had cars lined up in front of the [Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center] telling us, ‘let’s go, let’s go!’ We felt like the Marines out there. We felt like… yo, it felt great. “We were hanging out the cars, barking… we pulled up behind Earle Hall, and they’re telling us ‘let’s go, let’s go, let’s go! Link up! Link up!’ We link up and start walking down [to the plaza] and we see all these people… and this is just part one. Part one of the ‘OWTest Day On Earth’. Pound sign, #ODOE. Google that.” People come from far and wide for the neophyte presentations at SC State. “I started off nervous but when I saw the crowd, I was like… dang, and it just happened,” Palmer says. “I wasn’t nervous anymore. I was spitting the information and all. I enjoyed it. I enjoyed it.” It’s a sentiment that’s shared among new Greek initiates. The probate is a flash, a rush of emotion that feels like a blur even
'
August 2015 STATED 17
Cover Feature: Under The Mask
Rashad Cohen, the new ten for the Alphas, remembers the presentation as a blur: “It went by fast! It just flew by. I was just telling my mom that I felt like I was in a trance. I kind of compared it to running for [the state championship] in high school. Like, when the gun went off, I was going through the motions, almost. And before I knew it, it was over.” Even in the midst of chaos, the special moments stick out the most, as the Zeta Kappa chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho’s newest tail poodle, Sarah Rice, would tell you. Her older sister Kathy became a member of the sorority in 2006 at Winthrop University, exposing Sarah to the way of Sigma Gamma Rho years before her eventual initiation. It’s a beautiful thing when your sister becomes your sorority sister. “My sister actually revealed me at the presentation. She took off my mask and was right there on stage with my family and friends. She’s so proud of me and so happy to call me her soror as well as her sister,” says Rice. Now that the celebration for these new members has long since come to a close, the next task is for each of them to become the leaders they envisioned themselves to be. How do they view themselves on this campus? What is the role of a Greek organization on an HBCU campus? Demetrius Bassett, the ace from Omega’s Spring ’15 line, known better to the campus as “Black”, can answer. “To show how to lead the way. When you have those letters
18 STATED August 2015
across your chest, people look at you different. Everyone holds you to a higher expectation.” To live by the cardinal principles that are the basis of whichever organization you’re a part of every day; that’s Bassett’s idea of leadership as an Omega. “I think the role of Greek organizations on this campus is to be an open book to newcomers,” says Rice. “It’s just to let them know that you can be a part of something great and build a sisterhood or a brotherhood. Sometimes people don’t have brothers or have sisters. That’s’ what the organization is for; to be a part of that. It should be the goal to better you as a person.” The members of Cohen’s Beta Delta chapter are well-known for holding esteemed positions in many organizations across campus. He knows well the standard Alpha holds for him. “We’ve shied away from it for the past few generations” Cohen tells us, “but we really focus on community service and getting out there and helping people. Now, it’s all about the parties and we should stand up on what’s going on in the nation with everything that’s taking place with [Trayvon Martin, Walter Scott, and others].” Boggs pauses to think about his closing comments. “I feel like we’re supposed to take Omega somewhere it hasn’t gone before. I feel like that’s how we became a part of the organization—because we had what it takes. We’re supposed to serve Omega so that we can make it back. It’s already been certain places, and I feel like we sought it because it was there.” He raises his hand above his head before he finishes his thoughts. “We can really take it here… wherever that may be.” Rice gives a serious look before answering. “I just want everyone to know that when you come to college or a university to really do your research, and really know what you want. And when it comes to these organizations, always remember it’s not just for the moment. It’s for a lifetime.” “I’m glad I picked this fraternity” says Bassett. It’s one of the best choices of my life. Of my life. It woke me up. I stopped being a little boy and grew into a grown man. That’s how I think about it.”
MICHAEL ANTHONY
@mikethemediam4n A junior communications major, Mike Anthony is the Promotions and Publications Chairman for the Campus Activities Board. Some of his favorite music artists are Drake, J. Cole, and Kevin Gates. “I want to be someone who makes an impact on this world. A flame that ignites other flames; a living testimony for success!”
Photo Credit: Ferrante Dunham August 2015 STATED 19
Feature: SC State Top 5
TREVOR QUATTLEBAUM
Instagram: @yungtoothpic Trevor is a part of the recently graduated Class of 2015. The psychology major from Jacksonville, Florida has interest in comic book movies as well as mystery and suspense flicks. He’s a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. and Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity, Inc. “People are always going to choose. Either they’re with you, or they’re not.”
Photo Credit: Ferrante Dunham 20 STATED August 2015
DAVIOUS CHESTNUT
Instagram: @davious_live5 Davious, a member of the Bulldog football team, is from small town Pee Dee, South Carolina. He is studying sports management and is set to graduate this year! Some of his favorite movies include Friday and and He Got Game. “Talk is cheap. ‘Mr. Do’ is the man.”
Photo Credit: Ferrante Dunham August 2015 STATED 21
Feature: SC State Top 5
TAQUAN WEST
Instagram: @iamtaquanwest Taquan West is from Batesburg-Leesville, S.C. The family and consumer science major (minoring in criminal justice) is a receiver for the Bulldogs football team and is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. His hobbies include working out, relaxing, and watching movies.
“Remember that guy that gave up? Neither does anyone else.”
Photo Credit: Eric J. Smith 22 STATED August 2015
TRE’ ADDISON
Instagram: @mr_1pm Tre’ Addison, Class of 2015, was the first-ever Mr. SC State. He is a part of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Businesss Fraternity. inc. He hails from Summerville, S.C. He has an interest in movies and film and his hobby is boxing. “Past mistakes are tools for future success.”
Photo Credit: Eric J. Smith August 2015 STATED 23
STATED Magazine
So, what do you think of our list? Is it accurate? Did we miss anybody? Would you like to see another Top 5 Baddest poll? Let us know where you agreed and/or disagreed by e-mailing us at studentmedia@scsu.edu or contacting us on our Instagram page @scstatestudentmedia ! Tell us what other Top 5 lists you would like to see in STATED Magazine, or what other social media campaigns you would like to see!
24  STATED August 2015
SGA PRESIDENT: “We’re Gonna Be Bulldogs” By Robert S. Blue II
Reginald T. Dupree, Jr., the newest Student Government Association president, has a lot on his mind. We sit down with the big man on campus to see who exactly our new president is and find out what his big plans are. STATED: Who is Reggie Dupree? Why is there such repute associated with your name on this campus? RDJ: “Reginald is just a regular student who just happens to want to work on the behalf of his student body to make sure their opinions are heard. I’m not afraid to be vocal. Reginald T. Dupree is very vocal.” STATED: What are the responsibilities of the SGA and its president? RDJ: “The SGA president works with the Board of Trustees. I attend the board meetings, and I go on behalf of the students and voice their concerns because it’s important that they have the student perspective in the things that they’re doing. You don’t just come to SC State just to get an education and pay tuition and room and board to not have rooms up to par, to not have facilities to a certain standard. We’re here to advocate on behalf of the students for the things we deem to be very near and dear to our heart.” STATED: What are some of your plans for the upcoming year? RDJ: “[Students] want to see this and that for the university. They want to see more activities and events. Well get more involved on campus. That’s what I want to see. I plan to get more students involved, but I plan on getting them involved with things they actually want to do. It’s one thing to say ‘I’m gonna do this, and I’m gonna do that’. But if you don’t want to do it, then it doesn’t matter. And it should matter, and that’s why I’m saying it’s what we want to do.” STATED: How will this administration be different from past administrations? RDJ: “I’m going to tell you now—we’re going to be some Bulldogs! We’re going be some SC State Bulldogs. We’re going to be ready to defend, honor, love, and cherish being South Carolina State University.” “I can tell you that the current administration—we’re ready to work! I told them from day one when I was elected, ‘there’s nothing but work to do’. There’s nothing but work, and they are all ready.” STATED: Anything you’d like to say to the Class of 2019? RDJ: “Get involved. I would tell you to get involved. Do not just go to your room all day! And make sure that you go to class. Mom and dad isn’t here anymore; I understand that. But it’s important. Your first semester GPA determines everything, because it’s your anchor. If your anchor is strong, then you’re not going anywhere.” “Be blessed and highly flavored! Well-seasoned in the Lord!” 25 STATED August 2015
August 2015 STATED 25
Spotlight: Errin Pitts
Humbly,
78 By Robert S. Blue II
Errin Pitts, the 78th Miss SC State, pictured with the second Mr. SC State, Aaron Russell. Errin has long since dreamed of becoming Miss SC State. She’s an example of the heights you can accomplish with hard work and dedication. STATED: Hello, Queen! What is the first thing you would like people to know about the 78th Miss SC State? EP: “I want everyone to know that I am very down to earth. I can adapt to situations and make the best out of them.” STATED: What are some things that people don’t really know about you? EP: “I have a secret passion for little children. I am very much in love with them! I feel as though I can make a difference in their lives. Also, I’m really scared of thunderstorms. They seriously frighten me!” STATED: Explain how you first became interested in this prestigious title. EP: “Actually, when I received my acceptance letter from SC State, I went on the website and looked through their old Homecoming pictures. I saw this big white float with garnet trimming and I ran around my house and found my mom and said ‘Mom, I don’t know who she is, but I am going to become her one day!’ Once the school year started, I met [the 75th Miss SC State] Ms. Kara D. McCullough and we talked for a little while. That’s when I knew this is what I was meant to do once that time came.” STATED: What are some cool things you’ve done or experienced so far as Miss SC State? 26 STATED August 2015
EP: “One of the coolest things that I have done as Miss South Carolina State University is that I was granted an opportunity to be a judge for the Miss Phi Mu Alpha Pageant. That was a great opportunity! I was given a chance to sit on the other side of the table and see what the judges actually get to see.” STATED: What are some things you like to do in your spare time? EP: “In my spare time, I dance, spend time with my friends and family, and bake sweets (cupcakes and homemade frosting!).” STATED: Tell us about one of your worst dates! EP: “My worst date was prom night. I went on a prom date and it was bad. We went into the prom and had a great time. When we came back out after it was over, we had a boot on our car. Then we looked around and saw that everyone else had one on their car as well! Then we were told that in order to get it off, we had to pay $75. Now $75 is expensive after you have just spent all of your money to go to the prom! Luckily, we still had our receipt to show that we had paid and the boot was taken off. That night was such a headache.” STATED: Any advice for freshman who may want to one day be Miss. SC State? EP: “To any young woman that wants to become Miss SC State one day, just be yourself in the beginning. Trust your heart; it will not lead you astray.”
Beta Delta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha
Spring ’15 • 25 To Life