A: Oxon Hill, Md.
Q: How old are you?
A: 21 years old. I am the youngest of seven.
Q: When did you enter NC State?
A: Fall 2003.
Q: What classification are
you?
A: Senior
Q: When are you graduating?
A: December 2007.
Q: Why did you choose NC State?
A: NC State as not too far from home, and it was an ACC school. Additionally,
the College of Textiles appealed to my fashion interest.
Q: What is your major?
A: Textile and Apparel Management with a concentration in Fashion Development.
Minors: French and Journalism.
Q: What made you choose this particular major?
A: I originally wanted to go to the Fashion Institute of Technology in
New York. However, I came to the realization that if I decided to pursue
a degree outside of fashion and transfer to another university, a lot
of my credits would not transfer-basically, I would have to start all
over. Conversely, NC State provided more flexibility and the College of
Textiles had the Apparel Management major which covered all facets of
the Apparel chain.
Q: What are your short-term goals?
A:“Graduate in December! Move to Paris, France for a year:
Study the language and learn more about the fashion industry.
Q: What are your long-term career goals?
A: Fashion buyer and writer for a fashion publication like Vogue.
Q: How would you describe yourself?
A: Ambitious, outgoing, charismatic and truthful.
Q: Whom do you accredit for your success thus far?
A: My parents, Steven and Consuella-Jabali-Nash.
Q: What are your extracurricular activities on campus?
A: I am the Editor of Arts & Entertainment section in the Nubian Message.
Q: When did you join the Nubian Message?
A: Fall 2005.
Q: What are you hobbies and outside interests?
A: Playing golf, hanging out with friends, freelance writing and reading.
Q: Who is your favorite author?
A: Amy Tan, author of The Joy Luck Club.
Q: Did you participate in the African-American Symposium as a first-year student at NC State?
A: Yes.
Q: What role did the African-American Symposium play in your acclimating to NC State environment
and how do you think you have benefited?
A: The African-American Symposium provided me with a family away from home and instilled in
me the importance of having that support group. I connected with people
at the African-American Symposium and if it were not for the African-American Symposium, I would not have met some
of my best friends.
Q: What kind of obstacles and challenges have you had to overcome at
NC State?
A: Being an out-of-state student can be difficult at times. Sometimes
I would just want to be home and give my mother a hug, or talk to my best
friend who really understood me.
Q: What experiences growing up helped shape you?
A: Golf helped shape me into an individual who is not afraid to
say what I feel. At times I would be the only female, playing with all
of my male friends, and when we traveled tournaments, I would be the only African American female playing. Sometimes people assumed that I wouldn’t know certain
rulings of the game, and sometimes there would be a certain vibe or feeling
at these country clubs, that was not so pleasant. My parents taught me
to be proud of who I am, and to always know more because sometimes people
may expect me to know less.
Q: What was one of your most memorable experiences at NC State?
A: I participated in study abroad in Lille, France (north of Paris) in the summer of
2005.
Q: Can you describe that experience?
A: Living and studying in France was an eye-opening experience. IIt was fun and frustrating at times because it’s not as easy as it seems to adjust to a different culture. However, I loved the people I met,
and my French teacher, Ms. Yannick, was an inspiration. The sites were
breathtaking and history that I learned by being there was in itself wonderful. At times I didn’t want to leave.
Q: What did you gain from this experience?
A: I gained an appreciation for another culture, and by saying that I mean this: America is a melting pot. People come over to the States, and we expect them to assimilate into our culture so fast, wanting them to know our language as quickly as possible. And most Americans don’t even know two languages! It was interesting being on the “other side,” being in another country where I did not understand all of the language, customs, manners, etc. Learning and adjusting to their customs helped me to appreciate the French people. This experience helps me to be more patient with foreigners I meet here in the States.
Q: How where you introduced to Black Alumni Society?
A: Through the scholarship.
Q: How did you find out about the BAS Undergraduate Scholarship?
A: I did not know about the scholarship prior to receiving it.
Q: What do you think BAS can do to heighten its presence on campus and strengthen its connection with undergraduates?
A: E-mail events/programs to the listserv, put up a banner in Multicultural Student Center and get more involved with the African-American Symposium to let BAS formally introduce itself to students. Also BAS could heighten its presence on campus by recognizing scholarship recipients in a formal environment like the Ebony Harlem Awards.
Q: Would you consider joining BAS?
A: Yes. I definitely want to join BAS after I graduate. BAS helped me
continue my education, and I would like to do the same: help other African
American undergraduates.
Q: What has been your single most notable achievement/accomplishment
while at NC State?
A: I participated in AATS Fashion Show April 20, 2007. My family came down to support me, and I was proud to stand behind my work and display my talent. Growing up, I looked up to my brothers and sisters so much, and to have them say that they were proud of me meant the world to me!
Q: What are your summer plans?
A: I will be interning with NARS cosmetics in New York. I will have responsibilities in marketing, new product development and public relations.
Q: Who are your role models?
A: My role models are my parents, my brothers and sisters. Being the youngest of seven, I may not have had everything that I wanted, but I always had everything that I needed.
Q: What is your favorite quote?
A: “Live in the moment and make it so beautiful that it will be worth remembering!” ~Fanny Crosby