Clark sisters to graduate together from Alcorn
Ashley and Shada Clark have been sharing their entire lives. Born to Shirley Smith and Franklin Clark of Fayette, Miss., the sisters grew up together in a close-knit family. On May 9, 2015, the sisters will share another life event, as both are scheduled to receive college degrees at Alcorn State University's 2015 Commencement Exercises.
The sisters have very different personalities, but despite that, both chose child development in the Department of Human Sciences, School of Agriculture, Research, Extension and Applied Sciences, as their major. The older sister, Ashley, says that she began her collegiate studies first.
“When I started my degree, I faced some challenges and took a few breaks. Before I knew it, my baby sister caught up with me!” she says.
The sisters say that they chose to major in child development because of their passion for helping youth.
“I just love working with children,” says Shada. “One of my favorite parts of the college experience was having an opportunity to intern at Jefferson Country Elementary School. The children loved me and I enjoyed working with their kindergarten teacher."
Ashley also interned with the Jefferson County Elementary School, helping to teach first grade students.
“I fit right into the environment,” she says. “The teacher gave me a lot of independence and by the second week, I was teaching and doing all sorts of activities with the class!”
The sisters say that good role models, as well as support from each other, their teachers and their peers, were essential to their success.
“Everyone in the Department of Human Sciences was very helpful to us. They are genuinely good people and care about the students. That helped to make this process easier,” says Shada.
In the future, Shada plans to enroll in a master’s degree program and hopes to one day own a business.
“I would really love to open a daycare center in the local community,” she says of her future plans. Ashley plans to enroll in the Alcorn State University masters of business administration program this fall and plans to pursue a Ph.D as well.
“Our children, our parents, and all of our family and friends are excited for us and proud of what we have accomplished thus far,” adds Shada.
With no traces of sibling rivalry in their midst, the sisters look forward to the upcoming Commencement and all the events associated with it.
