Freshmen begin journey at Alcorn during Move-In Day
A new journey has begun for hundreds of freshmen at Alcorn State University.
Newcomers began their collegiate journeys at the University Wednesday, Sept. 18, during the annual Move-In Day. University staff welcomed the freshmen and their parents as they moved into their residence halls. Upperclassmen and residence hall staff were also on-site to assist students with moving in.
Enrolling at an HBCU was a factor in most of the freshmen coming to Alcorn. Jalynn Hinton, a political science major from Pass Christian, Mississippi, is happy to be around people with similar lifestyles and backgrounds.
“I’m really excited to start this new chapter,” said Jalynn. “I’m looking forward to being surrounded by other people who look like me and share similar experiences. I’ve loved Alcorn since I came here for my sister’s graduation four years ago. That experience made my decision easy.”
Dropping her daughter off at college was a bittersweet moment for Jalynn’s mother, Shanti Hinton. Although proud of her daughter’s milestone, Shanti experienced mixed feelings about her child leaving the nest. She left her with encouraging words as they completed the move-in.
“I’m happy that she’s growing up and doing great things, but it's bittersweet because I don’t want her to leave home,” said Shanti. “I want her always to put God first and remain true to herself.”
Alcorn’s many resources and great atmosphere are two of many reasons why students chose the University. Kenneth Seals, a biology major from Natchez, Mississippi, applauded the school for its location and quality academics.
“I was nervous because this is a new era in my life, but now it’s my time, and I’m so happy to start this new path in my life,” said Kenneth. “I’m used to seeing my cousins and other family members go to Alcorn, but now it’s my time to be a student at the University and prepare for my future. I’m happy I chose Alcorn because it’s a great school, it’s close to home, and it’s great for academics.”
Kenneth comes from a family of Alcornites. His mother, Mary Lyles Seals, expressed pride in her son carrying on the Alcorn tradition.
“I feel excited that he is following in most of our family’s footsteps of becoming an Alcornite,” said Mary. “I expect great things from him because he is attending a great school.”
For some, entering college is exciting but nerve-wracking. Kennedy Terry, a pre-veterinarian medicine major and women’s softball player from Mobile, Alabama, was filled with emotions during her big day.
“I’m excited and nervous because this is completely new and different from my home,” said Kennedy. “Alcorn is one of the few schools that have the program that I want to major in.”
The move onto campus was one of a few visits for Kennedy’s mother, Ericka Terry. Ericka feels that Alcorn provides a safe environment, which makes her comfortable about her stay on campus.
“This is our third time coming here, and the campus is really nice. It seems like a safe place to be,” said Ericka. “I’m happy for her, and I’m glad that she’s attending an HBCU.”
Coming to his ideal school has always motivated Bryan Lucas, a plant and soil science major from Port Gibson, Mississippi.
“This is a new beginning in my life, so I’m very excited to start college at Alcorn,” said Bryan. “I’ve grown up on campus. My whole life, Alcorn has been my dream school.”
Bryan is following in the footsteps of his grandmother and mother, Gwendolyn Lucas-Gordon, director of Alumni and Staff Development for the School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences. She’s happy to see her son attend the University.
“I’m super excited that my son chose my alma mater to start his next chapter,” said Gwendolyn. “Attending Alcorn is a family tradition, and I couldn’t be more excited that he chose to be an Alcornite. We wish him much success.”
