Take it from a Graduating Senior; Advice to Navigate College

According to Her Campus CAU social media staff and senior art major, Maiya Prospere, attending Clark Atlanta University has assisted her in blossoming into the woman she is today.

“Being a student at CAU has taught me to come out of my shell and talk more. It has helped me learn to speak up if I know the answer or speak up to be heard,” she said.

The 2020-2021 school year was one for the books. The near 100 percent virtual experience was a feat like no other, and graduating during it must be a strenuous task. Before donning her cap and gown and officially closing the chapter that is undergrad, Prospere shared some advice for underclassmen who may still be finding their way.

Clark Atlanta is a member school of the Atlanta University Center, the largest concentration of Black scholars in the country. Morris Brown College, Morehouse College and Spelman College are all within walking distance, and the latter two share a promenade with the University. Prospere encouraged students to take advantage of this and get to know people from each of the various schools.

“Get out of your room and enjoy campus life as much as you can. Get to know more people in the AUC,” Prospere stated “It’s not just Clark, it’s Spelman and Morehouse [and Morris Brown]. Get to know your other brothers and sisters.”

She took a trip down memory lane and remembered her freshman self. She was new to the campus, eager and filled with the willpower to work. Prospere said her grades were her top priority which ended up affecting her social life as she did not involve herself in on-campus activities. One of Prospere’s biggest regrets was not getting involved sooner.

“I wish I could have been more involved early on a lot more than I was. I should have went out and enjoyed myself more instead of focusing so much on schoolwork, but the people I’ve met in the relationships I’ve built have definitely made me not want to do anything differently,” she said.

Soon after, however, Prospere joined several campus organizations that she is still involved with. She is a member of the Her Campus CAU social media team, a member of the Georgia Club, Black is Gold, Pre-Alumni Council and the president of the Campus Activities Board. 

The sense of being overwhelmed is something that many college students can relate to. When homework starts piling up, organizational duties become taxing, and the inability to balance one’s social. and school life turns out to be harder than expected, one might feel alone in the world. However, Prospere said to remember that others are struggling alongside you.

 “It’s okay to be stressed, and it’s okay to struggle because everyone else is struggling,” Prospere stated. “As long as you can pull yourself out and depend on God, you can make it out of any hard place.”

According to Prospere, attending Clark Atlanta is an experience like no other. She believes her matriculation was four years well spent. She spoke on the community that Clark Atlanta has given her — something that she says is her favorite part about being a Panther. 

“My favorite part of a CAU was the campus life. It was always home and gave you a sense of belonging even if you didn’t know the people. Just being around people who look like you and enjoying their company,” Prospere said. 

Clark Atlanta University will hold two commencement ceremonies for the class of 2020 and the class of 2021 respectively on May 15. The University has elected for in-person ceremonies. Politician and civil rights activist, Stacey Abrams will give the address for the class of 2020, and CNN commentator and lawyer, Bakari Smells will address the class of 2021. 

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