LaQuayle Agurs, a go-getter with a big heart, will not stop until she reaches the top. LaQuayle is a graduating senior journalism major from Richmond Virginia. Many of you have seen Miss LaQuayle on campus, and yes she wears many hats. She is co-facilitator for the Greer Dawson Wilson Student Leadership Training Program, and co-creator of the organization Queen. Not to mention she also holds it down on the Deans List with her killer GPA and stellar internship experiences.
Although her first choice was the other HU, Howard University, she later chose to attend our Home by the Sea Hampton University. “I got accepted, made arrangements to attend, but something about going to Howard did not feel right. My mind was saying, ‘Howard, Howard, Howard!,’ but something in my heart kept telling me that Hampton University was where I needed to be for the next four years of my life. “, Said LaQuayle. She knew that when her heart is sold on something, God is speaking to her. Even though her heart was originally set on Howard, LaQuayle is NOT regretful of her choice of attending Hampton University. “If it were not for Hampton University, I would not be the young woman or young professional that I am today. This institution has truly molded me into the Hampton Woman.” said Agurs. Through her Hampton experience, she learned the importance of following before leading. “I have learned to truly see the feasibility of dreams that may seem so far stretched and I have gained big sisters and mentors who I know will be wiping my tears on my wedding day”, said LaQuayle. She came to Hampton U seeking an education and also wanted to get involved.
Since being at Hampton, LaQuayle has started and grown numerous organizations on campus. She has been involved with the National Association of Black Journalists, The Hampton Script, the Greer Dawson Wilson Student Leadership Training Program (SLP), the Student Government Association as the Student Representative to the Board of Trustees, and a member of the Golden Key International Honor Society. She is also the co-founder of Quintessentially Utilizing Elegance and Empowerment to Nurture (Q.U.E.E.N) as well.
The organizations that I am currently a part of has had a tremendous impact on Hampton’s campus, in the community, and my personal being. LaQuayle stated, “Being a part of SLP and the other aforementioned organizations has reaffirmed the significance of perseverance, boosted my confidence, and polished my leadership skills. If I did not take it upon myself to get involved on campus, I would not be the person that I am today.” Which is safe to say your Hampton experience is what you make it. Agurs is also a contender for the title of Miss HBCU. Although the physical pageant is no longer taking place, LaQuayle hopes to woooh the judges with her platform about Suicide Prevention in the African American community. “I have grown to have a special place in my heart for my Home by the Sea and suicide awareness, so it would truly be an honor to represent HBCU’s around the world with a primary focus on such an imperative issue“ said Agurs.
Many of you have heard about LaQuayle being honored for her numerous accolades and internships with some of the best media companies to date. Her first internship was the summer after her sophomore year. It was with a brand called The Indie Chicks. She was in charge of working on publishing its first print magazine issue, nationwide. While doing that virtual internship, she was also gained hands on experience with From One Hand to Another, which is Pharrell Williams’ organization dedicated to STEM fields. Since then, she has interned with Cosmopolitan Magazine, ESSENCE Magazine, Sister2Sister Magazine, CocoaFab, and others.
Last semester LaQuayle was also in the running for the ESSENCE College Campus Ambassador program. LaQuayle said, “My internships were humbling experiences because it made me realize that I will always have to go 100 times harder than I ever have at Hampton. My internships allowed me to introspect and ask myself, ‘What makes you different?’ ‘How will you stand out in your field?’ ‘How did you stand out at Hampton University?’ Once I was able to provide answers to those questions for myself, I knew that I would be able to conquer the world (and my industry) from that point forward.”
Well of course there is life after Hampton U and LaQuayle is ready and has plans. After May 8, 2016 she will be headed to Australia to work with Cosmopolitan Magazine to grow her expertise in international journalism. After Australia, LaQuayle will be moving to New York to work with InStyle Magazine. Agurs stated, “I am not sure what will happen after InStyle, but I am certain that God has a plan for me so I am excited to see what post-grad life has in store!”
As LaQuayle is o’so grateful for not only her Hampton University but also her HBCU experience and how it has sculpted her overall as a person. She stated, “There is no experience on the planet that compares to being a Hamptonian. As much as people may say Hampton is strict, it doesn’t do this, but students want that, all of those qualities, both good and indifferent, sculpts you into the person and the professional I know you have high hopes of becoming. Hampton is a powerful place with powerful people. It is a place where opportunities are endless and life long relationships will come in abundance. Hampton University is truly what you make it and if you take advantage of everything that the institution has to offer, you will never feel as though you overpaid for your experience. Hampton is intimate. Hampton is special. Hampton is home. As a graduating senior, I know I will give back to my Home by the Sea in the future to do my due diligence. “
As LaQuayle prepares for life after post-secondary education she continues on the path of excellence and greatness. We wish you the best LaQuayle.