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This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Savannah chapter.

This week we’re continuing our member profiles and we are choosing to highlight is Aliyah Cydni! Aliyah is one of our new members but we see so much potential coming from her! This will be her junior year at Savannah State University and we are excited to see her be the beautiful women she is! Read below and get to know this treasure! 

 

Otissia: How would you describe your college experience? 

Aliyah: My college experience has been great these past two years. College has changed me mentally, emotionally, and financially…but only for the better. The people, the education, and the atmosphere, all play a part in collegiate growth.

Otissia: Why did you decide to attend Savannah State University

Aliyah: Attending Savannah State wasn’t my first option, but my mom suggested it and scheduled a tour. I then ended up meeting with Dr. Dozier and an SSU Alum, David Mahone, who then told me that SSU’s JMC Department was one of two schools in the state of Georgia who had accreditation. It was during Alpha and Que week when I came, and the vibes seemed so powerful and positive, I had no choice but to come.

Otissia: As a senior what do you wish you could have told your freshman self? 

Aliyah: I am a rising junior. However, I do wish I would have told Freshman Ali to network first semester.

Otissia: What motivates you to keep going knowing how hard college can be?

Aliyah: Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all thy heart and lean not unto thy own understanding. In ALL ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths.”

Otissia: What I your favorite part about college?

Aliyah: I adore the fact that I attend an HBCU, and networking with other HBCU’s and learning their history and culture is probably my favorite part.

Otissia: What is your favorite memory as a freshman & senior 

Aliyah: My favorite memory as a freshman was winning Miss Sophomore 2016-17, it gave me an insight on how our SGA works and I became a voice for my class.

Otissia: What advice can you give incoming freshman?

Aliyah: First day of class, wait until class is over, introduce yourself to every single last one of your professors. Read your syllabus and go to office hours, even if you don’t have a question, make up one.

Otissia: If you could go back and relive or redo any experience in college what would it be? 

Aliyah: Honestly, I wouldn’t redo anything. Life is full of lessons and in the words of singer Adele, “Regrets and mistakes are memories made.”

Otissia: Who’s your biggest inspiration?

Aliyah: I’m honestly inspired by everyone. I see a lot of people on a day to day basis and it just seems like everyone I meet has their head on their shoulders and is looking to be great, and that’s a beautiful thing.

Otissia: What are you most proud of accomplishing in college? 

Aliyah: Networking. Like I said, I meet a lot of people from different HBCU’s and a lot of people at Savannah State, and I absolutely love meeting new people and exchanging words of encouragement.

Otissia: What is your major & why did you choose it? 

Aliyah: I am a Mass Communications Major and I decided to major in that because since the age of four, I’ve always “had” my own television show, so I feel as though God has placed that in my heart to make it happen.

Otissia: What do you hope to accomplish after graduation? 

Aliyah: Post-graduation, I plan to receive my Masters of Film

Otissia: What are three fun facts you would like for our readers to know about you?

Aliyah: I love poetry, I can read something historic all day, and I have my own website, but it’s under construction right now

Otissia: If you could change one thing about your college career what would it be? 

Aliyah: I would not necessarily change anything about my college career, but I would like to know how Savannah State can reduce our retention rate.

Otissia: How important is a college education to you?  

Aliyah: College education is very important to me because once you get in your major courses, you learn a lot of things about things that you thought you knew, and it becomes a revelation.

Otissia: What are you looking forward to for the upcoming year? 

Aliyah: Better grades, clearer skin, and prosperity among my fellow Tigers!

 

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Hi, My name is Otissia McKinnon. I was born and raised in South Georgia and now I currently attend Savannah State University as a Social Work Major. Helping those who are unable to help themselves is my passion and I intend on making it my life's work. I thoroughly enjoy writing, editing, building and branding social media content. My future plans are to build a women's organization that not only empowers the youngest of hearts but encourages girls as they grow older to be the most loving and successful versions of themselves they can be.