Jazmin Tate, a minority student at Sinclair Community College, is pursuing a Criminal Justice degree and is Secretary of the African -American Culture Club.
“I’ve always been into law and crime ever since I was in grade school,” Tate said. “Its changed over the years from forensic science, to police officer, to crime analysis … my uncle is a lawyer, so I’ve always had an interest for it.”
Tate enjoys being part of the African -American Culture Club because of the diversity it brings to campus.
“I am the secretary for that club … For almost a year and a half now, it has been really fun … we are a club that tries to bring diversity on campus and to help students out … Help them network [and] to try and find scholarships,” Tate said.
Tate feels she has accomplished a lot.
“I have two jobs and I go to school full time and this club I am in (African -American Culture Club), I feel like I have a lot of dedication in everything I do,” Tate said. “In February I won the NIA award, it’s Swahili for ‘purpose’. You show outstanding work on campus and you define the meaning of purpose.”
Although she acknowledges accomplishing many things, she has still struggled.
“I know when I first started here I was a student that was in the shadows. I was shy, I didn’t talk to a lot of people. I didn’t want to be a part of anything,” Tate said. “Dr. Twe, one of my advisers for the African -American Culture Club, pointed me out. [He said] ‘I want you to be a leader, I know you can be a leader and I want to see that from you’. That gave me motivation.”
Tate’s advice for other students is to become involved within your time on campus.
“I know this is a campus that is in and out, but if you make a lasting impression people will say, ‘I remember that person,’” Tate said. “Make sure you include yourself in this campus … Put yourself into clubs and little things — you don’t have to participate in everything … just make yourself known.”
Tate added that reaching out to teachers, advisers and students has helped her succeed.
“I feel like if you put your mind to it you can succeed … just put your foot in there you can make a big difference,” she said.