Students Students
Vishani Miller
- Major
- Finance
- Graduation Date
- 12/2003
- School(s) Attended
- Hampton University
I was privileged to attend Hampton University as a 4-year Presidential Scholar, which was an opportunity afforded to me by the United College Action Network. This scholarship was such a blessing for me and my family because it alleviated much of the financial strain associated with attending a college or university. This experience proved to be awesomely rewarding, in that it allowed me to gain a wealth of knowledge about myself and the world around me.
Had it not been for U-CAN, I probably would not have attended an HBCU. However, if I did so happen to attend, I don’t know that I would have secured a full academic scholarship. Attending Hampton University has had such a positive and empowering effect on my whole being, which is something I did not expect to gain from attending an HBCU. My experience at Hampton has honed and focused my passion for the betterment and uplifting of my community, and this would not be my current mindset without the influence of U-CAN. The U-CAN organization was able to show me an invaluable avenue, that I otherwise would not have considered pursuing.
I plan to Co-Own and Co-Chair IMAJN Academy, which is a non-profit organization focused on educating, encouraging and empowering our youth. Eventually, under the IMAJN umbrella, my hope is that this company will expand to include IMAJN Productions, Films and Records as a part of its subsidiary operations. Through these organizations, I ultimately want to inspire others, and mitigate change.
If I had my educational pursuits to do all over again, I would major in a subject that I was truly passionate about. In college, I felt so much pressure to graduate in a specified amount of time, that I dismissed studying subjects that I enjoyed for majoring in an area that would be financially secure. It’s a rare opportunity to be immersed in an environment where the sole purpose is for you to educate and better yourself, and I didn’t realize how unique that moment was. I would have taken complete advantage of having the opportunity to major in subject matter that I would still be enthusiastic about today.
I would tell aspirants to equip themselves with as much knowledge as possible because knowledge is POWER! It’s not just some trite cliché that people use when they want to sound positive. I would also tell them to, above all, persevere. I’m starting to believe that the success rate is not as clear of a representation of those that “made it”, as much as it is a depiction of those that did not give up. Lastly, I would tell others to, “Seek ye first the Kingdom of Heaven and…” well, you know the rest. (However, if by chance you don’t, look it up. Matt 6:33)
One scripture that I live by is Jeremiah 29:11, which says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you, and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” It removes the pressure of having to do something great on your own accord, when you know that God has a specific plan for your life. Also, “Don’t sweat the small stuff… and it’s all small stuff,” is a saying that has had a substantial impact on my mindset when it comes to reacting to life’s experiences. Remembering this helps to keep things in their proper perspective.