Membership Spotlight: Remisha Jones
Q: What inspired you to attend Clark Atlanta University (CC, AU, or CAU, and how did your time there shape who you are today?
A: I was inspired to attend Clark Atlanta University after hearing so many great things from my pastor’s son and a childhood friend who’d both graduated from there. The idea of attending an HBCU in Atlanta excited me, and I wanted to see for myself what CAU had to offer. It ended up being a total game changer, opening my eyes to so many facets of life. I met people from every walk of life and all over the world. I was fortunate to meet some of the most ambitious, driven, and just genuinely good people. What I loved most was the energy on campus; everyone seemed to be leading something, involved in organizations and activities, all while keeping their GPAs strong. There was a standard of excellence woven into the spirit of that campus, and it was undeniable.
CAU gave me a sense of belonging I didn’t have to explain or justify; I could show up fully as myself, carrying that same spirit of excellence. That experience shaped who I am today. It taught me that whenever I walk into a room; I should walk in prepared, with bold confidence, and with excellence as my standard.
Q: Can you share a memorable experience or tradition from your time at CAU that still resonates with you?
A: When I first arrived at CAU, I was introduced to the late Dr. Jenkins, and I approached her about scholarships. I needed one, and as a first-generation student, I didn’t have the luxury of not asking. She was always busy, always telling me to come back another day, next week, whenever there was time. But I kept showing up.
One day, she finally sat down with me. She looked me in my eyes, took the time to really know who I was, and not only secured a scholarship for me, she guided me toward a job on campus that carried me through my time there. She told me, I like you young lady and the reason she was helping me is because I kept showing up, again and again, for what I wanted.
Q: How has being part of the CAU alumni network, especially in the Carolinas, impacted your personal or professional journey?
A: The Panther family is truly like no other. I’ve reached out in the past when I needed support with events or projects, and every time, people showed up genuinely happy to help no hesitation etc. Even now, alumni here in Carolina continue to check in on me personally, especially after a recent loss in my family. It’s a reminder that this isn’t just a network; it’s a community. Being seen, supported, and embraced like that made me feel like I truly belong to something special.
Q: What advice would you give to current CAU students or recent graduates navigating life after college?
A: Enjoy every season of your life and don’t rush the process. Set goals, network, and always dream big; but also remember to give yourself some grace. Also, as you have invested in your education, continue to invest in yourself by taking care of your mental health and navigating life. Challenging times may arise, but never give up on yourself. Failure is a part of life and simply a part of the process, and prepares you for real success. Honestly, Failure isn’t really failure; it’s lessons learned if you choose to keep going.
