Meet Campus Correspondent Otissia McKinnon! Otissia is the founder for Savannah State University chapter. She is 20 years old and currently majoring in Social Work. She believes Her Campus will bring positivity and light to the Savannah State and looks forward to bringing women as well as the campus as a whole together.
Name: Otissia
Major: Social Work
Year: Junior
Relationship Status: Single
HC: How important is your education to you?
Growing up I was always a scholar. My parents stressed the importance of education and how it that is was critical that I get the best educationone I could. My mom pushed for me to do my best, which resulted in me excelling in my studies, being in honor classes/programs, and scoring well enough on my SAT’s to get into any school or university of my choice.
HC: Why did you decide to go to a HBCU?
My intentions were never to really go to a HBCU. I originally wanted to attend Savannah College of Art & Design(SCAD). I applied and was accepted without having to submit a portfolio which is unheard of, for SCAD but my test scores were that good. I couldn’t go because the tuition was too much and my family couldn’t afford it. My best friend attended anand HBCU and raved about so much how good it was so, I decided to give it a chance despite being skeptical and I haven’t regretted my decision ever since.
HC: Why did you decide on social work as a major?
Social work is something that has always struck my attention, because it had a wide range of occupations that all had a common theme: helping those who need it the most. Social work is quite interesting because, you’reyour able to directly help someone’s life and make huge difference. Social workers tend to get a bad rap but they’re good people who care about making a positive difference is one’s life which is what I have a passion for in mine.
HC: What do you plan to do with your major.
I intend on getting my bachelor’s degree in social work, and then my master’s degree so I can become an administrator for the department of children and family services for the state of Georgia. I would like to be a part of implementing plans and policies that directly help families instead of ignoring their problems.
HC: What is your favorite thing about attending an HBCU?
I think my favorite thing would be the love my schools has for its students and the passion to see each one of us succeed in life. It’s so refreshing to see to support among the African American community that’s for something so positive such as education and the empowerment of our people. I love to be a part of things that bring the good out of people and help better us as individuals.
HC: What advice can you give incoming freshman to help their transition to college go smoothly?
College is hard. College can be stressful and there are times you may think you won’t make it but you will. You must know that the times you feel like giving up and wantwon’t to quit you can’t. College can be fun, and is supposed to be about having different life experiences, and finding yourself. Bbut that doesn’t mean there won’t be times that you might get scared or lonely, or even frustrated. You have to keep going, and remember the goals you set out to accomplish and stick to a focused mindset.
Otissia is proof that if your first plan doesnt work out, your plan B is probably goign to be better1