Dominique Miller, also known as Dom is known for her involvement on campus and she has a lot to share about her experiences. Meet Dom as she walks us through her commitment to Sankofa: Black Student Union and how her leadership position has shaped her in a positive way.
Class Year: 2015
Major: Political Science
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
HC: Why did you decide to attend HWS?
DM: I came to HWS for two reasons. The first reason was because of the financial aid package I received. The second and most important receive was because of the atmosphere of the HWS community. When I came to visit, I absolutely loved the look of the campus and I knew I wanted to be a part of this community. I felt like HWS was really dedicated to supporting the students and making sure everyone was happy. In fact, compared to other schools, I feel like we are spoiled in the ways in which we are assisted and given opportunities. The fact that I can call campus safety and say, “I need a ride” and they will be there is awesome. Most schools don’t have that.
HC: What are you involved in on campus?
DM: I am the president of Sankofa: Black Student Union, a member of the Race and Racism Coalition, and I also work at the Center for Global Education.
HC: What has been the most rewarding thing about being a part of Sankofa?
DM: The most rewarding part about being a Sankofa member, and now, president is when I see positive outcomes generate after each event. For example, when we held an open forum/discussion at the Geneva Boys and Girls Club about “Creating Our Own Black History,” I loved watching the kids become motivated to achieve higher things for themselves. It is amazing to watch Professor King, our club advisor, look at young black men and say to them “You can do more and be more because you are great; and you don’t have to be the stereotypical basketball player, or rapper.” I think that is so beautiful because you are able to the witness the kids face light up, and I love seeing that so much. Another thing was when we did the Hands-Up Forum and a lot people came up to me and said “Great job,” “You really inspired me,” or “I learned so much.” Even Marty Corbin, who took part in the forum said that “I didn’t know that this was going down on campus and I will definitely try to change Campus Safety policies to protect all students.” I take part in Sankofa because it’s rewarding to witness change that my board members and I help to create.
HC: Are you involved in anything else on campus besides, Sankofa?
DM: No, not really! Sankofa takes up a lot of my time, but I do take part in the Race and Racism Coalition.
HC: How do you balance everything with Sankofa, academics, social life, etc.?
DM: I plan a lot. I have a planner that I carry with me everywhere. I like to think about getting everything down, and then trying to the bare minimum so that I don’t get too stressed out.
HC: Do you see yourself taking part in organizations with similar missions like Sankofa or Race and Racism Coalition in the future?
DM: I definitely see myself working in the community and trying to create my own brand in the community. I want to be a lawyer in the future, so I know I will be working with a community at some point; but, I don’t know how hands on I would be like I am with Sankofa. However, I know I will be utilizing the things I learn from Sankofa and applying them to my career, but I don’t really see myself event planning or anything like that in my future work.
HC: Where did you spend your semester abroad?
DM: I studied abroad in Vietnam!
HC: How was your study abroad experience?
DM: My semester abroad was the most amazing experience of my life. I learned a lot about Vietnamese culture, and myself. I learned about my limits, like what I can and cannot do. It really gave me a new perspective on how I see the world and in some sense, grounded me. For so long, I’ve only known the American way of life, but it is truly amazing when you go out of the country and you see a completely different perspective of the huge world we live in. My study abroad experience definitely lit a fire in me to come back and create more change in my community. I learned that the world is so much bigger than I ever thought and we need to be more present in it.
HC: Do you have a motto that you live by?
DM: Oh my goodness. (laughs) Alright, this is from my favorite drag queen. The quote is, “It is okay to fall down, but get up, look sickening, and make them eat it.” (more laughs) This quote is by Latrice Royale. To me, it means that its okay, sometimes you’re not always going to get it, you’re not always going to have it, but when you do have it, you better get it together and make sure you do that sh*t right.
“Favorites”:
Place on campus: 380 and the library
Place in Geneva: The Flounge
Thing about HWS: The education I am receiving, the connections I am making, the professors, and our strong networking organization
Class at HWS: Intro to Political Theory and Anthropology of Creativity
Movie: Too Wong Foo (Lol, it’s a movie about drag queens)
TV Show: Empire
Celebrity Crush: The Rock
Accessory: Ankle tie