The Esteemed 31st Miss Clark Atlanta University, Aretha Bernard has taken Clark Atlanta University’s campus by storm with her game-changing platform and her unique approach to Queendom. She is a Junior Psychology Major who is confident, elegant, and an unapologetic Black Women. Keep on reading to learn more about CAU’s new campus queen Aretha.
HC: Hey Girl! I know that you are from California, specifically LA and always shout it out at events. Tell me 3 words to describe your city and home state?
AB: Superior, Vibes, and Sunshine. It is truly the best. The weather is PERFECT, even when it’s hot it’s still perfect you still get that perfect breeze, the people are awesome, and the city never sleeps. I can hit up my best friends and go get a pizza at 3 am if I wanted to. To be from there is such a great feeling that I didn’t appreciate until I left.
HC: Everyone has a CAU story about how they found their way to 223 James P. Brawley Dr.? What’s yours?
AB: During my senior year of High School, I was the president of my school’s BSU (Black Student Union) but I wasn’t super exposed to HBCU life so I never looked into them. But in a roundabout way, the only school I got accepted to was CAU, and I only applied because my best friend went here and told me to apply. I love to say CAU chose me. When I got my acceptance letter I started crying and I was so happy.
HC: How was your first week as a CAU student? How did you pick your major?
AB: I had no expectations for my first week. I really wanted to just immerse myself in the greatness of so many black people (that was a culture shock), my caring professors, and just be.
As far as my major, I have been in therapy since the age of 11 and I loved it so I wanted to do something in that realm. I loved that in therapy its a reason for everything and how our minds work, the way we react to things or do. So I wanted to learn more about it. Plus I took AP Psychology in high school and wanted my career to be something that wouldn’t feel like work. What’s better than Psyc?
HC: 3 songs you are listening to right now?
AB: Footsteps by Kehlani, Imported by Jesse Reyaz, and Playing Games by Summer Walker
HC: I know that we are only juniors, but what’s next after undergrad?
AB: I have officially decided that I am going to get my Ph.D. and go to grad school. I am going to be Dr. Aretha. Why not? I don’t know where I want to go through but somewhere out of Georgia. I want to open up Psychological Clinics for Adolescents & Women who suffer from Sexual Abuse & Mental Disorders.
HC: What are two things we should look forward to you advocating for this school year?
AB: The two things I am adamant about in life are: Mental Health and Sexual Assault. I don’t play about those two so look for some events about them soon.
HC: So we know that you are the FIRST junior to ever have the position of Miss Clark Atlanta University, but what truly drew you to the position?
AB: Well I didn’t know much about HBCU culture coming from LA, but after coming here and seeing campus queens I saw the potential of this position and what it could be. I saw what this position and platform could be used for in the community, campus life, and greater good. So I asked, “When do you run for Ms.CAU?” and the court told me you didn’t have to be junior to run. So jokingly, I said I would be the first to do it. But, I put it to rest and when it came time during sophomore year I prayed on it and I got confirmation from God and I did it.
HC: What uniqueness do you think you bring to the title of Miss CAU?
AB: I love the approach of the queens before me. But what I bring to the title is that I am very very personable. I am someone that promotes you coming to talk to me at any time, I’ll talk to you on a personal level about anything that’s going on with you, I’ll go meet you whenever.
As a Psychology major, I think I bring a different perspective to the position that’s very understanding and collaborative. But also I want it to be known that I am a student just like everyone else I have to go to class, do homework, study, and I’m not going to be dressed up every day. I’m going to be in the library more than my office.
HC: Girl please let us know, how are you so Genuinely Happy, almost all the time? What’s the secret?
AB: I have to be positive! It’s more for people who feel like I did a few years ago and I want to be a light for them and myself. I want to help motivate anyone I meet. It literally makes me feel better to make others feel better. Even when I don’t feel good, I’m going to check on other people.
HC: What does it mean to be Royal?
AB: It means being confident, elegant, holding yourself to a high standard, and being an unapologetic Black Women.
Catch up with Aretha on Social Media