This semester we would like to focus on spotlighting women on campus who are making a big impact on the student body, and in the community as whole. This will be a series of interviews we would like to call “Boss Babes”. Our definition of a “Boss Babe” is a woman who is active in her community, school and campus life, as well as someone who can be looked up to, and spreads positivity among others. Quinyawna Miller is our first “Boss Babe” of the semester. She embodies everything it takes to be a boss and role model! Read our interview below to understand why we’re proud to have her be our first Boss Babe of the semester!
Otissia:What made you want to attend Savannah State University & How would you describe your experience so far?
Quinyawna Miller: I knew I wanted to attend an HBCU, no matter the circumstances. My 1st thought was to leave Savannah because this is my hometown. Overtime I realized you control the college experience, it does not control you. Since I have been here, I have learned so much and have taken in a new pride of this school. Yes, it has the bumps and bruises, but I have personally met some of the best professors and students right here on this campus. I made the best decision possible.
Otissia:What have you learned about yourself so far since entering college?
Quinyawna Miller I have learned that I am not as shy as I used to be. It has become more easy to reach out and connect with other people because SSU feels like home. I am more willing to speak and gain advice from those who have not just been here longer, but those who has been successful in finding their ways because I realize the importance of learning from someone else’s experiences. I have learned I am outspoken, but I am also a great listener to others.
Otissia: What pieces of advice do you have for incoming freshmen?
Quinyawna Miller: My first advice would be to choose your friends wisely. Be very strategic in all the decisions you make. You are just as good as the people you surround yourself with. If you are running with walkers, you will eventually slow down and walk. If you are running with runners, you are constantly being challenged to do more and grow more. Also, get to know your professors. They are humans with feelings and responsibilities just like you. A mutual understanding and a great relationship can open many doors. What you do today compounds into what you will be tomorrow. Be wise, make smart choices, and BE YOURSELF!
Otissia: What organizations have you joined since coming to college and how have they changed you?
Quinyawna Miller: I am a woman of Eloquent Commitment to Helping Our Sisters. This organization took my heart from the moment I stepped into their presence. From meeting all the ladies to becoming a member was a great experience. This organization taught me how to truly dress for success, how to respect the woman I am so that others can respect me as well, how to discipline myself, how to be on time, and many more tools needed to being a young lady. I did not think I would find a group of women who I connected with so easily and I thank God he placed me in this organization.
Otissia: What future goals do you have left at Savannah State University?
Quinyawna Miller: I have a few goals that I would like to achieve before leaving SSU. I don’t want to express them now, but I definitely will be contributing to this university through personal development for the students, the presentation of the university, and influencing as many people as I can just by simply being who I am and encouraging others to do the same, especially the women of SSU. I believe exposure can determine someone’s limitations on how strong they can be. I feel my purpose is to help others step out of their comfort zone and push themselves beyond the limit, while at the same time, working on growing from within myself.
Otissia: What do you think could be better at Savannah State University?
Quinyawna Miller: One thing I think could be better would definitely be the security. I am sure our SGA is working hard to make the best decisions and enforce new and improved ideas that can secure the students’ safety. It’s very important that our student body feels safe to walk around the campus that they breathe and live on, no matter the time of day. With proper security, I am certain people would be more comfortable with their surroundings.
Otissia : What are your goals after graduating?
Quinyawna Miller: My goals after graduating has not been completely set yet. I know people drag you in the ground about knowing specifically what you would like to do and I completely understand, but nobody is ever comfortable with just saying I do not know. I do know my passion is for the youth and helping them become great thinkers and high performers by working on themselves as individuals. I am very interested in helping others make it to their goals.
Otissia: What made you pick your major?
Quinyawna Miller: I chose my major, Behavior Analysis, because I have always been fascinated with how the brain works as far as how humans think and what causes humans to perform certain actions. I also work with kids and would like to continue working with kids. As a behavior analyst, you are taught how to look at all aspects of a situation, especially dealing with a student within the classroom, for example, figuring out exactly what are the motives behind a child’s actions. This can result in finding efficient solutions that can improve a student’s behavior. I am so happy I chose this major and prays it takes me a long way.
Otissia: If you could be any animal what would it be and why?
Quinyawna Miller: If I could be any animal, I would most definitely be a cheetah. It may be odd, but I think they are the most pretty animals ever. I also would like to be just as fast as them because nobody would be able to catch me and I just think that’s the coolest thing ever.
Otissia: If you could have any super power what would it be?
Quinyawna Miller: If I could have any super power, I would want to be able to know everything. I’m pretty sure it has it’s cons, but for the most part, I would like to know everything. This would probably keep me from making certain decisions if I know how the results will turn out. It will also help me know if I am making the right decisions. There wouldn’t be a test I couldn’t exceed, a question I couldn’t answer, or a problem I couldn’t solve.
Otissia: Where do you hope to see yourself in 5-10 years?
Quinyawna Miller: In 5 to 10 years, I hope to be a thriving entrepreneur with a great, hard working team that works with the female youth. My main goal is to help as many young females learn how to TRULY be a woman of integrity, how to be thinkers in a world full of people who just go with the flow, and to understand that their presentation becomes their reputation. I hope to be financially stable and traveling around the world. I hope to have my own house and a God-fearing husband. I am not sure about kids at the moment, but I definitely want a pet monkey and my husband is going to have to agree with it.
Otissia: Do you have any quotes you live by or words of advice?
Quinyawna Miller: My favorite quote is “A successful woman is one who can build a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at her”. The word “others” doesn’t have to only refer to people. It could just be situations that happens in our lives that we can’t, sometimes, control. A great skill that I was fortunate to learn is how to not fall apart when life throws punches. Many people are quick to fall apart when the smallest things occur, but there are some people who are able to take the bricks thrown at them, figure out the pieces and patterns, and continue to build. Just because something falls, doesn’t mean YOU have to. Pick yourself up, dust off the pains and headache, and realize life isn’t over, keep pushing!
Otissia: What or who motivates you to be the person you are today?
Quinyawna Miller: The people who motivates me to be who I am today are my family and my dance family which is my Boss and all of the teenagers and kids that I work with. My boss (my previous dance teacher) has constantly pushed me beyond my limits and she has never EVER made me think anything was impossible. She is always striving to learn more everyday and because of her, I continue to push myself to be a better version of me every day. The kids I work with motivate me on a daily. I know I am a role model to so many kids ranging from 3 years old to 18 and I want them to always be able to say that I was a great example for them to follow. That is why I strive to be my best self even on the days I feel sucky or don’t feel like doing my best.
Otissia: Is there anything special you would like our readers to know?
Quinyawna Miller: Something special about me is that I am a Performing Arts Specialist at Rebecca Padgett School of Performing Arts. Teaching dance is literally my passion and I love to get a kid who is completely clueless at dance and then getting them to our big showcase. I am always working because I believe I can always improve my teaching skills. The studio is a very special and big part of my life that I will forever keep.
If you would like to get to know Quinyawna Miller you can follow her on social media on twitter and ig @yawnalashay