Student Name: Mia Coates

Hometown: Waldorf, MD

HBCU: Winston-Salem State University

Major: Biology major, chemistry minor. After graduation. I plan to become a clinical laboratory scientist and commission into the Army. 

Extracurriculars: Captain of the Powerhouse of Red and White, Red Team Cheerleaders; member of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and the Simon Green Atkins Scholars Society

What influenced you to attend an HBCU, and why did you end up picking your specific school?

I chose to attend a HBCU because I wanted to experience the Stomp and Shake cheerleading style.

I was already an All-Star cheerleader for 14 years, so I wanted to gain a new experience.

Although choosing a school for a sport isn’t the most ideal choice, attending WSSU was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life.

Through our cheerleading program, I’ve been able to become a better leader and I’ve learned to love myself more.

I’ve gained mental and physical toughness, and I’ve been provided so many keys to success through our mentorships.

Was it important that you chose an HBCU, and why or why not?

Yes. It was important for me to be surrounded by people who have the same culture as me. 

Especially as an out-of-state student, being around people like myself is more comforting and helps us have a strong family bond. 

Also, where I’m from not many people go to HBCUs, so it was important for me to help my community understand that HBCUs are great schools, with a great education system and more.

Now that I have been through the HBCU experience, a lot of people no longer believe in the stereotypes that they once believed. 

What aspects of academics, culture, social life, extracurriculars, etc. do you think it offers that other schools don’t?

WSSU provides excellent professors who care about your success in and out of the classroom. 

We have so many tutoring options and office hours, which our professors and academic advisors constantly encourage us to take advantage of. Our professors and career center also provide us with many internships and career opportunities. Overall, WSSU goes above and beyond for their students to ensure that we are aligned for success! 

Furthermore, students really care about one another.

People check up on each other even if they don’t necessarily know the person. People go out their way to open doors for others, and the vibes around the campus are very positive and uplifting, which I think is very helpful especially since school is stressful.

It’s nice to be surrounded by people who genuinely care about your wellbeing. 

What’s one memory you’ve made or positive experience you’ve had so far at school?

My favorite memory is homecoming.

All the alumni come back, and it’s like a big family on campus. There are vendors and food trucks, music, good vibes, parties, performances and so much more!

At the WSSU homecoming game, our alumni cheerleaders got to cheer with the current team, and it’s such a surreal moment being surrounded by such legendary people.

The energy at the football stadium and on campus in general is also amazing! 

What is one thing you didn’t know about your school or college, in general, that you know now?

I didn’t know that they offered Adobe Creative Cloud for free.

Want to learn more about Winston-Salem State University and other HBCUs? Start here. 

Ready to Find Your Niche? Create an Account