North Carolina A&T State University has been more than my alma mater, it has been the foundation of my personal, academic and professional journey.  

As a proud two-time Aggie, I first attended N.C. A&T from 2010 to 2014, earning my B.S. in criminal justice. During that time, I developed a passion for advocacy and justice, and the encouragement I received from my professors inspired me to pursue law school.  

After becoming an attorney, I discovered a new passion: patent law. Rather than viewing it as a barrier, I saw it as an opportunity to grow. Because patent attorneys who prosecute patents in technical fields typically need a qualifying STEM background, I made the decision to return home to N.C. A&T. From 2019 to 2022, I earned a second B.S., this time in electrical engineering, allowing me to combine my legal education with engineering and build a career in intellectual property law.  

My journey from criminal justice to electrical engineering to patent law is unconventional, but it is a testament to the transformative opportunities N.C. A&T provides. I credit so much of my success to the professors who believed in me before I fully believed in myself. Their mentorship challenged me to dream bigger and equipped me with the confidence to pursue goals that once seemed impossible. One mentor in particular, Professor Keith Coleman, continues to invite me back to campus to speak with engineering students about my unique career path, and it is an honor to encourage the next generation of Aggies to think beyond traditional career boundaries.  

My Aggie story extends beyond the classroom. At N.C. A&T, I found lifelong friendships, including my line sisters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., initiated in spring 2013. Homecoming remains one of my favorite traditions, and I proudly represent Aggie Pride wherever I go.  

My family’s legacy at A&T also runs deep. My grandfather earned his B.S. in mechanical engineering from N.C. A&T, making my educational journey even more meaningful and reinforcing the importance of continuing our family’s Aggie tradition. Today, I proudly wear my Aggie gear, encourage my nieces and nephews to consider N.C. A&T, and remain committed to giving back to the university that gave me so much.  

N.C. A&T didn’t just educate me – it shaped my purpose, expanded my vision and prepared me to build a career that bridges law, engineering and innovation. I will always be grateful to call myself an Aggie.