Scholarship-Winning Daughters of Gamma Pi Brothers Giving Good First-Year Report from Tennessee State

EDITOR'S NOTE: Just in case you don't notice, the writer of this article for the Tennessee State University student newspaper, Shayla Simmons, is the daughter of Bro. Tommie Boone and wife Gayle. The subject of the interview, Kirsten Beverly, is the daughter of Bro. Rodney Beverly and wife Josette. Also, Victoria Gourdin, who is also part of this trio of scholars, is the daughter of Bro. Vaughn Gourdin and his wife Kelly.

By Shayla Simmons

reprinted from The Meter

Tennessee State University

http://tsuthemeter.com/2016/02/12/freshmen-fresh-faces/

Kirsten Beverly

While racking the brain trying to find the first candidate for excellence, eventually I came to realize that the best place might be to start from the bottom up. By the bottom up I mean a fresh face, untapped potential, a diamond hidden in the rough if you will. Yes, this best describes TSU’s freshman class who just recently entered their second semester. In such a short amount of time, a plethora of students have begun to lay the foundations of excellence in leadership, academia and athletics.

The search led me to Kirsten Beverly. Though officially classified as a sophomore, Beverly first stepped onto campus this past August, along with many others. Hailing from Clinton, Maryland, the young woman came prepared to take the world by storm.

“Of course I was nervous moving so far from home, but regardless, I had to remember why I was here,” said Beverly.

As a student at one of the few schools that offered a dental hygiene program, she was more than excited to take on anything that her professors threw at her.

“By working towards becoming a member of the dental hygiene program, I can gain much needed hands-on experience which will be helpful when I enter into dental school,” Kirsten commented, “It will be more than beneficial since I hope to become a pediatric dentist for low-income families and children with special needs.”

Bro. Dr. Foy, wife Dr. SanYvette Foy (r) and Gamma Pi scholars 

When asked about her accomplishments both in and out of the classroom, she first mentioned her role as the freshman class treasurer, a position of SGA and a coveted spot on the Dean’s list in her first semester. But after a little more digging, it was also discovered that she was a new recipient of the Girl Scout’s GOLD award, the highest achievement presented by the organization that prides itself on its community service.

The short interview concluded with one final question: What advice would you have for your peers and those that will make up the class of 2020?

Her response was surprising yet oddly refreshing.

“College is one of the few times that you can be completely selfish. Take advantage of it and take risks. Chase every dream you have because this is the time to do it. Never be afraid of the world. Know and remember that rejection is not a dead end. That’s what I wish I knew coming in.”

Read More About the Exciting Educational Journey that Gamma Pi offspring Shayla Simmons, Kirsten Beverly and Victoria Gourdin Are Experiencing at Tennessee State University on full scholarships.

Watch this VIDEO from Tennessee State University President Dr. Glenda Glover.