PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas – In 2019, Randi Plair, a freshman from Crosby, Texas, arrived at Prairie View A&M University. An upperclassman told her that graduation day would come before she knew it. She didn’t believe it. But this December, the senior will graduate with a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology.
“My advice to current students would be to live in the moment each and every day,” Plair said. “Looking back now, I understand exactly what [the upperclassman] was talking about. Life moves super fast, but college is a wonderful experience.”
A PVAMU Legacy
Plair is a PVAMU legacy – her late maternal grandfather attended PVAMU from 1959-1963. She knew she wanted to attend after growing up hearing others share his memories and experiences back in the 60s. “He described this school with such passion and enthusiasm that I wanted to see what this historic HBCU was like for myself,” she said.
Plair’s grandfather, Jake McAllister IIII, sits in his dorm room at PVAMU.
Offered a position on the Women’s Soccer team, Plair began to visit campus and quickly realized “it was the perfect school for me.” Winning the Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship twice – in 2019 and 2021 – was one of her greatest achievements and memorable moments at the University.
In addition to being part of the Women’s Soccer team while at the University, Plair was a member of the Honor’s Program, having been recognized as an honors student-athlete all four years. She also served as secretary for the Student Athletic Advisory Committee and a student researcher for the PVAMU Research and Innovation Success and Excellence (RISE) program. “Being a part of these organizations was an amazing experience, as I was able to meet new people and be a part of change here at the university,” Plair said.
She treasures her memories, experiences and accomplishments at PVAMU. “My goal was to make an impact in some way when I stepped on campus, and each of these organizations put me in a position to do that.” She added juggling classes with multiple group activities also taught her valuable organization and time management skills.
But more than that, she values the people she met on campus and the connections and lifelong relationships she formed.
Reflecting on her four years at PVAMU, Plair said the University helped her achieve her goals and develop a strong support system of professors, faculty members and friends who motivate and inspire her. “More than anything, I loved the people I have met during my time here at PVAMU,” she said. “I have developed such great relationships with friends and some faculty who have become lifetime mentors. Everyone on this campus genuinely wants to see each other succeed, which I think is very rare.”
Next Steps
Plair, who’s held various summer internships, including one at Memorial Hermann Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation, said they not only expanded her knowledge in the field but taught her how important it is to work with patients to help rehabilitate them to return to their normal, everyday lives. “I was also able to network and develop relationships with doctors with different specializations, which will be extremely beneficial for me in the future,” Plair said.
But more importantly, the internships were affirmations that she was on the right track. “I experienced the joy and fulfillment that comes from helping people,” she said, which further cemented her belief that the medical field is the right career path for her.
After graduation, Plair plans to pursue a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. Her dream is to use her experience and knowledge as a PA to open her own medical spa.
Now the upperclassman, it is Plair’s turn to offer some guiding words. Her advice to incoming freshmen: “Enjoy it while it lasts, make sure you have fun, but most importantly, use this time to set yourself up for a great future. There are people on this campus with the most amazing connections, so utilize those to the best of your ability.”
Click here to view a complete listing of this semester’s notable graduates.
By Christine Won
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