“Each one, reach one, each one, teach one.” This phrase has been passed down from my grandfather as a reminder to keep learning and never forget to reach for others. Two additional phrases serve to summarize, in a few words, the essence of my journey for which I am thankful; dare to be different and challenge for change. I gladly take this opportunity to share my appreciation first to my parents. I do not state that lightly because I am here to communicate my journey. And then, my appreciation to PVAMU as this part of my journey closes.
I, like many, come from humble beginnings, with my parents meeting in a college town in Central Pennsylvania. My early years were spent in an old coal mining region of northeastern Pennsylvania before returning to central Pennsylvania, where I spent my school-age years. While I thank my parents for staying together for nearly 20 years before deciding to have their first child, my thanks would have to extend to many family members, aunts, uncles, cousins, and many I consider extended family. PVAMU, and the family composing PVAMU, have been a necessary step in my journey; each day going forward is a new beginning to meet the challenges and graciously greet the blessings.
The cornerstone of my identity from an early age has been helping others, continually gaining knowledge through education, and pushing myself, as a student-athlete, beyond my physical limits. My interest in service originated with my grandfather, Dr. Stan Hamilton, who devoted his life to helping the community wherever he lived and beyond. His mantra of “each one, reach one, each one, teach one” was strongly emphasized and passed down from my father to me. My educational pursuits serve to gather the tools and skills I seek for self-improvement and the path to serve others who may find themselves in far worse circumstances.
I remember first driving onto Prairie View’s campus in August of 2019. It was a bright and beautiful day with blazing Texas heat that was still quite foreign to me. Having graduated from a predominantly white high school in central Pennsylvania, coming to Prairie View was somewhat of a culture shock but in all the best ways. To be surrounded by other strong intellectuals who looked like me was a breath of fresh air. For once, I was neither ridiculed nor idolized as a token Black figure.
As part of the tenth cohort of the Prairie View Honors Program, I found myself with access to even more experiences and opportunities. Taking courses structured as graduate-level classes in my freshman year, having the opportunity to meet dignitaries and celebrities over the course of various events, engaging in my own research project I was able to present and may one day publish, and so much more has made my time attending PVAMU impactful.
I remember spending days tucked away in my dorm room my first year, wondering how I could make an impact on this campus, in any community in which I lived, and even in the world. At the time, the only thing I could conceive was to keep my head in my studies and let the sayings and phrases of my early childhood guide the course of my undergraduate career. Then, Covid-19 took the nation by storm. Suddenly, I found myself back home, relegated, like many, to continuing my education in a strictly online world.
However, it was during this time that I realized making the impact I continue to seek can occur no matter the location. As the nation continued to be gripped by racial turmoil after the George Floyd murder, I began hosting discussions on race and race relations in America. What began as a simple social distance yard discussion quickly turned into a social distance virtual conversation, with individuals ranging from adolescents to octogenarians from different areas. I served as the facilitator of richly educational discussions regarding America’s racial climate, hosting guest speakers and experts from a variety of different fields. My upbringing, coupled with the short stint of time at Prairie View before isolation, prepared me for my role during my sophomore year.
By my junior year, I was ready to become more global. Having taken Spanish in high school and then being vested with exposure to the Chinese culture as part of the Honors Program curriculum here at Prairie View, my interest in language continued to grow. I soon made it my mission to take my first trip outside the United States with a language immersion experience. After expressing interest in programs for Greece and France, I received notice that I was accepted to the French program with payment due in less than one month. Determined to make it happen, I worked with Prairie View’s International Program department to find funding.
After securing most of the funds necessary for the program, during the 2022 Founders’ Day and Honors Recognition Convocation, Dr. Ruth J. Simmons, in her majestic role as President and quintessential educator, made an offer for on-stage presence to each college for a student representative. After barely a moment of reflection on my upbringing, I found myself on stage with other scholars volunteering to represent their college. President Simmons, in her inimitable role, seized upon the teachable moment and awarded $1,000 scholarships, recognizing those willing to volunteer, stand up, and represent. Fortuitously, this award went to fund my trip to France.
While in France, I continued with the mantra of the Honors Program, “making global impact.” I studied the French language, learned French culture, and volunteered at the American Foundation for A.I.D.S. Research gala. It was during this time I had the chance to meet many celebrities from all over the world and even walk the red carpet at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival; an experience made possible here at PVAMU.
My senior year is where and when all the work culminates. As I prepare to graduate, I reflect upon my accomplishments to date. I was named Mr. B.L.A.C.K. (Brothers Leading and Cultivating Knowledge), elected representative for the esteemed campus organization. I was accepted to the National Humanities Leadership Council to engage in professional development and explore the multi-faceted role of humanities. I completed and presented my own research study for my Honors Thesis on The Relationship Between Race-Related Stressors, Mental Health, Personality, and Coping Mechanisms in College Students. While becoming an Honors Program mentor for newly inducted Honors Program scholars, I was elected president of Prairie View’s chapter of Psi Chi, the international honor society in psychology and joined PVAMU’s Division I Track & Field Team to continue the pursuit of my athletic goals.
Prairie View A&M University was like a second family, providing me with growth, development, and leadership in many ways. When I was spontaneously called to speak at the 2023 Founders’ Day and Honors Recognition Convocation, one thing came to mind: “Prairie View Produces Productive People.” I say to future students, pursue your goals, dare to be different, challenge for change and continue to strive for excellence and beyond. Take advantage of every opportunity and remember the words, “Each one, reach one, each one, teach one,” so Prairie View will continue to grow its family of Productive Panthers worldwide.
Stanley Hamilton will graduate from Prairie View A&M University this spring with Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. Click here to view a complete listing of this semester’s notable graduates.