On May 11, 2024, I will proudly walk across the stage, earning my Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, marking the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and unwavering determination. This milestone represents not only the completion of my academic journey but also the beginning of an exciting new chapter in my life.
Ever since middle school, I’ve been hearing my mom’s stories about her time at Prairie View A&M University, and let me tell you, they were pretty inspiring. Listening to her, I couldn’t help but feel this pull towards PV. It sounded like more than just a college—it sounded like a community where you could really find your place and make something of yourself. So, from back then, I knew in my gut that PVAMU was where I wanted to be.
My journey at PVAMU officially started back in July 2019 when the Roy G. Perry College of Engineering Enhancement Institute (CE²I) summer bridge program started. Of course, like anyone experiencing something for the first time, I was very nervous, but as the days went by, those feelings melted away as I found myself surrounded by new friends and mentors during the camp. CE²I wasn’t just a program; it was a crash course in college life, giving me a taste of what to expect during my time at PVAMU. It was during those weeks that I began to understand the true spirit of PVAMU—a place where support and camaraderie are just as important as academics.
Fast forwarding past the unforeseen years taken away from us due to the pandemic, we found ourselves back on campus. However, upon returning, I noticed that many of the organizations I loved and had eagerly joined were inactive, leaving a void in campus life. It was in this moment that I felt a surge in my desire to step up and make a difference. With determination fueling my actions, I dove headfirst into leadership roles, determined to breathe new life into the organizations that had once thrived on campus. It was a challenging yet rewarding journey, filled with late-night meetings and brainstorming sessions. But with each small victory, I felt a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment, knowing that I was making a tangible impact on campus life.
In the 2021-2022 fiscal year, I took on a whole new level of responsibility in my college as I revamped and stepped into the role of president for the PVAMU chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Simultaneously, I also assumed the position of Vice President of the Eta Kappa Nu Honor Society and Vice President of the Society of Women Engineers. With the support and collaboration of my friends and peers, I embarked on this journey of revitalizing these organizations. The process of revamping each of these organizations taught me invaluable lessons about leadership, teamwork, and the power of collective effort. It was a challenging yet immensely rewarding experience that shaped me in ways I never imagined.
During the summer of 2022, I had the honor of stepping into the role of Program Assistant for the CE²I program. This experience was incredibly meaningful and rewarding as I had the opportunity to serve as a mentor to incoming students. Witnessing these students eagerly diving into their academic journey in engineering filled me with a sense of pride and joy. Being able to support and guide them as they embarked on this new chapter of their lives was truly endearing. Seeing their dedication and hard work was inspiring, and it reminded me of my own journey and the mentors who had guided me along the way. It was a privilege to play a part in jump-starting their academic careers and fostering their passion for engineering.
One of the most memorable experiences I’ve had during my time at PVAMU was my internship at Textron Aviation. During my time there, I was fortunate to work on a modernization project that resonated deeply with my beliefs, particularly in line with IEEE’s tagline of advancing technology for the betterment of humanity. This internship provided me with a hands-on opportunity to contribute to technological advancements that have a real impact on society. From the moment I chose my major, I knew I wanted to be part of the technological change shaping our world. Working at Textron affirmed my passion for leveraging technology to drive positive change, and it reinforced my commitment to being at the forefront of innovation as we move forward with the times.
The unwavering support I received from the faculty and staff in my college is something that I will always hold dear. Their support has been unparalleled and has reinforced my belief that choosing PVAMU was the right decision for me. Whether it was being voted Miss College of Engineering or founding the Council of Distinguished Engineers, a student-led engineering council, their assistance and encouragement have been invaluable every step of the way. Their unwavering support has motivated me to push myself further, to finish strong, and to make a real impact within the Roy G. Perry College of Engineering. Their belief in me has fueled my determination to strive for excellence and to leave a lasting legacy within the PVAMU community. Their support will never go unnoticed, and I am forever grateful for their guidance and encouragement.
Jade Grant ’24
As I prepare to graduate, my next step plans are focused on continuing my education and pursuing a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. I am thrilled to share that I have been accepted into a fellowship program at PVAMU, which will serve as a guiding light on my academic journey. This opportunity represents a significant milestone for me, as it will allow me to further delve into my passion for electrical engineering and expand my knowledge in the field. I am eager to embark on this new chapter of my academic career, confident that the fellowship program will provide me with the mentorship, resources, and support needed to excel in my studies and make meaningful contributions to the field of electrical engineering.
As I conclude my time here, I’d like to leave you with some words that have deeply influenced my journey at PVAMU. Always remember the sky is not always the limit. You should never let a ‘no’ or any obstacle deter you from your dreams. Your aspirations are worth every ounce of dedication and perseverance you put into them. Embrace the challenges, keep pushing forward, and never forget that even if it does not feel like it, you have a community behind you, cheering you on every step of the way.
Jade Grant graduates from Prairie View A&M University this spring with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. Click here to view more of this semester’s notable graduates.