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Contact: Brittney Dabney, Office of Communications, Public Relations and Marketing
Tuskegee University prides itself on making students’ college experience memorable and life-changing. For students like Jabare Carroll, that means attending an institution that allows him to embrace himself as an individual and further develop his skillset and a broader outlook on life.
Following the Tuskegee Airmen legacy
Carroll, a native of Queens, New York, says he was first introduced to Tuskegee University by his grandfather who told him stories about the Tuskegee Airmen. Carroll notes that ever since his first introduction to Tuskegee University it’s always been his No. 1 choice for college.
“I don’t come from a family of Tuskegee graduates, but I feel like I’ve always known about some parts of Tuskegee’s history because of my grandfather, who often shared stories regarding Tuskegee’s greatest legacy, the Airmen,” he recalls. “Tuskegee’s history has always been embedded in me.”
Learning life lessons
The communications major says his experience at Tuskegee has been as much about learning life lessons as it has been about acquiring academic knowledge.
“Tuskegee has taught me how to survive in the real world after graduation. Being here has made me a stronger person,” he notes. “Tuskegee has taught me career readiness skills, especially through the Underclassmen Leadership Academy. I’ve learned how to network professionally, and how to establish important relationships with my peers and professors. Because of that, I feel as though I’ve made life-long relationships.”
Carrol says at Tuskegee, faculty and staff members have become some of the best life mentors.
“I have received a lot of advice while here, but the advice I’ve received from Mr. Walter Cooper has always left an impression on me,” he recalls. “Mr. Cooper has always charged me to leave my mark on campus with the plans I have in my mind.”
Carroll notes that he plans to do just that. Currently, he is working on a theater department extension with the organization Young Black Artist Movement, which would allow students to share their theatrical talents and put on showcases at Tuskegee.
“I think art is an expression of the soul, and students want to put their love for expression into action and display their creativity,” he says.
Encouraging the next generation
Carroll says he encourages prospective students to be part of the Tuskegee experience because it’s an exciting experience that you have to witness for yourself.
“For me, being a Tuskegee student is very rewarding – the university’s reputation holds so much weight. I didn’t fully realize that until getting stopped by strangers saying they’re alumni or wishing me the best at Tuskegee after going home for the first time,” he recalls.
Carroll says he’ll be forever be grateful for those moments and hopes to one day inspire future students to attend Tuskegee as well.
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