HU Students tell Girl Scouts Smart Girls Rock
The Hampton University Student Recruitment Team (SRT) hosted a group of Girl Scouts from various parts of Virginia as part of the Virginia College 101 Girl Scouts College Awareness Program. The program, which introduces middle and high-school Girl Scouts to Virginia colleges, is partnered with the Girl Scouts Commonwealth Council of Virginia, Inc.
Though in existence for four years, HU is the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) the program has visited. Other school visits have included, Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Richmond and Old Dominion University, Virginia Tech, University of Virginia, Mary Washington University, James Madison University, and Christopher Newport University.
The “Smart Girls Rock” event included presentations by members of the HU Office of Admission about college requirements and expectations, a campus tour and a presentation by HU Fine and Performing Arts Professor Bresean Jenkins on costume design called “Girls Love Clothes ... And Theatre.”
“Hampton University is elated to host such an important event,” said Melinda Gainer, HU assistant director of admission and coordinator of special events/campus visitation. "It is great for these young ladies to see that HU is as much a viable educational option as any of the larger universities. And, we’re always happy to showcase what we have.”
Shirley Dietz, program coordinator for the Virginia College 101 Girl Scouts Program, said the girls’ Peninsula visit was an opportunity to branch out and offer this group of girls, mostly minority, to all their college options.
“I wanted the girls to know Hampton is here and see what it has to offer, to see if it is a good fit for them,” Dietz said. “I came to visit in December and was really impressed. Everyone on the campus was very helpful. All the students were polite, helpful and well mannered. I thought that was a sample of what (Hampton) has on campus.”
During the program, the Girl Scouts were informed about HU’s academic and social offerings. They also heard an address from HU graduate Ashley Wimbush ’10. When Wimbush graduated she was the only female in the university’s aviation department. She is currently at HU pursing another Bachelor of Science degree in Air Traffic Control, and is the only female in that program.
Jasmine Caldwell, 16, an ambassador Girl Scout, from Fredricksburg, Va., said she had fun and learned a lot about HU during the day. Prior to her visit, she’d heard of HU, but didn’t know it was an HBCU.
“My biggest lesson today was to take the opportunities that are given to you,” Caldwell said. “Just don’t let them pass by.”
-by Leha Byrd
