YES!!!! For my last post during Black History Month, I wanted to share a day in the Valley through photos. Rx Fitness Lady has a prosperity portion in the theme and the foundation for much of that prosperity for me was begun at THE Fort Valley State University. Historically Black Colleges & Universities are still vital and necessary organizations and I wanted to show my love and respect for the institution that prepared me for pharmacy school & provided so many opportunities along the way. A lot of people will try to persuade you to get your higher level education from anything but a HBCU. I’m here to tell you that it was the best decision that I ever made & I highly recommend any interested parties to go & share in what I know will be great memories and a great education.
This past weekend I was afforded the opportunity to be the speaker at our Wildcat Basketball Reunion/Fundraiser Luncheon where we played our biggest Rivals (Albany State University) later that evening. This is what a day back in the Valley looked like for me…
This is the point where we switch to photos from my iPad and Android 🙂 .
A beautiful day at my alma mater and a successful victory over our rivals. Everyday is not full of fun and games. There is serious learning going on from day to day on the campus of FVSU. I hope that if the institution offers the areas of your or your children’s interest, that you will look into attendance there or any HBCU.
Rx Fitness Lady wants to know…
- If you’re a college graduate, do you give back financially to your institution, Why or Why not?
- What reservations do you have about HBCUs if any at all?
- How involved are you currently with the activities (games, career days, etc.) of your alma maters (college or high school)?
Rx Fitness Lady
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Great pics. You look beautiful. I say yes to HBCU! Although I attended the University of FL, we visited FAMU quite often. It was always great to see that there were so many smart, articulate, beautiful and affluent brothers and sisters in one place. We’re not always the minority (the few and far between). Great post!
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Thank you Hope! That is what I love about HBCU…so many all in one place!
Everything looks so great, you look so pretty!! Um I think we need to hear that viagra story?! lol! I wanted to do a HBCU so bad but I couldn’t bare to leave my then boyfriend LOL smh.
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Thanks for the compliment & Nothing wrong with that! That was one of the reasons going to that institution was so sweet for me. It was only 30 minutes down the road 😉 I should have gone in to detail huh…it was pretty funny.
Such nice pics Joi. You look wonderful. Tell the dean I said, “heyyyy!!!” LMBO. I am the proud graduate of Hampton University where I learned, loved, played, and worked. I did an entire post on why I decided to attend and HBCU, so I understand you love for HBCU’s. Congrats on being chosen as a speaker. #proud
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LOL, I’m glad somebody agreed with me and Thank you Andrea!
Wow, Joi, I love the light blue dress you are wearing. You look fantastic!
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🙂 Thanks Girl!
Going to an HBCU was the best decision, I made in life. I am a proud graduate of Clark Atlanta University located in the black college mecca (Morehouse, Morris Brown, Spelman, ITC a.k.a. The AUC). I absolutely loved my experience and would not change it for anything, from standing in the financial aid line, to the 15 rule for your professor to get to class 10 if they don’t have a doctorate, step shows, fashion shows, and the genuine love from the professors. When I got a call from a professor at home to say that I hadn’t been looking like myself in class and she just wanted to check on me I knew I had made the right decision. Although, we are rivals we still respect each other as a whole and I love that. I am not active in the alumni association as I should be but I still love my CAU. One of the best things that I took from it was our motto “I’ll find a way or make one!” Again another great post, I could type for days…
I hear your passion my special! I too could type post on top of posts, that is what I love about ALL the HBCU graduates. There is always so much pride!!! I love you all’s motto! Thank you for sharing those sweet memories!
You know I LOVE MY HBCUS. I wouldn’t trade my time in the AUC for anything. Not a day goes by when I don’t think about the lessons I learned both in class and out of class. Side note I love the fact that everyone in your family is an HBCU alum. Although I still think you, Mrs. Jones, and Amber would have been lovely Spelmanites. 🙂
I love that too Quin. I’m very proud of the triad that is a part of the Jones Household. We are indeed lovely Wildcats, Rams, & Tigers #InThatOrder… no hating on your peeps, just not necessary boo! I’m very proud of all you accomplished there Mr. Morehouse Man!
Congrats on this honor you look lovely. I went to an HBCU and they did nothing for me as far as career wise I loved the experience but on resume for some reason it does not bring me anything. I don’t give back at all but every now and then I will show up at a homecoming just to go.
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Girl I can’t believe you only fall through HC. THat is like our reunion every year. I LOVE HOMECOMING!!! I understand that not everyone in the position of power shares my sentiments about HBCUs, but I encourage my folks just like those attending other institutions to get a broad education in their field to make the best of it, do internships, volunteer etc. The snobs can’t deny your performances in diverse locations.
Thanks for sharing. Our HBCU’s do get so much bad rap. It is nice to see the good things being highlighted! Have a blessed week!
Thanks Trinity! You too Dear!
What an honor to be chosen as a speaker! Love your dress.
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Thank you Carli! I appreciated the request!
WOW! You were asked to be a speaker! What a great honor! It looked like a wonderful day!
I also have to say, you’ve got to be the most photogenic person I’ve ever seen. Seriously, you always look damn fantastic in pictures. Stunning!!
The Dose of Reality recently posted…A Spoonful Of Frustration
It was amazing, Thanks Doses! Stunning<<<<*glowing* Thanks for the compliment my friend!
I went to an HBCU for both undergrad and law school… I loved my undergrad experience, but in the legal profession my school does not have the best reputation. I think great people can be produced from HBCUS and its all about how hard you work once you get there and especially once you leave that makes all the difference! Love your pics!!!
Law_Fal recently posted…The Weekend
THanks lady! I am addicted to SUITS and I see that as true based off that and other TV shows. I have been thinking that lately it’s because there are SOOO many people going to law school. It seems that it is major competition. I do advocate choosing the best institution for your field. My undergrad institution at the time had the best conversion rate (minority wise) for getting into health care professional schools in the state. That is why I bee lined there after being awarded a scholarship 3 weeks before school was to start at UGA.
Hi Joi! Congrats on being a guest speaker! Looks like you had an awesome time time lady and what a social butterfly you are! Thanks for stopping by and linking up! Have a wonderful evening! 😉
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No problem! Always thrilled to join DYWW with you Michell. Social butterfly, haha don’t let the pictures fool you 😉
I remember watching Bill Cosby and Its a Different World! I wanted to attend Hillman College!..lol..I ultimately ended up attending Florida State..yep rep that Garnet & Gold. One of the decision to attend was because it was located right next to Florida A&M Univ. So I was still able to attend and support their functions. Ultimately during that time there was some mishandling of financial aid resources and I needed a university system that was going to cut my check that second week of the semester, Not next semester. Especially I came from a very humble Haitian single mother household, so my school finances and living expenses were soley from my scholarships and grants. I couldn’t afford to deal with the extra stressors of not getting my money in a timely manner. Other than that I agree HBCUs have an awesome tradition and feels very family oriented. But I don’t regret where I attended because FSU had a great support system, also.
Melissa (@MelRUNStheworld) recently posted…The Truth: I was Fat and Depressed!
Oooooh, my sister would so feel you on that Cosby tip. We always talk about those sweatshirts girl! I understand your frustration. I was on scholarship but I did have an issue with getting those community organizational scholarships that were extra on top of tuition (actually it was a pretty huge fiasco). Oddly enough, that is of the faintest of memories to me. I so loved everything I experienced and benefited that a mishap here or there doesn’t stop my pride party! Thank you so much for chiming in Melissa, Glad to have you here!
Looks like you had a great day!! I think colleges are a much bigger thing in the States than they are here in Australia. Great that you give back in terms of time:)
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I don’t know how to interpret that comment. Does that mean that in Australia everything is pretty much on an even playing field? I’m intrigued! The day was awesome though, Thanks!
You are stunning!
I wish Canadian/UK universities/colleges had more emphasis on team sports and activities like the U.S(or what I can see from the U.S) because I think those things bring the students and community closer and it is plain old FUN!
My brother played on the basketball team so I was always at his game, and every other type of game!
TorontoRunner recently posted…Sick
The compliments really have a girl feeling good this a.m. Thanks so much. I didn’t expect to hear from you today. I hope you feel better soon!
I was very proud to attend the basketball reunion at The Fort Valley State University. I love that school. It is #2. Albany State University is #1. I am a proud graduate of ASU. I fully support both of these HBCU’s. Joi Jones was a very motivational speaker for the reunion. My first born made our family proud. Oh by the way, Albany State’s Boys tamed those wildcats boys on Saturday on the basketball court!!! Yeah, ASU.
Thank you Mother for joining me and commenting. However, I think you were still half asleep when you typed this….you got your numbers reversed 🙂 Oh, you know I my top priority is the Lady Wildcat’s…you want to come raining on the party, lol!
You look beautiful Joi! I went to an HCBU years ago and it is a wonderful experience. We have to remember why we are there, for an education, not the party life as they used to say about mine and I’m sure the others.
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Thanks Whitney! Yeah they say that about our HBCUs all the time but judging from all the movies I see & stories I’ve heard…I feel that all (well MOST) are party schools…just my thoughts! THose are “the best 4 years of life” for a reason. Thanks for stating your enrollment & support.
S- Savannah S- tate U-niversity SSU! I love I love I love I love my S-S-U!
Needless to say after my two chants that I absolutely love the fact that I an alumni of Savannah State University. I majored in Broadcast Journalism. Now, I am reporter for the Fox and abc affiliated stations in Macon. I work along side Old Miss grads, The University of Miami grads, Valdosta State grands, and a lot of other schools I’ve never heard off gras. Guess what, we all make the same money and share the same vision.
I think that the hands on experience and great relationships with administration and professors at Savannah State made a world of difference in preparing me for this career.
So I believe that the question was, HBCU’s yes or no? YES!!! YES!!! YES!!!!
Thank you my love for your comment! I knew I’d hear from you on this with your die hard pride for SSU! You bring up a good point about all being in the same place. I am so proud when I reunite with my LSs from FV or see FB, IG, & twitter updates. My people from undergrad are doing so amazing and in comparison to my friends (no matter what the race), we are not lagging behind by any means. Bosses, game changers, & good people. Yes I agree, YES is the answer.
I felt like I was at a reunion while going through your pictures! It made me think back at my college days. I didn’t attend an HBCU, but college is an experience like none other! BTW, your hair is gorgeous!
SherelleSherelle recently posted…Black Women in Leading Roles: Part 4
Thx Sherelle, glad you enjoyed!
You look amazing Joi! I graduated from college but I’m not very involved with my school now. I just never really felt connected to it when I was going there.
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Hey Kristiina, Thanks! That is ultimately why I didn’t want to attend UGA with like 30,000 students. I am not really shy but I didn’t want to get lost in the crowd. I love the smaller institution set up and the Advisors knew you by name…if you made the effort to see them. Not sure if it was a big school you attended but that was my fear from attending there…then there was the full ride at FVSU too that helped with that decision 🙂
Congrats on being a guest speaker! Go you!! 🙂
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Why Thanks Crystal!
Joi,
I enjoyed the the day @ The Fort Valley State University. Your speech was on the money,
Thanks Daddy! Love ya for being there to support!
Looks like you had a wonderful time! I always wished I would have gone to an HBCU! I was on the marching band during high school and would have definitely been on the band! I had a scholarship to go to Tennessee State, but decided to stay closer to home. :-/
Oh no! I do hope you enjoyed your enjoyed your years anyhow. I know the band wasn’t the same….Man, that’s a missed opp girl but I was 30 minutes down the road so I totally understand that decision.
You look fantastic. I know a Delta that went to FVSU her name is Brenda. She went to high school with me. Not sure if you would know her.
Anywho, did I mention you look fantastic. I am all about HBCU love, having graduated from one myself.
OF COURSE I KNOW HER!!! She’s my prophyte, Love her to pieces! Thanks so much for the sweet compliment!
I’ve always wanted to go to a HCBU – Spellman to be exact or Howard but ended up going upstate NY because it was cheaper. I regretted it for a while but I’m over it now.
You look very nice in these pics.
xoxo,
Khloe
http://www.kgstyleblogs.com
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Thank you Khole!
Joi, you are beautiful. Mint green is your color. Such a beautiful family you have. Your mom is stunning. So glad you had a wonderful time!
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Awhhh Brandi, thanks for all the sweet compliments *smiling*!
I’m on the fence when it comes to HBCUs. There’s so much scandal surrounding them now days whether it’s hazing, faculty stealing scholarship money or losing their accreditation. I didn’t go to one but I hope that hopefully they have improved by the time my children are ready for college so that they can experience what I didn’t.
YUMMommy recently posted…Bible 365: Week 9
I understand your apprehension. Several non-HBCUs struggle with those same sentiments of concern. I think it’s about the timing and specifically what it is your goals are. My institution in particular was best for my health desired profession and it was most beneficial for me but I may have chosen a different one if they didn’t have the best preparation. 15 – 20 years from now will be interesting to see, I do hope that they are still in thriving condition for yours and all interested children. THank you so much for visiting and commenting.
I say YES…YES…YES to HBCU’s!!!
And there it is! The love just keeps coming for our HBCUs. I love it!
I say yes to HBCU. I am graduate of Howard University. I attended NYU for graduate school. No educational instution is without it’s issues. There is scandal across the board. The wealthier the institution better the damage control. IJS (speaking from experience there…was a professor at large university for 7yrs where there were issues of RAMPANT cheating, a supply theft ring and a few other things)
As with anything it’s what you make of it. My HBCU experience more than prepared me for graduate school, blessed me with a husband (LOL), and friendships that have stood the test of time.
Veronica @My Finessed Life recently posted…Home Decor: Barn Doors
Great observation Veronica! All institutions have their own issues so we just have to choose what’s best for our particular desired futures.