A Place Where I Could Fully Be Myself

My name is Jordan Holden, and I am a proud member of the Hampton University Class of 2026, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Strategic Communications with a minor in Marketing.

Attending an HBCU was never a question for me. It was always the expectation. The only decision I had to make was where. As someone from Alabama, choosing a school meant stepping into a new environment and embracing a new chapter of life. The moment I stepped onto Hampton University's campus, I knew I had found my home. There was no hesitation. Something about Hampton felt certain.

What I found at Hampton was more than a university. It became my family.

Hampton gave me a space where I could grow, lead, and fully step into who I am without having to explain it. Being surrounded by people who reflect your ambition, your culture, and your drive does something powerful. It challenges you to rise higher and become the best version of yourself.

Throughout my time at Hampton, I immersed myself in opportunities that allowed me to serve, lead, and make an impact. I participated in the Greer Dawson Wilson Student Leadership Program, served as a Resident Assistant, worked as the Social Media Chair for the Women's Basketball Team, handled Public Relations for the Terpsichorean Dance Company, and taught both Hip-Hop and Ballet as a dance instructor. One of the greatest honors of my college experience was being crowned the 68th Miss Hampton University.

I am also proud to be a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, an organization that strengthened my commitment to service, leadership, and sisterhood.

"Being surrounded by people who reflect your ambition, your culture, and your drive challenges you to become your best self."

While Hampton provided incredible opportunities, some of my favorite memories came from the simplest moments. Random Sunday dinners with friends that turned into hours of laughter, conversations that lasted late into the night, and everyday moments spent with people who genuinely cared about one another. Those experiences made Hampton feel like home. It was not always the major events that left the biggest impact. It was the community, the relationships, and the feeling of belonging.

My HBCU experience prepared me for the real world by placing me in positions where I had to lead, communicate effectively, and show up consistently. Whether balancing multiple leadership roles, supporting students as an RA, or representing my university, I learned adaptability, accountability, and resilience. Hampton taught me how to advocate for myself, navigate different spaces with confidence, and build meaningful relationships that will last long after graduation.

For students considering an HBCU, my advice is simple. Come ready to grow. Do not just attend classes. Get involved. Find your community. Build relationships. Take advantage of every opportunity available to you. HBCUs will pour into you, but you have to be willing to pour into the experience as well.

Choosing an HBCU was not just about earning a degree. It was about embracing an environment that affirmed who I am while pushing me to become who I was meant to be. Hampton University gave me an education, but it also gave me confidence, purpose, lifelong relationships, and a legacy I will carry with me forever.