Where My Presence Was Expected
DaMaury Byrd | Biology Major, Chemistry Minor | Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College | Class of 2025
My name is DaMaury Byrd, and I am a proud graduate of Southern University and Agricultural and Mechanical College, Class of 2025. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Chemistry, and my journey at Southern shaped me in ways that extended far beyond the classroom.
I chose to attend an HBCU because I wanted to experience being in the majority for once. I wanted to exist in a space where my identity, dreams, and aspirations were not questioned but understood as necessary. At Southern, I was surrounded by people who looked like me, believed in my potential, and expected excellence from me. That environment affirmed my purpose and pushed me to strive for greatness without having to justify my presence.
During my time at Southern, I immersed myself in campus life. I was a member of Southern University Bio Jags, JagBite Dental Club, Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society, Alpha Lambda Delta Honors Society, Tri Beta Honors Society, and the Elite Fashion Society. I was also a Fall 2025 inductee of the National Institute of Science. These organizations allowed me to build leadership skills, expand my academic network, and connect with peers who shared my ambition and drive.
Some of my favorite memories came during homecoming season. Pretty Wednesdays, silent headphone parties, and concerts from rising artists brought the campus to life. Football games were unforgettable, especially hearing The Human Jukebox fill the stadium with unmatched energy and precision. Those moments created an atmosphere that could not be replicated anywhere else. I also cherished the late night study sessions with my peers. There was something powerful about realizing you were not alone in trying to master challenging material. Those sessions built community, confidence, and resilience.
“I did not have to justify my presence. I just had to rise to the expectation.”
Students should attend HBCUs because they offer an experience where academic excellence, cultural pride, and personal development are deeply connected. At an HBCU, your voice is valued. Your presence is expected. Your success is assumed. The mentorship, collaboration, and rich traditions create an environment that fosters leadership and prepares students to excel beyond graduation. It is more than earning a degree. It is stepping into a legacy.
My HBCU experience prepared me for the real world by teaching me resilience, discipline, and accountability. Excellence was not optional. It was the standard. Through mentorship from professors and leadership within student organizations, I learned how to navigate challenges with confidence and purpose. Southern instilled in me a cultural pride that allows me to enter professional spaces fully aware of my worth and capabilities.
I began preparing for college while I was still in high school through dual enrollment courses that counted toward my degree plan. Those courses helped me adapt to the academic rigor of college and ultimately allowed me to graduate a semester early. That head start brings me closer to my goal of becoming a doctor in dental surgery.
For prospective students considering an HBCU, preparation goes beyond academics. Research the school’s history, traditions, and culture. Connect with current students and alumni. Develop strong study habits and time management skills. Seek leadership opportunities early. Prepare financially and understand the resources available to you. Most importantly, embrace the confidence that comes from being in a space where your identity is affirmed and your aspirations are supported.
Southern University gave me more than a degree. It gave me community, confidence, and clarity about my purpose. My HBCU experience shaped who I am, and I carry that pride with me wherever I go.
#HBCUPride
Follow DaMaury’s journey @maury.byrd
