Rheanna Thurman is a native of St. Louis, Missouri. She is the youngest of 3 siblings. Thurman is a 2021 graduate of Alcorn State University (ASU) with a Bachelor of Science in Child Development. She has been working with youth since she graduated. She began her postgraduate career in Social Services, Foster Care and Education. Thurman currently serves her community as an Early Childhood Education teacher. She teaches first grade for St. Louis Public Schools. She loves working with the youth and aspires to transition careers and work with youth as a pediatric nurse.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE ALCORN?
After visiting Alcorn State University on an HBCU college tour, I fell in love with the atmosphere. I loved the beautiful campus, the scenery and how friendly everyone was when I visited. I felt like I belonged there.
WHAT ORGANIZATIONS WERE YOU A PART OF?
I was a member of Sigma Chi Iota Fraternity, and I was a Spring 2018 initiate of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, Zeta Chapter.
HOW HAS ALCORN HELPED PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR CAREER?
Alcorn laid the foundation for my career in education. I studied Child Development and have been working with young people upon which I enjoy immensely. I learned developmentally appropriate practices for teaching my students. That particular skill has allowed me to be successful at scaffolding and differentiating instruction. I have been able to significantly increase my 1st grader’s math and reading scores this school year. It has been a blessing to watch them grow and learn.
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT YOU ENJOYED THE MOST ABOUT ALCORN?
The thing that I enjoyed the most about my time at Alcorn was the family atmosphere. I made lifelong friends, and I engulfed the culture. I’m a real urban, inner-city girl. I was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, so coming down to Lorman was a complete culture shock for me, but I enjoyed every moment of it. It’s a beautiful campus filled with beautiful people. My time at Alcorn is something I’ll always cherish.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR CURRENT OR FUTURE STUDENTS ON ‘THE YARD’?
The best advice that I can give to someone on ‘The Yard’ is to have fun but prioritize. I spent at least 2 hours in the library on days I had class, and I finished my assignments early so I could spend my free time having a good time. It worked, seeing as though I graduated Magna Cum Laude. I’d also say don’t be scared to communicate and build relationships with your instructors, it gives you a voice in the education that you are receiving. Make good bonds with your peers. I came to Mississippi only knowing 2 people, but I have a network of people that I met that I can call on whenever I need them. Get involved in organizations on campus and go to events. Lastly, sleep well, eat well, and make time for self-care.
