LaTroya Scott’s first day as a freshman at Alcorn State University was exciting. A new chapter of her life had begun and she jumped in ready to make the best of the new journey.
“I wasn’t worried or nervous to start college,” Scott said, “I was ready to start a new journey and learn some independence.”
Scott is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana and is now a graduate student at Alcorn. She earned her Bachelors degree in Veterinary Science and is currently working toward obtaining a Masters of Science degree in Animal Science. Scott comes from a long line of Alcornites as her grandmother and two aunts all graduated with degrees from the University. However, Scott says it wasn’t always in her plan to attend Alcorn. Hearing about the veterinary programs offered at other prestigious universities, Scott had made up her mind to attend another university. After a conversation with Dr. Cassandra Vaughn, Alcorn’s University Veterinarian, she made the switch to Alcorn.
“I realized that since Vet School was going to be challenging that I should kind of take it easy in undergrad and enjoy the college experience,” she said.
Scott says undergrad was not too challenging and easier for her than most. Her freshman year was spent studying and working hard keeping her grades up. She was a President’s Scholar both semesters of her freshman year and every semester after that was spent on the Dean’s List. Scott says she also met some friends that will continually be a part of her life forever.
“I had fun but I also joined clubs, organizations, and an honors society. Undergrad was enjoyable and full of surprises and great memories.”
Scott says things have gotten a little tougher now that she is in graduate school. Her classes are more demanding as she is busy with papers that are due every week but it’s nothing she can’t handle. She says graduate school is teaching her how to do independent research and the grades are not easily handed to her. No matter the stress she always ensures that she gets her work completed.
“One of the most important things I have learned since I have been here is that you have to stay focused and be your own number one motivator. It is so easy to become distracted or get behind in your studies by partying, hanging with friends, not attending class, or just doing your own thing,” Scott said.
She says that throughout her five year tenure at Alcorn she’s met many students that are unable to complete their college education. Scott says she’s learned to stay grounded and focused. She enjoys studying animal science and gets to work hands on with the animals in her department with training, bathing and vaccinating them at the dairy. She says it makes her happy to hear the younger kids enjoying their visit on the campus as the Agriculture students show what they have learned about the animals.
Scott is also a member of the Gamma Phi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. She says that growing up around the AKA women in her family taught her the morals and prestige of being a respectable woman at a young age. Growing up as an only child Scott says that being a part of a sisterhood has given her a group of women to grow with and confide in. She also enjoys benefiting and aiding her community and those in need. One thing about being an AKA is that it has made her a better woman. She says it challenged her to be better, not only for herself, but for the individuals that may observe her actions and individuals that she hopes to inspire.
“I had the privilege of becoming a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. That alone was an honor and a huge personal accomplishment for me.”
Scott says when she isn’t busy with homework or other assignments she is busy reading, watching movies or hanging out with her friends. Her future goals are to attend Veterinary school at Tuskegee University and she will begin her application process in June but says she’ll apply to other schools as a backup plan.
“Within the next three years I see myself working my way through Veterinary school to earn my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree,” Scott said.