Seniors share their unique student experiences with alumni at Royal Weekend

At the Student Panel during Royal Weekend, four seniors — Jenna Hodges, Jaylen Jones, Ella Porter, and Omari Emmanuel, pictured left to right — shared their experiences living on campus while studying at Queens University. Prompted by questions from Professor Andrea McCrary ’91 and alumni in the audience, their responses highlighted favorite study spots around campus, underscored Everette Library and Belk Chapel’s continued importance, and celebrated the programs and relationships that have defined their time on campus. Alumni were also pleased to hear that the Signet, our literary magazine, is still published today.

For Omari, an international student, coming to the United States and entering a new culture, language environment, and educational system was an opportunity for growth. He and Jaylen both shared the impact of iBelong on their journey, an on-campus mentoring program designed to support first and second-year students from underrepresented and historically marginalized communities. In particular, that mentorship and networking, paired with the opportunity to be involved in the pilot and growth of the new Data Analytics program at Queens, have truly shaped Omari’s future.

“More than ever, almost every career revolves around data, and being able to teach students data literacy and the skills behind how to help businesses make those decisions is important,” shared Omari. “I’m so glad Queens is leaning more into expanding the digital edge for students.”

Ella pointed to the classroom experience as one of the defining parts of her time at Queens, especially the small class sizes and discussion-based seminars that challenged her and built confidence.

“Seminars where we share thoughts with each other, push back on each other, and we get to really grapple with tough information — for me it’s been transformative.”

She said, “I have this confidence now that I’ve gained through the experience of being in a space with other learners, including professors, that want to pull something out of me that I didn’t even know was there.”

“It’s been very gratifying to understand more about the world, the things I’m interested in.”

She noted that athletes at many schools often feel isolated, but at Queens, you can connect with the broader campus community in meaningful ways.

All panelists enthusiastically agreed when Ella stated that international experience opportunities are one of the best parts of Queens. She emphasized, “To have it be a part of the program, a part of the culture, that we seek to be globally informed — being in another country is helpful to do that.” Ella’s Spanish minor and her four-week trip abroad teaching English in Ecuador have translated into Charlotte, where she’s able to use her language skills in interactions with Spanish-speaking members of the community.

Another alumna in attendance asked the students to share their advice for high schoolers headed to college soon. The discussion that followed offered insightful advice for prospective college students and poignant wisdom for any age.

Jaylen’s advice reflected on the pressure many students put on themselves and the importance of giving yourself grace during periods of uncertainty and growth.

“I would tell myself not to worry so much. I’m pretty hard on myself when it comes to getting things done. With the high ethics that I have for myself, I can easily get bogged down in stress.”

He emphasized, “Give yourself the opportunity to be okay with anxiety or fear.”

Jenna, who graduated from an early college high school, came in at 17 with the intention of completing her bachelor’s in only two years. As she became more involved on campus and formed relationships with professors, her two-year vision started to shift. She shared, “I would tell my 17-year-old self to just sit and take time in this space. I think in your early 20s — and being in the college environment — there’s so much growth that can happen and so much just learning and exploring different opportunities.”

She noted that graduating early would have meant missing opportunities such as serving as president of 2 clubs, studying abroad in Peru, going to DC for Model Nato, or conducting an independent study with Professor McCrary.

Jenna concluded, “I would tell myself that not rushing is okay, and this is my life. The expectations that other people have mean nothing if I’m not enjoying this time of my life.”

For Omari, adaptability defined his journey. “I’ve taken almost every opportunity that comes my way. It’s important to say ‘yes,’ because saying yes made my experience what it is now.”

At the same time, he emphasized that growth also requires balance and self-awareness.

“There are times when you also have to say ‘no.’ Knowing the genuine balance between agreeing to a commitment and also knowing your capacity for what commitment you cannot take on.”

Omari believes his mantra of saying ‘yes’ is what connected him to the people who have been most transformative in his life.

Ella echoed Omari’s sentiment, encouraging students to get involved, while still recognizing that it can feel overwhelming. “My advice would be to join something, to be a part of something.”

She encouraged future first-year students to combat that overwhelming anxiety by taking small risks — listening to campus speakers, attending events, and pairing unexpected minors with their majors.

“Eventually you’ll be able to look back, and you’ll say I know all these people, I have all of these connections, I have so many opportunities, I have so many things under my belt — but there are so many things that I’m looking forward to.”

Before the discussion concluded, Omari offered one final piece of practical advice focused on career preparation.

“Right now, it’s so competitive to land an internship or to find a full-time role,” he shared. “If there’s anything I’d tell myself freshman year, it’s ‘start early!’ Starting early is a gift.” For those in business and finance, he recommends talking to alumni who can tell you what that recruitment experience is like, because, in his words, if you wait until junior year, you probably missed it.

The senior panelists offered the alumni in attendance a chance to reconnect with the Queens community, proving that this campus nestled in the heart of Charlotte holds memories that outlast the four years of enrollment. The professors’ names and student body may change over time, but the feelings, connections, and transformational education persist.

Did you know that Queens students are required to participate in an internship before graduating? Not only is it built into our curriculum, but our Vandiver Center for Career Development is there to help students make connections and launch their careers. Learn more about how internships are a signature feature of a Queens education.