MEETING Dr. Yolanda King

I wanted to attend Spelman because of its rich heritage of producing women leaders. I had my overnight campus visit and witnessed Spelman’s reputation of excellence, sisterhood, and community service in real life, and it sealed the deal for me.

During my time at Spelman, I learned that wherever I go, I belong and I deserve to be there. I learned that there’s value and beauty in being my authentic self. I learned that there is room for everyone to be great and that we all play a part in making the world what we want and need it to be. It was engrained in us that we are Spelman and we have a choice to change the world. I also learned that to be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, and being late is unacceptable.

Delta’s legacy of sisterhood, scholarship and community service and their dedication to educational and economic development, international awareness, physical and mental health, political awareness and involvement, as well as leadership embodied my personal values and beliefs. It was the perfect continuation to build up on the foundation that my parents (family) and Spelman poured. Delta women are leaders that aim to make a difference in their communities and I knew that becoming a part of this illustrious organization would support me as a woman to utilize my talents and passion for the betterment of others and my community.

It was always a matter of not if I would attend a HBCU, but which one I would choose. Spelman was the best decision I ever made. Coming from a small town, it changed my perspective on life and opened my thoughts and imagination on the possibilities of my life and the impact that I could make. Being surrounded by brilliant black women who were at the top of their motivated me to think on a different level. It was also very empowering to see so many women of color with terminal degrees as professors, who took the time to mentor and pour into us. I still have relationships with some of my professors that I speak with often.

I graduated Magna Cum Laude with my Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), authored my book Hip Hop Affirmations: Giving Life to Lyrics – A Self-Care Journal, and lived and served my country by working with military personnel for ten years in Germay, Japan, South Korea, and Portugal.

It’s easy to look at where others are and compare yourself, but your journey is your journey. Everything will happen when and how it is supposed to, so take it all in stride and find beauty in the small things. Also, get a mentor in the different aspects of your life, personally, professionally, and in Delta to help with continued growth and exploration.