PeerForward Alumni like Aniah Davis-Jackson embodies the tenacity of a Peer Leader long after their workshop. This week, our Alumni Spotlight is Aniah, who through Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated is fostering a sense of belonging for all identities on campus.
Aniah Davis-Jackson began her PeerForward journey at Friendly High School in Fort Washington, Maryland. She attended her Peer Leader workshop in 2019 at NOVA Southeastern University. Aniah now attends the University of Maryland, College Park where she is working towards a major in Public Health Science with a Pre-PA Track and is expected to graduate in 2024. We caught up with Aniah to discuss her college experience and what influenced her decision to come back as a PeerForward Alumni.
Q: What’s been the most rewarding part of attending your college/university?
A: The most rewarding part of attending the University of Maryland, College Park is being able to create a space for minority and underrepresented students like myself. When attending a PWI, it’s common for minority and first-generation students to experience imposter syndrome. It’s really rewarding to know that, at this university, I have the opportunity to make my peers feel comfortable in this space.
Q: What made you want to return as a PeerForward Alumni?
A: I came back to serve as a PeerForward Alumni because, as a peer leader I was introduced to a number of opportunities and was given information that inspired me to apply to my current school. I am a first-generation college student, so applying and getting in was all new to me. With the help of PeerForward, I was not only able to navigate the college-going process but also transitioned from high school to college seamlessly.
Q: How did PeerForward change your perspective of college?
A: PeerForward has allowed me to view college as an avenue of many opportunities instead of just one straight path. Coming into college I thought I knew what I wanted to major and minor in AND what I wanted to do after graduating.
After reflecting on what I learned in my own workshop and what I’ve told Peer Leaders myself as an alumna, I’ve realized that in college, my academic end goal can still be achieved by taking many different routes throughout my college career.
Like all of our PeerForward Alumni, Aniah inspires us to build inclusive and uplifting communities. Thanks, Aniah!
