Hampton
University

Bachelors Degree in Marketing, Public Relations Minor

I Love I Love MY HIU!!! My Home By the Sea! I loved every bit of my four years at Hampton University. I never imagined that I would learn so much about my history, my school’s history, and meet so many great people. From my first day of Pre-College (summer school) in 2004 to this day, Hampton has instilled in me a mindset and an illustrious network that I cherish to this day.

For some reason, I didn’t go on any college tours in high school, but had my heart set on going to Penn State, and was accepted. I also got into Clark and Hampton. According to my parental unit, Penn State wasn’t affordable, Clark was too far away, Hampton was not to close but close enough and affordable. My father, step-mother, and all of their friends graduated from Hampton, so at the time I felt like I didn’t have a choice in my big decision. Looking back at it now, I guess I didn’t want to be in my parent’s shadow, but what I didn’t realize is that they knew all along what I would get out of that university and they wanted me to be a part of that legacy.

I have so many great memories at Hampton, from meeting my roommate for the first time at Virginia Cleveland dorm… “F Hall whoop whoop”, running clear across campus to “AFRICA” for class, being in the freshman step show…VC Cuties, Homecomings, numerous parties in the hot ass gym, the Legion and in the infamous Harbors, to getting towed in the Harbors LOL, to moving off-campus and then finally walking across that stage. The whole experience was EVERYTHING and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

Now that I’m an alum, I can’t express enough how much my “Home by the Sea” has made me the woman I am today. Not only am I educated, but I’m also fearless, driven, worthy, and aware of where I come from. I’m unapologetically ME at work, with family and friends. I’m a part of great stock, a legacy that can’t be taken away from me. I created amazing bonds with my fellow alumni, regardless if we hung in school or not. The name alone connects us.

If I could give any high school graduate some advice, I would want them to know that Historically Black Colleges are the creme de la creme. It’s an experience you won’t ever forget. Between the history, to the staff, and the great relationships/networks you build, it’s worth considering. That’s with any HBCU, not just Hampton.

– Samantha “Sam Bam” Taylor