- University News Archive - ��Vlog��ý Little Rock

Zaire Husband: Future Cyber Activist

Janea Snyder — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 13:03:18 +0000

For Zaire Husband, choosing a college was about finding a place with a program that best fit her career interests. ��Vlog��ý Little Rock was close to home, affordable, and had a Computer Science program that fit her needs. “I have always loved computers,” Zaire, 21, said. “Computer science to me is like learning a language, learning how to tell the computer what to do.” She’s an artist too, and carries a doodle pad around with her everywhere she goes. “Digital art is probably my favorite type of art because you can showcase your art across the world with a single click,” she said. Zaire will graduate in May 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a minor in information assurance. She has the perfect career in cybersecurity all mapped out. “I want to be a hacker, security engineer, and architect. Essentially you’re working with networks and infrastructure to keep other hackers out – like a cyber vigilante. You try to get into the mind of a criminal and try to break into your own software. It’s like being the criminal, the detective, and the police all in one package.” She’s also passionate about sharing with other young women the possibilities of a STEM career. “I’m really passionate about women in computer science, especially women of color,” she said. “The ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Computer Science division is pretty diverse. I have gained a diverse group of friends from all backgrounds and skin tones. However, the female to male ratio is still lacking, not just in Little Rock, but across the country.” When looking for a role model, Zaire had to look no further than to her parents. “My parents are big on education,” she said. “They know how hard it is for a young black female. I’m really blessed. I get help from school and my family, and it’s helped me be able to do things.” Husband hopes to herself be a mentor one day for young women. “I would like to inspire people the same way I’ve been inspired,” she said. “You need support from all directions. Many young people fear that they’re not good enough. Many younger people have a fear of math. It’s really hard for people in this country because we don’t put as much emphasis on it, and you need a strong foundation.” During Zaire’s freshman year, she lived on campus and joined the African American Female Initiative, which connected her with others and activities. She was actively involved with the Arkansas Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (ARK-LSAMP) program, which strives to increase the number of minority students in STEM areas. She’s also gained hands-on skills and networked through internships. Dr. Jim Winter, director of the University Science Scholars and LSAMP, helped Husband get an internship with the Emerging Analytics Center during her freshman year, “He gave me a sense of direction, and for that I’ll be forever grateful.” In fall 2017, Husband interned at the Clinton Foundation where she worked in information technology and communications – and even met former President Bill Clinton. “My internships have helped me know what to expect and helped me network and meet contacts in the industry,” she said. Zaire also serves an EIT Ambassador, helping freshmen with homework and tutoring. She is involved with Society of Women Engineers, Cyber Security Club, ��Vlog��ýLR Alliance, and the Anime Club. Photos by Benjamin Krain

Graduating student says she will always have the heart of a Trojan

Jenny Lambert — Wed, 09 May 2018 18:00:26 +0000

As a little girl, Aliyah Joseph visited the University of Arkansas at Little Rock every year to watch her grandfather host a pre-Christmas basketball tournament in the Donaghey Student Center field house. He ran the event for 41 years, and because of his involvement and love for the campus, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock became a part the family and eventually became Joseph’s second home.

“My grandpa always talked about how much he loved the school, so when I came here, I thought about him,” Joseph said. Joseph’s grandfather passed away in 2011, a year before she would officially become a Trojan.

A new beginning

In 2012, the North Little Rock native packed up her belongings and drove 15 minutes from home to start her journey as a first year college student. It didn’t take long for Joseph to find her place on campus, as she had already been chosen as a Chancellor’s Leadership Corps scholar and naturally had a desire to become involved with organizations that served others. During her time at the university, Joseph served as the treasurer of the West Hall Council, a mentor for the African American Female Initiative, became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., started the L. O. V. E. Gospel Choir, and was nominated for Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. She also completed numerous hours of community service, made the chancellor’s and dean’s lists, and worked as a tour guide in the Office of Admissions for two years. Although Joseph kept herself busy with extracurricular activities, she was on course to graduate in May 2017, but decided in the 11th hour to change her major. “I was lost and I felt like it was the end of the world,” Joseph said. “I was dreading having to do more undergraduate schooling, and I knew that I needed to graduate within the next year.” With all but an ounce of hope lost, Joseph sought out the help of her academic advisor, Dechantria Wallace, who was able to help her find a field that she was passionate about and that made her happy. On May 12, Joseph will graduate from ��Vlog��ý Little Rock with a degree in health, human performance, and sports management from the College of Education and Health Professions. “I chose this degree because I want to be an advocate for healthy living in my community and beyond,” Joseph said. “Health educators are very necessary and I can exercise my degree in different settings.”

Finding solace in family

Although she faced a minor setback, Joseph chose to see the challenge through. She wasn’t alone in her pursuit, as she often confided in God through prayer and listened to the instructions of her family who continuously motivated her and affirmed her belief that she could do whatever she put her mind to. “My mom was there for me every moment and she was tough on me, but she set an expectation that helped me to get to this point,” she said. “My dad was always consistent in encouraging me because I’m only the third person on his side of the family to graduate from college, so he made it his business to push me to finish.” Joseph also received endless support from her grandparents. Her grandmother did not go to college and her grandfather did, but both shared words of wisdom that drove Joseph to keep going. In addition to the support from the adults in her life, Joseph’s desire to be a great example to her little sister prompted her to give all that she had in this chapter of her life. “I wanted to give my sister something to look up to,” Joseph explained. “Going to college is a big deal for my family and I want my sister to carry that legacy. She is a freshman in high school now and even before this year, I talked to her about being anything she wants to be and furthering her education by going to college. I want her to be better than me so the least I can do is be a good example.” Along with her family, there were a host of professors, staff, and faculty who helped Joseph to transition and find her way in hopes of providing her with an experience that she would always remember. “During my time at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, I always had someone to turn to whenever I was struggling or having a moment of wanting to give up,” Joseph said. “I’m so thankful for all of you that made yourselves available when I needed you. I appreciate each of you for providing me with encouraging words and the strict accountability that I needed.” After graduation, Joseph plans to attend graduate school to further her education. “I have experienced some great times, as well as some very hard times at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, but they all contributed to my personal growth,” Joseph said. “Attending this school proved to me that you do not have to go far away from home to get a good education and graduate. I will miss being an undergraduate student here. I will always represent my alma mater, and I will always have the heart of a Trojan.”

‘I am good enough:’ Graduating student uses words of affirmation to overcome pressures of college life

Jenny Lambert — Mon, 07 May 2018 14:48:59 +0000

As an African-American female raised by a single parent in a low-income home, Miracle Chase was always determined to tip the odds of life in her favor. Chase was the first person in her family to attend, and now graduate, from college. On May 12, the Earl, Arkansas, native will receive a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock at only 20 years old. In high school, Chase was one of the smartest students in her graduating class, earning the rank of salutatorian, while accumulating more than 30 hours of college credit. When it came time to make the transition to college, however, thoughts of being subpar or less than intelligent clouded her mind. “I came to ��Vlog��ý Little Rock knowing nothing about life outside of my little bubble,” Chase said. “Back home, everyone was rooting for me, but in actuality, I was lost and felt like I wasn’t good enough and did not deserve to be here.” Leading her high school class in grades gave Chase a boost of confidence that she was unsure she would experience in college. Rather than allow those thoughts to gain further traction, Chase decided to change her disposition and put just as much into succeeding in higher education as she had done in high school. “I had to tell myself, ‘I am good enough’ and ‘I am supposed to be here,’” she said. Starting out as a ��Vlog��ý Little Rock freshman, Chase had her mind set on becoming a social worker, but after applying for admittance into the program, she was denied. “Although I had more than enough credit hours, I wasn’t admitted due to a recent change in the admission requirements,” she explained. “I was completely devastated and didn’t know what to do next.” Chase was advised to give sociology a try since the major had many similarities to social work. Due to her love for people and interest in social issues, she decided to give it a try and hasn’t looked back since. Outside of the classroom, Chase keeps herself busy and is always looking for an opportunity to excel. She is a proud member of the Chancellor’s Leadership Corps, McNair Scholars Program, ��Vlog��ý Little Rock Honors College, African American Female Initiative, Circle K International, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. She also serves as an ambassador for the College of Social Sciences and Communication. With so much on her plate, it’s been easy for Chase to find areas of her life that could use improvement, but she often pulls from words of encouragement that serve as pick-me-ups for when she doesn’t feel at her best. “I remember breaking down crying during my first research project with the McNair Scholars Program,” Chase recalled. “Minutes later, I watched a speech from former first lady Michelle Obama explaining how she dreamed about going to college and hearing people say it was unreachable. Her words, ‘You should never view your challenges as a disadvantage. Instead, it’s important for you to understand that your experience facing and overcoming adversity is actually one of your biggest advantages,’ have stuck with me until this day. I reflected back on all the struggles I’d been through and I took it as a fuel to exceed my goals.” Chase also found support in the people who love her and continue to light her fire, including her family, close friends, and church members. “They have heard my excuses and made me work harder,” Chase said. In addition, Chase met professors and professionals who helped to make her educational journey one to remember, including Nicholas Steele, Drs. Ge Chen, Adriana Lopez, Simon McClain, David Briscoe, and Amin Akhnoukh. “If I could change anything about my experience at ��Vlog��ý Little Rock, I wouldn’t,” Chase said. “Everything happens for a reason, and every event or experience shapes us for the next.” After graduation, Chase plans to spend her summer attending ��Vlog��ý Little Rock’s counselor education program.

- University News Archive - ����Vlog��ý Little Rock

Zaire Husband: Future Cyber Activist

Graduating student says she will always have the heart of a Trojan

Finding solace in family

‘I am good enough:’ Graduating student uses words of affirmation to overcome pressures of college life

- University News Archive - ��Vlog��ý Little Rock