My'Kelya Dickerson

My’Kelya Dickerson

Major: Chemical Engineering

Minor: French

300 Word Statement

When I think about the Lafayette ideal, I think back to four years ago when I arrived on Lafayette’s campus. My goal was never to fit anyone’s ideal. I brought what I had to the table, hoping that it would be enough. I brought with me wisdom from elders, dreams from family, and goals for myself. I was steadfast in my beliefs, but also ready to learn about perspectives different from my own. Eager, I ran full force at anything that related to my passions and hoped that I would be met with the same enthusiasm. To my delight, I was. I was able to find spaces to meet my mental, physical, and social needs with people who were academically, racially, and spiritually different from myself. I met Kaleidoscope with a passion for treating people with love, and I am leaving with better language to communicate and a new sense of understanding. I came to Acopian with a simple desire to challenge myself. I am leaving with the ability to approach any problem with confidence, even when I’m not quite sure I can see the whole answer. I met cheerleading teammates who helped me strengthen my passion for a sport I’ve loved my whole life. I met friends who reminded me of my Black Girl Magic when I forgot. Finally, I experienced sitting on the other side of the interviewing table and was reminded that we are all just people with goals. My goal was to stay true to who I am, while growing in that same right. I never had to change who I was to feel aligned with the Lafayette ideal, which means I picked the right place. I am grateful that my experiences can be called accomplishments and that they have equipped me to face the future while creating a new one. I think shaping the future is truly the spirit of Lafayette. It was once said that the best way to predict the future is to create it, and I intend to do just that.

Academic Activities/Awards – Total Years Involved

  • Marquis Fellow (4)

A merit-based award for students displaying the Marquis’ ideals of global citizenship, scholarly pursuits, leadership, and concern for others.

  • Marquis Scholars and Fellows (Club/ Organization) (4)

Member for 2 years before becoming co-president for 2 years. Organized activities and funds for scholars and fellows on campus. Help organize Marquis Dynamic Assessment Days.

  • National Society of Black Engineers (2)

Member for a year before becoming Vice President senior year.

  • Minority Scientists and Engineers (4)

Member for 4 years.

  • Pi Delta Phi (1)

Invited to French Honor Society for outstanding scholarship in the French language and Francophone literature.

  • Chemistry Tutor (1)

General Chemistry tutor – assisting students with homework and preparing for class assessments.

Campus Services/Activities and Awards – Total Years Involved

  • Kaleidoscope Social Justice Peer Educators (3)

Served as member for 1 year before becoming co-coordinator for final 2 years.

  • Resident Advisor (2)

Served as First-Year RA as a junior before serving an upperclassmen community senior year.

  • Resident Advisor: Make a Difference Award (1)

Awarded to a Resident Advisor whose residents feel has made a difference in their everyday lives.

  • Prologue Facilitator (3)Through Kaleidoscope, I was able to spend the last 3 years meeting with and facilitating conversations for prospective students who were willing to engage in conversations about social justice.
  • Fridays at Lafayette (2)Assisted Admissions by participating in several panels and events to expose prospective students to my own experiences in the Lafayette community and to get them excited about their own to come.
  • Admissions Senior Interviewer (1)

Interviewed and advocated for prospective students.

  • McDonough Jeffrey Robinson ’80 Leadership Award (1)

Awarded to an accomplished student who is also characterized by noteworthy leadership in college activities and student life. Awarded senior year.

  • DiscipleMakers Christian Fellowship (2)Attended and eventually led Bible Study for women on campus interested in learning more about the Bible.
  • YoungLife (2)Attended “club” nights. Went on trips to other colleges to engage with students and share about faith and faith traditions.

Community Service – Total Years Involved

  • GenNext Mentor (2)

Met with students at Easton Area High School weekly to work on college applications/ SATs/ACTs and to be a college mentor and friend.

  • Paxinosa Elementary School Tutor (1)

Tutored middle school students in math.

  • Easton Lifestyle Campus (1)

Spent time with elders in the community to remind them of how valuable and loved they are. Learned stories of their past and learned life lessons and history lessons that cannot be taught in the classroom.

Athletics Activity/Award – Total Years Involved

  • Cheerleading (4)

Cheered for football as well as men’s and women’s basketball. Teammate for 3 years before becoming a captain.

  • OAKS Leadership Academy (2)

Nominated by team coach to participate in leadership training in preparation to become a future captain/ team leader. Allowed self reflection and active team engagement.

  • SAAC (3)

Nominated by team coach to represent team opinions and concerns and to voice them to the athletic community.

Special Interest – Total Years Involved

  • Associate Choreographer – She Kills Monsters (1)

A first time experience with theater. Was asked by director to help choreograph dances for production.