Tosha Kabara Sampson-Choma ’97
WHAT WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE AT MESSIAH AS A PERSON OF COLOR?
I was often aware of my identity as a person of color. It was the first time I had been in an environment in which my racial identity took precedence over my individual identity.
The student life office was integral to my development as the staff members fostered inclusivity for all students. From being shoulder-tapped to apply for a position as a resident assistant, to being encouraged to participate in Big Brothers-Big Sisters, to being invited to have a paid position as the student director of United Voices of Praise, my leadership skills were fostered, sharpened and honed in preparation for the future.
Through the mentorship of former Director of Minority Student Life Tyrone Wrice, I accepted an offer to attend school
in Nebraska. I felt well prepared because of my student leadership experience at Messiah.
I also maintained contact with Angela McKinney, Messiah’s first African-American professor in the sciences. Urging me to continue my studies by pursuing a doctoral degree as I had planned, Dr. McKinney prayed with me and offered much-needed support.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO STUDENTS?
Learn something new about diversity. Read a text that centers on the experience of black Americans, such as “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” “Twelve Years a Slave” or any number of others.
Consider how you can be a proponent of social justice, if even on a small scale.