Shantae Edwards

My Name: Shantae Edwards

High School:  Crane Technical Preparatory Common School, Class of 2003

College/Major:  University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign/Speech Communication, 
Class of 2007

Favorite Class/Activity:  My favorite class is Afro 398: Black Leadership Development; this was a class I took in Fall 2005 and it taught me a lot about myself but it also introduced me to a diverse group of goal-oriented students. It was more than a course; it was a life changing experience for me. My favorite activity is rollerblading. I love it so much, and it gives me a rush.

Most memorable college experience to date:  Last year watching the final game of the Men’s NCAA Championship in Assembly Hall. It was a crazy experience because everyone was wearing orange and the hall was packed with devoted fans for our men’s basketball team.

Favorite way to relax:  Hanging out with friends, watching a movie.

Favorite book:  Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

My dream profession:  Being the CEO of my own company.

Future plans:  After undergrad, I plan on attending graduate school and then furthering my education to my Doctorate.  I want to start a non-profit geared towards empowering youth and a for-profit organization.

Key insight to college freshmen:  College is the introduction to the “real world”, remember that you are there for academic purposes but you must have fun too. You must know your limit and master the skill of time management because that will take you very far in and after college. Another thing, “The only time success comes before work is in the dictionary.” You have to work hard towards in order to be successful in what ever you put your mind to.

My hero:  My mother is my hero. She is a single parent with 7 children and 2 in college. She has been standing strong even though she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. She is a true definition of someone having handwork and dedication. She is a true survivor and I admire her for that.