This Q&A is part of the story series Voices of Drake that highlights the diversity, ambition, and passion of the incredible people who make up our campus community. In recognition and celebration of Black History Month, we will be sharing a collection of interviews to spotlight Black voices in our community. This week’s story highlights Drake senior, Tiana Holden, who is studying neuroscience and minoring in biology and philosophy.
Tell us about yourself.
Hi, my name is Tiana Holden, and I am a fourth-year student from Houston, Texas. I major in neuroscience and minor in biology and philosophy. I have spent all four years involved in Drake student leadership starting as the Equity & Inclusion Chair for Herriott Hall my first year; UNITY Roundtable Representative for the Coalition of Black Students (CBS) my second year; Community Engagement Vice President for CBS, Vice President for Transcendent Theta Eta chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Incorporated, and the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Historian my third year; and finally in my fourth year, I am continuing my role as the Vice President for Transcendent Theta Eta chapter.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
It is a time where I can openly celebrate and embrace my Blackness without feeling reprimanded or judged. It is a time where I hyper focus on supporting my fellow Black creatives and business owners. Every year I learn something new about the Black community and what we did for the country and world, so every day is spent being proud of my Blackness and all that it comes with.
Why did you choose to attend Drake?
Well, I wanted a mid-size university where I could study neuroscience at an undergraduate level. So, that knocked a lot of schools out of the running. What made Drake University stand out was my admission counselor who went above and beyond in answering questions and making me feel connected. I vividly remember telling him I was hesitant about being so far away from home and family, so he reached out and connected all of the Texas Drake applicants. What sealed the deal was being awarded the Presidential Scholarship with a locked tuition rate. All of these factors contributed to me attending Drake University.
What is your favorite thing about Drake?
The small class sizes have allowed me to grow close personal and professional relationships with my professors and faculty. As well as the ability to get involved early on in student leadership roles and research opportunities.
In what ways have you grown since coming to Drake?
I would say I have grown professionally, academically, emotionally, and socially since coming to Drake. Professionally, I have never sent as many emails as I have in college, and I also now know how to dress appropriately in professional settings. Academically, before college you could not get me to write more than two pages, but during my time at Drake, I have written papers that range from 15–20 as well as leading my research-based capstone. My study habits have strengthened as well. Emotionally, my emotional intelligence has grown from experiencing varying situations that have taught me valuable lessons in how to navigate the “real” world. Socially, college has taught me how to balance having different social circles and life being more than your career or studies.
What do you hope to do after you graduate?
After graduation, I plan to attend a master’s or post-baccalaureate program before continuing my education in medical school. Yes, I am going to be in school for a while, but the end goal is my dream career of becoming a Black doctor/surgeon.
Who has been some of your important mentors during your time at Drake?
Mostly my peers, I have surrounded myself with some GREAT Black students who constantly push me to be a greater version of myself. Through watching them and befriending them I have gained some great habits that I don’t plan on stopping. Besides my peers, I would say my biochemistry professor Dr. Sturms. He was empathetic and a source of strength during a season of my academic career where my personal life was in shambles. Without his encouragements and guidance, I don’t think I would still be at Drake graduating this spring.
Are you involved in any student organizations, groups, or community service work? Tell us about those experiences.
I am a member of TriBeta, the biology honor society, and as a member, I spend time gaining professional development through attending events like LinkedIn Development Clinic and being able to talk about research that I have conducted at Drake University. I serve as the Vice President for the Transcendent Theta Eta chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Incorporated. As vice president, I work with my chapter on connecting the Drake and Des Moines community through partnerships with Des Moines Public Schools to donate school supplies and to deliver empowerment talks to after school groups of young girls. We also with Hope + Elim Church to host school supplies drives and the Ronald McDonald Charity house to support families who have extended admittance in local hospitals. I am also a part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), and as a member, I support other NPHC organizations’ programming events and serve as a brand ambassador with everything that I do on and off Drake’s campus.
What do you hope is accomplished during the month of celebration and recognition?
I hope prospective Drake students who are Black see the community of Black students who attend already and become encouraged to choose Drake as their school. I also hope that I continue to learn something new about my rich culture this year and get to support at least 10 Black businesses.
Who has been the biggest influence in your life, and what lessons did that person teach you?
My mother and father have been the biggest influences in my life. My mother taught me that I could get a higher education and thrive in the field of health as a Black woman. My father taught me to always find the good and humor in life regardless of whether I am dealt a great or bad hand in situations. They both have taught me to keep going and stay focused despite any circumstances that go on around me.
How do you like to spend your free time? Tell us about your hobbies and interests.
I love to watch my childhood cartoons and anime as a stress reliever. Something I have done since I was a little girl is dance, and as I have got older, it still allows me to feel free from stressors in life. Listening to music is another big hobby for me because it is a mood booster, grounding, and an escape for me. Finally, thrifting is a hobby I have done more of since attending Drake. It feeds my clothes addiction while being able to budget, which I love.
What advice would you like to give to a student thinking about coming to Drake next year?
Find your community and make the Drake experience your own. You may not be the perfect student, but you will learn so much about yourself in all aspects of your life. Drake has a way of pushing you to become a better version of yourself when you leave this place, so regardless of your background you are going to make a name for yourself and do great things here.