The Hampton Script

Ya-Marie Sesay | Campus Editor

As the first semester of the school year comes to an end, Hampton University’s upperclassmen are beginning to think and plan for life after college. HU’s Career Center hosted the 2017 Graduate and Professional School Fair, where students and representatives from various schools and graduate programs had the chance to interact.

Schools from across the country set up their displays in the Student Center Ballroom, awaiting students’ arrival to their respective table. Schools of law, journalism, biomedical sciences, theological seminaries, and others shared information about their programs, scholarships, and opportunities for students.

“We encourage Hampton University students to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Bessie B. Willis, Career Center Director.

Among school representatives, Hampton alumna Stephanie Joy Grigg represented Princeton Theological Seminary at the fair.

Grigg, a graduating senior at Princeton Theological Seminary, was introduced to the institution by two of her Hampton University big brothers during her undergraduate experience.

“They challenged me to go to seminary,” said Grigg. “I wanted to merge the gap between psychology and theology into one, and I chose Princeton.”

Princeton Theological Seminary has various masters programs, the most popular include the masters of divinity, masters in arts and theological study, and masters in theological education. The school requires students to take the GRE exam, complete the application process, and submit a personal statement and statement from their pastor.

“We know enough people have a calling on their life at Hampton and different institutions, so we just want to make ourselves available for those who feel they have a calling on their life and want to go straight into it,” said Grigg.

Representatives Dominique Bannarn and Jane Bartlett from Eastern Virginia Medical School shared information about their post bachelors program and their two-year pathologist’s assistant program as well.

The medical master’s degree program is a post-bachelors program that gives students an opportunity to boost their grades before entering the medical school of their choice. The requirements for the program are the same for medical school; students that complete the program also have high chances of being accepted into EVMS’s medical school.

“We’re literally 30 minutes away and we want Hampton students to know that EVMS is an option for them,” said Bannarn.

The new pathologist’s assistant program is one of 10 in the U.S. designed to increase employees in the pathology. Bartlett encourages students that are self-starters and always go the extra mile to apply. Students practice working with autopsies, grossing (dissecting of a dead body), and learn the entire system of the body.

Bannarn advised HU students when applying for any graduate program to share what makes them unique and ensure the school they select fits them.

“I always tell students to go for what your most passionate about and find a school period that fits them,” said Bannarn.

For students interested in law school representatives from Albany Law School, Emory University Law School, St. John’s University Law School and more shared information about their programs.

“We hold Hampton University in high esteem for years, and I try to get here as much as I can,” said Associate Director of Admissions at St. Johns University, Dorothy Moran.

St. Johns offers many opportunities through a diverse body of disciplines like studying in a global marketplace such as New York, and practicing training skills as a student under the supervision of a professor. The school also has study abroad programs; students can study in Europe and gain 6-8 credits in comparative law, comparing the European and U.S. legal system.

Moran encourages students interested in law school to “Study hard for the LSAT, come and visit to ensure its good fit for you, and do well in school that’s the first thing.”

For more information visit the career center for the list of visiting graduate and professional schools or visit the website of the institutions of your interests.