Meet 2018 TJF scholar Jerel Smith

School: Winston Salem State University

Name: Jerel Smith

Major: Mass Communications

Classification: Senior

Scholarship received: Denny’s First Generation scholarship

Jerel, a native of Lexington, NC, is busy student, serving his community and beyond. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. He serves as the 44th Mister at Winston Salem State University. He is also a member of the Union Baptist Church of Lexington North Carolina. In his spare time, he mentors within the Forsyth County School System.

Post-graduation Jerel has plans to jump right into the workforce. He has accepted a full-time position with Miller Coors to working as a sales and marketing representative. Below he shares his story.

I am a proud first generational college student who has strived to set change the trajectory of my family. I am also product of a single mother household who lived in public housing. However, despite the many obstacles that could have been barriers throughout my matriculation, I have attempted to thrive well in college not only to one day better myself, but to empower my entire family, and community.

I am inspired by many people, however one person that inspires me the most is my oldest nephew. I strive each and every day to create a lifestyle that allows my nephew(s) to know their importance in this world, the value of their life, and how to defy the odds of the expectations that society may attempt to offer as a limitation as an African American Male.