I grew up in poverty. Without a scholarship and financial aid, college was impossible for me. Fortunately, I received a scholarship to Tennessee State University and was also awarded financial aid.
I stood in long lines with other poor or low-income students. The lines wrapped around the narrow hallway, but we didn’t care. We were starved for food and an education! Once we got in the office of the fatherly financial aid director, he took his time to review available financial assistance and encourage us. Our economic background didn’t seem to matter to him!
In addition to scholarship funds and loans, I was a work-study study. I chose to work in the library where I had access to thousands of books. When I was a child, I was always reading books. The school library was my friend. Reading was my way of escaping from the painful poverty I experienced on a daily basis.
My insightful counselors at Tennessee State University suggested I major in Nursing. Secretly, I wanted to be a journalist, but they knew that major would not help me get out and stay out of poverty. They helped me build a bright future.
After grueling classroom requirements, clinical assignments, and work study, I was exhausted. I knew I had to keep going! I had my share of extracurricular activities but knew my limit. While other students were partying, I was burning the candle at both ends! Unfortunately during this time, my only sister passed. I was devastated, but it seems she gave me the strength to endure.
Finally, I began to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I looked forward to my parents and family attending my graduation. Then, it happened. I put in the hard work and became a candidate for graduation.
On a cool May day, my parents, brother, little niece and nephew (my late sister’s children), traveled from Memphis to Nashville to attend my graduation. I chose to begin my nursing career at Meharry Hospital, a teaching hospital associated with a medical college. Fortunately, I had a roommate and we lived without walking distance of the hospital.
Now, I’m proud alumni of Tennessee State University and a member of the alumni association. We’re honored to give scholarships to deserving students every year. We’re inspired by purpose and driven by impact. Our fight song is “I’m So Glad.” I’m so glad I went to TSU!
Once a Tiger, always a Tiger.
Francie Mae. June 29, 2026