CONTINUING ALBERTUS’ MERCURY AWARD-WINNING BLOG SERIES ON BLACK BRILLIANCE
Jared McKenzie-Smith ’26 (he/him) is a current Political Science and Finance major here at Albertus. Originally from Hartford, Connecticut, Jared attended the University High School of Science and Engineering, which he described as a predominantly white institution.
“When I was in high school, I felt like I had to create a false identity and not be my true self.”
Jared wanted to change how he felt and attend a college with an established community where he could find his “true self;” that is why he chose Albertus.
Upon his arrival at Albertus, Jared hit the ground running; he joined various clubs and organizations on campus. Namely, the Student Government Association, where he served as a Senator for one year and then Public Relations officer for one semester. He also served as the Debate Club’s Communications Director and a Black Student Union general member for a year before he assumed his role as President. In addition to participating in organizations on campus, he also utilized his resources by joining the Falcon Leadership Advancement Group (F.L.A.G.), founded by Albertus alum and former Assistant Director of Career and Professional Development, Earl McCoy, Jr. ’17 ’18. Through F.L.A.G., Jared was able to make connections with prominent leaders in the community and develop his professional skills. Jared quickly realized that his time at Albertus would not be like his time in high school, he no longer had to be someone else, and at Albertus, he could finally be himself.
As a freshman, Jared could not fathom the idea of him being the president of a club, but the founder of the Black Student Union at Albertus, Kiyomi Bowen ’21, treated him like a brother. It is because of that sense of community that he found in the B.S.U. and Albertus at large that made him aspire to be President. He became the President of the B.S.U. in the Fall of 2021, intending to promote his idea of community and black “brilliance.” He sanctioned an event so Albertus students could attend a viewing of Black Panther: Wakanda Forever on November 21st, 2022. This trip was one of the first of its kind at Albertus, and allowed P.O.C. students to view a film that celebrates them and their culture. Continuing this spirit of community, the Black Student Union will be hosting a “community cookout” on February 28th at 5:30 pm.
Along with finding community in the clubs and organizations, Jared has also found community in Academics. Professor William Aniskovich, J.D. has provided Jared with insight into the legal field, and has soothed his concerns about applying to law school. When Jared was having doubts about pursuing his career in law, Professor Aniskovich alleviated his worries and made him feel that he could excel in that field. Dr. Ross Edwards is Jared’s advisor, and provides him with academic support and advice, which he greatly appreciates. Earl McCoy Jr. gave Jared needed mentorship; he has helped him network and exposed him to the “professional” world.
As a current Black student at Albertus, Jared shared what he believes to be the most critical thing future Black students at Albertus should know:
“When you choose this college, be aware of all the resources and opportunities available to you, and use them. We have departments, clubs, organizations, and faculty/staff who support you.”
In the spirit of Jared finding himself, he shared the moment he realized that he had finally stepped into his “true self.”
“When I won the Falcon Service and Leadership award, ‘Emerging Falcon Leader,’ it was then that I noticed that I had transformed because of Albertus and that I was being recognized for my work.”
Jared has been a model of Black Brilliance at Albertus and is carrying his torch to students in the present and future.