Endorsements

Kadari Taylor-Watson

Major: American Studies

Why did you choose the Graduate Diversity Visitation Program?

I wanted to be connected with other students of color, scholars who had the beautiful experience of learning at a Historically Black College and University across the nation.

What was the best thing about the program?

Being introduced to program grads at Purdue that were still closely tied to Black and Brown communities.

What did you gain from the program?

There is something about the student connection that reaches across geography and generation that resembles that of a family. My extended family grew and I am forever grateful for not only the academic connections I gained but I also gained some of my best friends during this experience.

What is your advice to other students considering the Graduate Diversity Visitation Program? 

What are you waiting for?! Travel to new places, connect with diverse scholars and extend the network!

Jeffrey Avery

Major: Computer Science

Why did you choose the Graduate Diversity Visitation Program?

During my senior year of undergrad, I had the opportunity to visit some of the different schools where I had applied for graduate school. After hearing about the opportunity to attend a visitation program at Purdue, I was excited to attend because I had heard a lot about Purdue and the campus but I wanted to have my own experience. I also believe that before making a decision about what school to attend, stepping foot on the campus and getting a firsthand feel for the environment and observing other students is important and the HBI Diversity Visitation Program provided this opportunity.

What was the best thing about the program?

The best part about the program was being able to visit the campus, participating in a program where formal interviews were not being conducted and I could get a sense for the campus, students, faculty and staff. This was very important to me as I made the decision about where to attend graduate school.

What did you gain from the program?

From the program, I gained a sense of the campus but also more confidence about myself and the next steps in my academic career. I realized where I wanted to attend graduate school and confirmed what I wanted to study.

What is your advice to other students considering the Graduate Diversity Visitation Program?

Take every opportunity to learn more information about the school, graduate life, research and to ask questions.