By Danni Harris
Second-semester junior Paige Hawkins is redefining what it means to be a woman of Clark Atlanta University. With her hardworking spirit and positive campus image, Hawkins is showing what it takes to be successful at CAU.
Hawkins, whom is a senior English major with a minor in History, has had an interesting experience at CAU, thus far. For many students, the pandemic placed a burden and left them at a standstill. Hawkins shared these same sentiments.
“Remote learning made me a bit sluggish. Adjusting back to physically being on campus was a difficult transition for me, especially when it came to my involvement in various organizations. Luckily, I am slowly, but surely getting back into the groove of everything,” Hawkins said.
Along with the burden of the pandemic, the time off from campus exposed the horrors of the institution. From the blatant disregard for student life during the ongoing housing crises, to the lies spread regarding cleared balances, the public witnesses a snippet of what CAU students have been subject to. Like her peers, Hawkins too, fell victim to these issues.
When asked to express her feelings about the current environment of the campus, Hawkins had this to say, “When I think of the joy from the Atlanta University Center, it has come from the students, professors and some faculty. In the past and currently, our campus has treated us [student body] as they please, all while preaching and encouraging white professionalism and assimilation.”
Like many students, Hawkins is not immune to the issues of the world, outside of her institution. For many, the recent Texas abortion ban, was a blow to humanity and womanhood. “This ban is disgusting and a violation of human rights. If this continues, I honestly believe a revolution will occur, and I am ready,” Hawkins, the current president of Planned Parenthood Generation Action CAU, said.
The ban particularly spoke to Black women. Throughout history, there has been countless stories of women, especially those who were enslaved, who never had the freedom to have control over their own bodies. “Being a descendent of women who were raped, where the goal was to produce generations of humans who were charged with fueling the American economy, I could not help but think that Black people may never have autonomy over their own bodies,” Hawkins went on to say.
Hawkins, who will be graduating early, has big plans after college. She plans to go straight into a Master’s program, hopefully at CAU. While obtaining her degree in Africana Women’s Studies, she hopes to continue her work with the Planned Parenthood Southeast chapter or write for the Atlanta Journal Constitution.
“I am a person of love, that being said all my choices, words and aspirations are fueled by my want to love Black people. I am so grateful for this opportunity to be highlighted as student of the month,” Hawkins said.
For those interested in working with Paige Hawkins or getting to know her, she can be followed and or reached @paigetasticc_ on Instagram or @_paigehawkins_ on Twitter.