My MEC Story: Wife. Mom. Grandmother. Hairstylist. Graduate. Mentor. And still going.

Editor’s note: My MEC Story is an occasional series featuring students and alumni at Medgar Evers College with unique stories — and a willingness to tell them.

•••

By Takisha Randall, Medgar Evers College alumnus

Before telling my story I have to thank Geraldyne Raphael because after reading her story, I was so inspired and I said to myself this is something I would like to share and so here it is. 

So, Geraldyne, thank you for your transparency and sharing a part of your life with us.

My name is Takisha Randall, and my journey at Medgar Evers College is also a memorable one. 

I started college in the summer of 2011 . . .

But that’s not how it all started — that was in 2003.

My oldest daughter graduated junior high school and the commencement took place in the auditorium at Medgar Evers College. 

I believe it was the first time I had ever stepped foot inside the college. Construction was taking place in the building across the street which is now the AB1 building. 

I said to myself, “This seems like a nice school and it’s in the heart of Brooklyn.”

Little did I know that many years later I would complete a degree at this prestigious institution. 

But first, a bit more about my journey — maybe you can relate to some of it. 

Learning to use my voice — literally

I knew after high school that I did not want to go to college simply because I was not interested and I had other goals. Yes, I admit that I had a speech impediment in my pre-teen years. In fact, the physicians believed that I was mute. 

I was embarrassed of myself in junior high and high school, so I would frequently sit in the back of the classroom. When the teacher called on me I immediately felt as if I was frozen in time. (Up until this day, I couldn’t recall how or why I began speaking — and with confidence.) 

The feelings of not being able to verbalize was detrimental. My high school years weren’t as bad, but all I wanted to do was graduate as quickly as I could. 

Thus the reason I did not enroll in college or give it a second thought.  

I attended “Hair and Design Institute” shortly after graduating high school. I received my cosmetology license in 2000, not long after, and began working in numerous New York City hair salons as an assistant. I was fond of the work environment.  

After about 5 or so years, I was pregnant with my third child. The commute was becoming a little unbearable, so I felt compelled to work closer to my home, ultimately relocating to a hair salon in Brooklyn and stayed there for about 7 years.  

I had a great experience and grew a greater love for doing hair. It was something about making people feel good about themselves despite challenges. I don’t know about you, but you can be in the middle of a bad day, but getting your hair done (for men as well) makes you look and feel a ton better. I loved doing hair, it is quite fulfilling…

A question — and finding the answer

“Why don’t you go back to school?” my husband asked later. 

I didn’t want to give up doing hair, so I wondered how I would manage to balance working part-time at the salon and raising six children with the help of my spouse, my elder children, my family, and my church community. 

Not to mention by this time I was in my late 30s. 

What is the process for enrolling in college? How would I be able to afford it? What kind of schedule would I have? How would I still make parent-teacher conferences, doctors and dentist appointments? School gatherings, cooking dinner, washing clothes — the list goes on. These were some of the questions that ran through my mind. 

Many times, I faced doubts from others, yet I kept going despite the criticism. 

I said to myself, “I GOT THIS.” 

But did I really?

When I first enrolled at Medgar Ever College, I had no idea what to expect. The first person I met didn’t make me feel inadequate and was really helpful. (I can’t start naming names because I don’t want to forget anyone.)

I remember going across the street from the Bedford Building to admissions and seeing the school store on the corner of Bedford and Montgomery streets. After I submitted my application and met with an advisor, I was told that I had to take a remedial math course to determine which math class I would be enrolled in. I remember taking that exam and not feeling too well after it. 

I went to the clinic shortly after leaving the college and guess what happened? I discovered that I was expecting my seventh child. 

I was like what in the world, this totally was not planned. Needless to say, I was perplexed about starting school but I was already committed, determined, excited and nervous all at the same time. 

Did she just say 7? I sure did.

Shortly after, I was referred to the SEEK program as a result of the remedial course. Because of the SEEK program’s requirements, I was not only able to attend college for free — yes, free — but I also received academic support along with assistance for transportation, books, free tutoring and peer mentorship and an assigned advisor.

Sounds too good to be true? That was my initial thought — but it wasn’t. After being told I qualified for the SEEK program I was too thrilled and this was just the beginning.

‘Not impossible’

Fast forward I would have to say that my experience at Medgar Evers College was both gratifying and challenging. 

As you recall, I was pregnant during my first semester. I continued regardless, and I gave birth to my son on December 8, 2011. The week after my son’s birth, I went back to school, completed all of my finals, and then used the winter break to take care of him and my other children with my husband.  It was a very lengthy journey — but not impossible. 

I promise you, there is more to this story, maybe grab a snack and keep reading. 

While writing this I am reminded of how many difficulties I faced. During the course of my six-year journey as a student at Medgar Evers College, I failed math four times, I was facing eviction on multiple occasions and going through the traumas of a broken ankle just to name a few.

Many sleepless nights, long hours of studying and the list goes on — I know some of you reading this can relate. It goes without saying that my academic advisor, along with the help of the SEEK program and other staff at Medgar Ever College, was crucial to my progress. 

When you have a support system it makes a big difference. 

Some of you may say I didn’t have this growing up, but you do here.

I had every intention of getting a Biology degree so I could become a sonogram technician. I said to myself every time I would get a sonogram, the technician would put that cold-cold cream on my belly and rub it around. I said to myself, “I could do that with all the children I had and get paid. YUP, SOUNDS LIKE A PLAN!” 

Little did I know that I would have to take biology and chemistry and physics and math (NOOOO, not MATH). Well, let me tell you, I received D, C and F grades in those courses. I couldn’t bring home these grades to my family “talkin about” (this is not an error, I said it TALKIN ABOUT with a down south accent 🙂) look at my grades. 

I was not feeling this. 

I had a conversion with my SEEK advisor and explained that I was struggling with the science courses.  She asked me several questions, to which my response was “I like to help people.”

Sound familiar to some of you?  After a lengthy but so necessary conversation, I was introduced to social work. (Now, now I know what y’all thinking. Social workers take children away, which was the running theme out here in these streets. Well let me tell you, it’s soooo much more than that.) 

After taking my first, second and third social work course I received an A. I was like “ Okayyy, look at me!” Not only did I enjoy those courses and I learned so much, but I also acquired the skills needed to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in social work.

It took me six years to obtain my degree but I did it (for those students who are reading this, it does not matter how long the race is, as long as you finish).  I was later told that because I was in an accelerated social work program at Medgar Evers College, I could receive my Masters degree in one year. 

I just told you all that it took me 6 years to get my bachelors degree, why would I want to do all that for a Masters degree?? Well fast forward, I did complete my Masters Degree at Nyack College. So, currently I am holding an MSW — and the LMSW is next on my bucket list to obtain the license.

I say all this to say that your journey doesn’t stop until you decide to stop. 

So, I have SEVEN children, it took me SEVEN years to complete my degrees (Bachelors and Masters). 

Did y’all know that SEVEN is the number of completion and fullness? 

Even God rested on the SEVENTH day, but let’s save the preaching for another day, shall we. 

But people would often ask me how did you do the things you do. I tell you, it was my strength in the Lord. (My favorite scripture reference is Proverbs 3:5-6. – nope not going to tell you what it is, you will have to look it up for yourself.)

Also my journey at Medgar Evers College afforded me many opportunities — but it took being proactive in my education. Attend those workshops, seminars and trips, network events. It makes a difference.

During my sophomore year I was presented with scholarship monies. I didn’t have the target GPA, however there were only three awards and only three people responded to the scholarship and so I was the recipient of one of them. I also had the opportunity to attend a social work conference in New Orleans (all-expense paid). 

I have won awards for my academic achievements, was awarded Peer Mentor of the Year and served on the Student Ambassador for Predominantly Black Institution Career and Scholarship Pop-up Shop.

Try saying this while eating a mouthful of crackers, Did I mention, I am a professional taste tester and part-time comedian. Lol.

Coming full circle

So now getting to the end which is still the beginning of my story.

Currently, I serve at Medgar Evers College as an Academic Support Specialist in the SEEK Program. What does that mean? I teach group counseling courses, provide academic advisement, facilitate workshops for incoming and upperclassman students, assist students with interacting effectively with professors and more. I can also be known as Professor Randall. Pretty cool right. 

And get this, I sit in the same office as my former counselor. 

Talk about God bringing me to a full circle. I am surrounded by amazing co-workers (my SEEK family) and I love the work that I do. 

With that I am a wife, mother, grandmother, hair stylist, mentor . . . and the list will continue to grow.

•••

My MEC Story

A look at previous installments in this series, written by students and alumni:

My MEC Story: Advocacy wasn’t an option — until I made it one.

My MEC Story: Embracing risk-taking in the face of judgment

My MEC Story: Obstacles? That’s putting it lightly.

• • •

If you’re interested in telling your story, please fill out this form and we will get back to you within 48 hours.