Source: Trina Hairston / Trina Hairston
I remember my graduation day, sitting in the grass outside the Wiseman Center on the campus of Bowie State University, waiting to receive my reward for years of faithful studying, service to the WBSU radio station, and time as a teacher’s assistant. The energy was high. The ceremony was for our families to receive their reward for the support they gave us during our endeavors. But the energy was in anticipation of the shout that would come when we finally would turn our tassels and be college graduates.
While the Wiseman Center is gone and the BSU campus has changed, the excitement of graduating is still the same. While scrolling through Instagram, I was so excited to see that familiar energy flood my timeline. Bowie Bulldogs were crossing the stage once again, to receive their reward. Among them was the son of an award-winning gospel artist and DMV music director. James Hairston IV, son of JJ Hairston, collected his Bachelor of Science degree in Communications with an emphasis in Broadcast Journalism. I asked James about his journey, his family, and his plans for the future. This is what he shared:
“The road to graduation was an incredible journey. To come from my hometown of Connecticut, graduating from Co-Op High School, to then a week later attending Bulldog Academy (BDA), transferring to Benedict College in South Carolina, and finally back to Bowie State and earn my Bachelors is amazing. I could not have made it through without the love and support of my awesome family. My father, JJ Hairston, and mother, Trina Hairston, believed I could make it to this very moment. To become the first out of my immediate family to graduate college is a big deal for us, and we are still celebrating as we speak. I’d like to also add that I am super proud of my girlfriend, Mian White, who graduated the day before I did. As a whole, we are all super excited for what’s ahead. My plans are to start my production film company, travel on the road with my father, and promote kingdom content for the world to see!”
Congratulations James; B-S-UUUUU! And congratulations to all the 2019 graduates. From pre-school to higher education, we celebrate you for achieving this goal and look forward to continuing to celebrate you as you let your greatness show.
