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Tanye Mosely
By Jennifer Tanner / Contributed photos
For Tanye Mosley, standing among millions in Washington, D.C. for President Barack Obama’s January inauguration was one of life’s defining moments. The 20-year-old chemistry major, who had just voted in her first presidential election months before, said words could not express the emotions she felt while hearing the nation’s leader take his oath.
“It’s one thing to watch it on television, but to actually be there and feel the energy was just amazing,” she said with a gleam of excitement still in her eyes. “Even though it was only 23 degrees, it was definitely worth it.”
Mosley was one of 5,000 students selected by the University Presidential Inaugural Conference to attend the 56th presidential inauguration and other activities surrounding the event. All participants were alumni of the National Young Leaders Conference, which Mosley attended while a junior at St. Vincent High School in Savannah.
During the young leaders experience, she was able to act out various roles in congress, gaining her first true taste of politics. The Savannah native did not realize then her second brush with international leadership would come at such a critical point in the nation’s history; but once the opportunity was presented, she knew she couldn’t pass it up.
“I was so excited when I received the invitation last year,” said Mosley, who was overcome by the support received from her family. “My mom said ‘oh, you’re definitely going,’ like missing out wasn’t an option.”
She was thankful to have backing from her biggest supporter, and later learned that others who attended were not so lucky. Many of the other participants paid their own way without help from family.
Mosley made the trip to Washington, D.C. on Saturday, Jan. 17, and settled into her accommodations at the Hilton. The weeklong experience included sessions with Colin Powell, who spoke on the inauguration, and Al Gore, who spoke about global warming, and a concert with Stevie Wonder, Sheryl Crow, Shakira, Beyonce’ and a host of other famous performers.
Being in Washington, D.C. for the first time gave the young student chills. She said people were shouting and dancing at the bus stops, thrilled to be a part of such a historical moment. After participating in the high-energy inauguration, Mosley and the other participants were swept away to a special inaugural ball for youth leaders.
Unfortunately, the experience-packed week didn’t leave much room for sightseeing, and Mosley hopes to return for a more tourist-like experience: “I loved Washington, D.C. and hope I can go back one day to actually see the city, go to the archives, visit the pop-culture exhibits and the museum for Obama.”
Academic Year: Junior
Expected Graduation (semester/year): Spring 2010
Degree Objective: Chemistry/Pre-pharmacy
Employer: Front desk worker (Brown Hall), pharmacy technician at Kroger
Pharmacy
Hometown: Savannah, Ga.
High school: St. Vincent's Academy
Academic achievements/career highlights:
Hope Scholarship Recipient, Judge William F. Cooper Scholarship Recipient,
2009 Presidential Inaugural Scholar, Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
I chose to attend VSU because… it was only 2.5-3 hours from home, and VSU had a pre-pharmacy program; plus, I have friends and family who attend VSU.
My favorite things to do on campus are… eating lunch with my friends.
When I have free time, I love... to read and sleep every chance I get.
My favorite place to study is… the library third floor in the study room.
The most exciting thing I’ve done is… attend the 2009 Presidential Inauguration.
My favorite professor was... Dr. Salami.
My favorite class was… Organic Chem I.
If I could share an afternoon with anyone, I would love to share it with… with my family or my best friends and sorority sisters.
If I knew I could not fail, I would… be a ballerinaccountapharmaveterinarian (an accountant, a ballerina, a pharmacist and a veterinarian ALL-IN-ONE)
The three words that best describe me are…spontaneous, intelligent and amiable.
Growing up the person I looked up to the most was… my cousin, Domonique Williams, who is more like an older sister than a cousin.
The thing that I will miss the most about college is… the many friendships, challenges and great experiences that I have endured along the way.
The one VSU experience I will always remember is… evacuating out of Centennial Hall at 3 a.m. because of a bomb threat and going back inside at about 7 a.m., and then turning around to go to a 9 a.m. class for a biology test.
I chose my major because... I love chemistry, and I love making concoctions and remedies…
After graduation, I plan to… enroll into pharmacy school and obtain my Pharm. D.
My favorite childhood memory… occurred at the age of eight. I used my mom's favorite perfume, Oscar De La Renta, and red fingernail polish to make wine for my Barbie dolls, and I got yelled at for it. I remember it like it was yesterday.
My biggest supporter in life is... my mom, Renee' Mosley. She is my biggest motivator.
Some interesting/unique facts about me are.... I’m shy. I’m left-handed. I can draw fairly well. I took ballet, tap and jazz for about 10 years, and I’m the youngest out of all my friends at only 20 years old.