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2 The Panther April 15-30, 2017 Clark Atlanta University Convocation speakers give students advice on how to get ahead Continued from page 1 Undaunted. Undeterred. Undenied: Lifting Every Voice. Underwood posed questions to the panelists that sparked conversation and information from details of their experiences through their walks of life and how they relate to their careers. Each question posed gave insight into the panelists' personal experiences that gave students a look at different individuals and experiences that had the same result: success. Underwood asked. “What is find a way or make one for you?” “When I came here 1 transferred; it was figuring out what I wanted to do," Reid, who serves as a correspondent on the nationally syndicated “Tom Joyner Morning Show." responded. “I knew 1 wanted to be a journalist, but 1 didn’t know what that meant...That would never have happened if I did not come to Clark.” Price, Coca-Cola’s vice president of Global Community Affairs, responded, “With HBCUs, there is an expectation that you can do it, and that you should do it. You find empowerment and nurturing in a way that should strengthen your core...” Underwood expressed how she understands that “it’s not easy being successful.” Her sentiments brought upon the next question, “How do you fight those trials of people telling you ‘No,’ especially as an African-American woman?” “You can't listen to the ‘NOs,’” Reid responded, simply. “For me, ‘no’ doesn’t really mean anything to me.” Price responded more in-depth with an explanation that “not every path is easy.” Noting that very few paths are easy, she emphasized that “you can fall down... it doesn’t Photo by Curtis McDowell At 103 years old, Charity Barnes (center seated), is the the oldest living alumna of Clark Col lege, now Clark Atlanta University. She was recognized at the Founders Day Convocation. Barnes is surrouded by CAU President Dr. Ronald A. Johnson (standing center), CAU’s First Lady Irene O. Johnson (front row left), Sparta, Georgia Mayor William Evans (front row right) and other friends and family. Barnes graduated in 1949 with a B.S. in Mathemat ics. She is a retired educator who remains active. matter you fell, the important thing is” that one should get up and continue on. Underwood also asked the panelists the type of things they would look for in someone to hire. Both panelists responded with the main concept of each of their responses being to stay active and persistent in reaching goals. Price emphasized that “you have to go after things, but you have to do the research to be better informed of what you’re going after and why you’d be fit for it.” And Reid highlighted “someone who is assertive, hard-working and encouraged by diversity, not discouraged by it. The panelists agreed that students should engage in activities like internships and study abroad programs to help develop their life skills. Underwood’s last question simply called for the panelists’ closing remarks. “This moment now is so important, and it will be over like that,” Reid stressed. “While you are still here, take advantage of being a student. Life goes so fast; do not waste a minute of it.” Price, agreeing with Reid, also stressed the need to “eliminate distractions from your life. If it’s not helping you get where you need to go, if they are not helping you live a life that is pleasing to you, eliminate the distractions and keep it moving.” Photo by Curtis McDowell —w\ Dr. Curtis Powell (right) directs the Clark Atlanta University Philharmonic Society at the Founders Day Convocation March 23.