The story of Talia Carroll - Director of the Marcus Garvey Cultural Center:
“I’ve lived an interesting life – well, at least I think it’s interesting; you be the judge. For the early years of my life I was raised by a young, single parent. We were financially poor, but absolutely rich in love. When my family talks about me as a young child, it seems I must have been fun and kept them on their toes. I guess the only thing that’s changed is that I’m fun, but also have a family reputation for being lovingly pushy. You know, because I care about everyone living their best lives. When I was young, my parent married and we became a military family. That means I got to live in three different countries (Portugal, Singapore, and Spain) and travel extensively as a teenager. It’s during these experiences where I’d categorize my family as middle-income (perhaps you’re aware that folks in the military don’t earn a lot of money). I recall still being that same lovingly pushy person I told y’all about a moment ago. I shared that because I try to be consistent in how I show up in life. I offer the same lovingly pushy energy to anyone who’s willing to accept it. It’s where my top five strengths really shine – like sunshine bright. My greatest, most fulfilling moments as a human are offering support to people and helping them know how great they are. Sometimes, it’s hard to really see ourselves as cool, helpful, kind, thoughtful humans, so it takes someone to remind you. Being able to offer those kinds of reminders fill my cup immensely.
As the second person in my family to attend and graduate from college, I think people made some assumptions that I knew what I was doing. I did not. Matter of fact, none of my educational experiences were easy fully understood by me. So, when I have the opportunity to connect with students and students of color in particular, I do my best to offer a level of encouragement I know was helpful to me as an undergraduate. Each student’s experience is different, so I do my best to individualize “advice” or informed suggestions as they navigate their academic and life experiences. Ultimately, if we’re putting in everything we’ve got and doing the best we can, that’s all that matters. Our lives are just a bunch of squiggly lines trying to figure out the ‘right’ way to go, but really as long as there’s movement, we should celebrate. So, students, celebrate the victories…the itsty bitsy ones that don’t always seem worth it to celebrate, and the gigantic ones you want to scream from the mountaintop (or just the corner of the busiest intersection on campus). Speaking of victories and a life changing college experience, I secured a full scholarship (yes, even after having no idea how to be a college student) that paid for my undergraduate degree. I’m still pretty proud of that and always want to hear the victories of students I encounter.
As a result of the challenges and victories I got to enjoy, I realized that higher education was for me. Every single day, I am fortunate to connect with some amazing humans – students, staff, and faculty – who make UNC what it is. Recently, I had the opportunity to engage with a group of students about what it looks like to think about and reach our potential. It was a healing space for me as I thought about so many of the people in the room whose stories I know. They are intelligent, beautiful, charismatic, funny, hard-working, ever-evolving people who are growing into better versions of themselves every single day. So, who wouldn’t want to be in higher education when you have the opportunity to be filled up by such good energy? And sure, it’s not every day that I get to be immersed in that kind of beauty and joy, but I sure do cling to it when it comes my way.
As the director of the Marcus Garvey Cultural Center, I have had countless opportunities to scream with joy, cry with, hug, challenge, encourage, and listen to countless students who are getting closer to graduation as each day passes. I get to work with colleagues who are truly invested in and care about students (which brings a smile to my face, of course). And, I continue to explore opportunities to work with faculty on addressing the academic support of our students, which a particular emphasis on being culturally responsive. In addition to the relationships I build and try to nurture, I wouldn’t be who I am if it weren’t for the challenges I frequently encounter – whether it’s with people, processes, or management of resources. It’s at UNC and in the role of director, where I’ve developed who I am as a practitioner-scholar and for that, I’m grateful. I look forward to continued opportunities to learn, grow, and connect on our campus!”
