The Rhoden Fellowship became Langston student’s family when she needed it most — Andscape

Fifteen hundred miles. That’s the distance between my family and the place that would become my home for my last summer as an undergraduate.

I first learned about the Rhoden Fellowship after meeting Marc Spears, Andscape’s senior NBA writer, in May 2023 at a luncheon during my sophomore year at Langston University in Oklahoma.

Growing up, I always loved writing and wanted to work in sports. After researching the fellowship, I knew it would be the perfect opportunity to help me reach my goals.

Fast forward to October 2023, when I received an email from my manager in Langston’s Department of Athletics, director of sports information Kyle Taylor. He forwarded me an email from Langston alumnus — and then ESPN employee — Eddie Maisonet, who was looking for a student to apply for the Rhoden Fellowship. Seeing potential in me, Taylor recommended me to Maisonet, who suggested I apply.

Initially, I was hesitant, doubting whether I could compete with students from larger historically Black colleges and universities such as Howard or Hampton. However, the support from Taylor and Maisonet gave me the courage I needed, and I ultimately was selected to be a member of the eighth class of Rhoden Fellows.

Moving from my hometown of Wichita, Kansas, to Bristol, Connecticut, felt like stepping into a scene straight from The Wizard of Oz. There I was, a young woman from Kansas, traveling “far, far away” to chase my dreams of working in sports.

I knew relocating and being away from family would be difficult, but I was determined to make the most of the opportunity in front of me. However, a couple weeks after I finally settled into Connecticut, my aunt Rosalind “Rosi” Boldridge became ill. 

To be clear, my aunt was no stranger to getting sick, but this time was different. Every day was an emotional roller coaster. One moment, she seemed to be improving, and the next she would take a sudden turn for the worse.

I struggled with the thought of not being there for my family while trying to fully immerse myself in the fellowship. 

But on June 24, 2024, she passed.

I felt consumed by grief and guilt. I couldn’t stop thinking about how I never got to say goodbye and would never get to hear her call me her “Ny-Ny” again.

Just before I was about to completely slip into a dark place, I heard a knock at my door. It was Rhoden Fellows and roommates Madison Firle and Gabrielle Heyward, coming to console me. Without saying words, they gave me the most comforting hugs I didn’t know I needed.

Rhoden Fellows coordinator Kimberly “KJ” Jarvis became an open ear, ready to listen and talk whenever I needed. Andscape columnist and fellowship founder Bill Rhoden constantly checked in on me, sending thoughtful messages and words of encouragement. And I can’t forget about Rhoden Fellows Sydney Cuillier, Nilea Cosley and Assata Allah-Shabazz, who made it their mission to lift my spirits and remind me what it was like to have fun.

At a time when I felt the lowest, their unwavering love and support kept me going. At that moment, I remembered the wizard’s words: “A heart is not judged by how much you love but by how much you are loved by others.”

Despite experiencing some heavy personal challenges during the fellowship, I also had some of the best moments of my life.

I was able to interview hip-hop artists EarthGang and choreographer Charm LaDonna on our podcasts, write about rising NWSL Houston Dash star Zoe Matthews, produce social media content and do so much more. 

However, out of the Rhoden Fellows’ many experiences, nothing tops working with the NCAA’s media coordination team at the men’s Final Four in San Antonio, Texas. Being a part of one of the biggest events in college sports was surreal. I was able to directly work with players, network with journalists and see all of the viral game moments firsthand.

As the University of Florida-colored confetti fell around me, I took a moment to reflect on the fellowship. I realized it had not only given me incredible opportunities, but it also gave me a newfound family.

Looking toward the future, I’ll carry the many lessons I’ve learned throughout the fellowship into the next chapter of my career. This fellowship pushed me beyond my comfort zone and has given me a deeper understanding of the kind of impact I want to make.

I fell in love with sports journalism because of its ability to unite people even in our darkest times. One day I hope my work will inspire the next generation of journalists in the same way Mr. Rhoden has inspired me.

I will forever cherish the bonds the Rhoden Fellowship has given me. And like Maya Angelou once said: “Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs, the ones who accept you for who you are, the ones who would do anything to see you smile and who love you no matter what.”