Junior history major Miranda Clinton seized the opportunity to demonstrate her knowledge of African American history and culture on the March 21 episode of Bounce TV’s Black College Quiz Show.
The television show features 24 HBCU students from around the country competing for a chance to win scholarship prizes.
“Being a contestant on the Black College Quiz show was a wonderful experience,” Clinton said. “I was able to apply everything I’ve studied thus far, while also learning more skills to apply in any trivia competition.”
The Durham native attributes attending athletic games and family exposure to NCCU as driving forces behind her initial interest in NCCU. Academics is a family affair for Clinton; her mother, a former Durham Public Schools teacher, is currently pursuing a master’s at NCCU in special education. Clinton’s twin sister is also a member of the Eagle family, studying physics. She will be one of the first students to participate in the Three + Two dual-degree program in engineering with NC State University.
“Although my sister and I are alike in many ways, our passions differ in choosing careers,” she adds.
Completing an advanced placement history course in high school sparked her interest in history, leading to her desire to enroll in a university with a renowned history program.
“NCCU’s has one of the best history programs – if not the best – with knowledgeable faculty that have been a tremendous help in my success,” Clinton said. “Durham has a rich history that I’m able to explore right here at NCCU.”
With a 4.0 GPA, she has already received many academic honors, including being named a Chancellor’s Scholar and induction into the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society.
Clinton is a high-achiever even outside the classroom. She participated in an internship with the Library of Congress as a first-year student. She also has also served as a summer intern with the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources and the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission.
Clinton returns to the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission this summer to continue her role as an intern. She credits the knowledge gained in her courses as a complement to her internship experience.
During her spare time, she serves as president of the Caulbert A. Jones History Club and competes with the NCCU Honda Campus All-Star Challenge varsity academic quiz team. Clinton also volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and serves as a youth leader at her church.
“Supportive NCCU faculty and staff have prepared me for the quiz show experience by providing resources that included important information,” Clinton says. “Most of the information that was required to know for the show I previously learned and studied for the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge.”
All-Star Challenge academic team faculty advisor Janice Dargan, Ph.D., accompanied Clinton to the Atlanta taping of the Black College Quiz Show.
Clinton’s love for reading fused with her interest in history was a natural choice for her career aspirations.
“Being a history major has aligned with passion for research while also pursuing history through library science, I aspire to work alongside archivist and researchers.”
Upon graduation, Clinton plans to pursue a master’s degree in library science and a doctoral degree in public history.
She advises students seeking similar experiences to connect with organizations that can provide those opportunities, put their best foot forward and have courage.
A webisode featuring Clinton is available on Black College Quiz Show’s YouTube channel and at www.blackcollegequiz.com.
