Ja’Keemah Seals

I am Ja’Keemah Seals, a proud first generation college student from Oakland, California. I am currently a third year undeclared student here at Sonoma State University. After this semester, I plan on declaring a double major in American Multicultural Studies and Political Science. My passions include activism, art, and serving my community. I believe in the power of organizing and take pride in being part of the change I want to see in the world.

Finding your community is crucial for success on college campuses. I found my family in the Educational Opportunity Program, where I served as a Summer Bridge leader for the largest cohort of students in recent history, and in the Black Student Union. I plan on staying involved with student leadership as a new member of Sonoma State’s chapter in the National Society of Leadership and Success. I am also a proud student assistant in the Office of the Provost and have worked in other departments including the School of Business and Economics and Faculty Affairs.

Living in a new area, I am fully responsible for housing, time management, my nutrition and physical health, finances, mental health, schoolwork, and occasional fun. Being a first generation college student adds additional pressure because the fear of failure is always in the back of my head. It has been a very rewarding challenge. My overall college journey has been a roller coaster, but I am happy to be able to have access to SSU and will make the best out of all the it has to offer. I have been nurtured and supported by countless faculty and staff members since my arrival and want to give that same love and support to incoming students. I see so much potential in the impact Sonoma State can makes on the surrounding communities.

Because of this, I focus on working to make this school a safe, welcoming, and fun place for all students, especially for student of color and other marginalized students on campus. I feel that every student should have an opportunity to grow, learn, and be exposed to new ideas in a comfortable and beautiful environment like Sonoma State. I am proud to be a Seawolf and am eager to see the woman I’ll become when my undergraduate career is over.