By: Kelley Traynham (’20), Staff Writer
Last year, the campus community was happy to congratulate Angum Check as the 2018 Martin Luther King Jr. Student Scholarship recipient. As history would have it, BSM’s declaration of B(l)ack to B(l)ack excellence did not waver as Olivia McPhaul was announced as this year’s recipient.
Olivia is a junior at UNC majoring in Computer Science, and she hails from the QUEEN City, Charlotte, North Carolina. Olivia has a passion for design and innovation as she desires to become a best-selling author. At UNC, Olivia is a Pogue and Light on the Hill scholar, a part of Honors Carolina, and has served as the Programming Officer for We Wear The Mask, Co-publicity Chair Carolina Closet, Cohort counselor for Spark, volunteer with Blue Ribbon Mentor Program in addition to being one of the Co-Founders of Blacks in Technology (BIT). When she isn’t leading all over campus, Olivia dedicates a lot of her creative energy to her blog, Truthfully Ours (https://truthfullyours.weebly.com).
Black Ink was excited and honored to have a chance to speak with Olivia about the MLK Scholarship and its significance to her as the 2019 recipient.
- What does it mean to be the 2019 recipient of the MLK Jr. Scholarship?
OM: Receiving this scholarship was an honor to me because it represents the possibilities for continuously acting as a pioneering force for social and human freedom. I value equality, fairness, and inclusion more than my education, my career, and my dreams because at the core of my being is a deeply rooted desire to help, educate, and transform humankind. One day I wish to make further strides in the community by founding technology centers in areas with lower socioeconomic status’ and continue to build upon the foundation that Dr. King has set forth for us. I want to continue to organize in order to disrupt. I want to set the tone in my community so that I can set the tone for a generation. Because I received this scholarship, I am better equipped and supported to fulfill my passions of generating change and spreading opportunity, and I am able to honorably and humbly continue a part of Dr. King’s legacy.
- Explain, in your opinion, how the University showcases Diversity and Inclusion?
OM: I feel that it is important to acknowledge that The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has come a long way in terms of Diversity in the past decades. Not too long ago, we were not even allowed to enter this University with the intention to gain a higher education. During my time at Carolina, I have become extremely grateful for the efforts of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion for making our campus a more supportive, equal and socially and politically adept environment for students who lack adequate representation. It is because of programs such as ACE, THINKposium, Carolina Latinx Collaborative, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration that epitomizes what diversity and inclusion should feel like on a college campus and in the world, at large.
In my opinion, I feel as though the University must work harder to showcase Diversity and Inclusion in all extremes and avenues on campus. We have come a long way, but we are not far removed at all from the existence of Saunders Hall or the protective eye given to Silent Sam. I once read that diversity is being invited to the party and that inclusion is being invited to dance. This University, its facilities, and its faculty members must continue to foster an environment where all students feel safe, welcome, and appreciated.
- What is your favorite MLK quote and how does it function in your daily life?
OM: “Intelligence plus character— that is the goal of true education”
This quote is so important to me because, in my opinion, and experience, it is not solely about what you know, it is also about who you are. Each day as I strive to gain an education, I make sure that I am equally learning and teaching myself how to be a better person and citizen. I recognize that my words, thoughts, actions, and habits all contribute to my character which contributes to my destiny. I am sure that I am destined to impact others and transform the world, and doing so would require not only book-sense, but self-reflection, intentionality, and a strong character.
- Any advice you would give to students on campus?
OM: If I were able to give one piece of advice, I would tell students that comparison is the thief of joy. Do not compare yourself to your peers, your mentors, your classmates, or anyone because everyone’s journey and “heel print” is unique and unable to be recreated. Create your own thoughts and opinions, and do not base your decisions or goals based upon anyone or anything that you did not give life to. Let your achievements and dreams be your inspiration. Remind yourself that you came to this campus with a purpose that starts and ends with you.
In the words of Martin Luther King Jr. “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl, but by all means, keep moving.” I applaud Olivia for her efforts to keep moving by doing wonderful things that will make our campus community a better. Therefore, I challenge us all to never give up and be the change we wish to see in the world always. Lastly, remember that it is more important to be remembered than noticed.
Congratulations to finalists Alli Whitenack and Taylor Doggett.
