A Better Chance TV with host Dr. Monique S. Robinson
Educational Conversations with Scholars in Mind. "Our mission is to empower and uplift scholars pursuing higher education at HBCUs, ensuring they have the resources, support, and opportunities needed for a successful future. Through mentorship, scholarship programs, and community engagement, we strive to create a pathway to excellence, fostering academic achievement, leadership development, and a strong sense of cultural identity. Together, we are building a brighter future for young scholars, strengthening the legacy of HBCUs, and fueling positive change in our communities."
A Better Chance TV with host Dr. Monique S. Robinson
Legacy and Leadership: The HBCU Scholarship Journey
The search for the next Takisha A Davis Scholarship recipient heats up as we meet exceptional finalists headed to Historically Black Colleges and Universities this fall. This unique award doesn't focus on GPAs but rather seeks students with unwavering determination, compelling essays, and the ability to shine through multiple interviews.
Host Dr. Monique Robinson welcomes two standout candidates who represent the incredible diversity of talent within the HBCU-bound student community. First, we meet Ayden Glover from Jacksonville, Florida, who will continue her family's powerful legacy as a fourth-generation Rattler at Florida A&M University. With plans to major in political science on a pre-law track, Aiden articulates a mature understanding of how political decisions impact communities and why HBCUs create vital spaces where students feel genuinely valued. Her perspective on diversity, equity, and inclusion reveals wisdom beyond her years.
The competition takes an athletic turn when we meet William Osby II, a record-holding hurdler from Frisco, Texas, committed to Prairie View A&M University. Despite his impressive track record, William displays remarkable humility while sharing his vision for double-majoring in kinesiology with a minor in teaching. His passion for mentorship and desire to guide future student-athletes reveal the depth of character that has kept him consistently at the top of the competition rankings. Coming from a family with strong HBCU ties, including Howard University alumni, William brings a thoughtful perspective on how these institutions help students from diverse backgrounds "grow together and prosper together."
As the scholarship competition narrows from 66 candidates toward the final recipients, these interviews capture why HBCUs remain transformative educational environments that cultivate tomorrow's leaders. Watch previous episodes to meet all the amazing finalists, and don't forget to vote for the candidate who most inspires you before the field narrows further!
Welcome to a better chance for youth television show with your host, monique Robinson, where we highlight, celebrate and recognize students from all over the country who are doing great things in the classroom, community and athletics. Every student deserves an opportunity, an opportunity for hope and a future. So let's celebrate our students, the next generation of teachers, engineers, entrepreneurs and future leaders. Join us on another incredible segment of A Better Chance for Youth show with your host, monique Robinson.
Speaker 3:Hello guys and welcome, welcome, welcome. Now we have met some of the most amazing young people in the world, have met some of the most amazing young people in the world. Now, maybe I'm a little biased because you know they all got a chance to talk to me, but if you have been watching this entire series, you know it is now time for the takisha a davis scholarship, which is a scholarship that we offer. It's's actually more like a stipend, not necessarily a scholarship, but, however, this goes directly to the scholar that is headed to an HBCU. Now we have to narrow it down because it is a competition and I'm sad to see some people go, but, however, our young people are simply amazing. Look, I even dressed up for him today. So look, you see my shirt. I know a woman of knowledge, a woman on fire, a woman with books in her hair.
Speaker 3:Anywho, we have talked to young people who are headed to our wonderful historically Black colleges and universities. Give you a little brief tidbit the Takesha A Davis Scholarship is a scholarship that is offered to a young person handed to one of our nation's historically Black colleges and universities, and you don't even need a GPA a high GPA, a low GPA, no GPA is required, but you do have to have determination. You do have to have determination, you do have to write an essay and you do have to have several interviews Because we want to make sure the scholar that is representing this award they had to do the work to get it. So we are wrapping up and meeting some of our last days of interviewing, but I'm extremely excited because every day I have got to talk to some of the most amazing young minds headed to a campus near you. Now I a couple friends that's going to join me today. Now our first guest, our first candidate. Let's bring her on. Welcome. How are you today?
Speaker 4:I'm good. How are you?
Speaker 3:I can't complain, so tell us who you are, where you're from and what school you will be attending this fall.
Speaker 4:Yes ma'am. Hi everyone, my name is Aiden Glover, I'm from Jacksonville, florida, and this fall I will be attending the number one public, hbcu, florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. Oh God, I'm grabbing it here. She done stung us y'all. She done strike Agricultural and Mechanical University.
Speaker 3:She done stung us y'all. She done strike. Is that what it is? Is it strike or stung? Which one is it it's?
Speaker 4:a strike.
Speaker 3:Oh Lord, we done been strike twice. We done been strike twice in this week, Actually four times we've been strike. So you know my rule If you know somebody going to the same school that you are going to and you are in this competition, link up, because it's easier to do this wonderful occasion together than going on campus and not knowing anybody. So why FAMU?
Speaker 4:I chose FAMU because the school was very had a very special place in my heart. I will be a fourth generation Rattler Okay, man, Yep and I grew up attending all of the events with my grandfather, and so that was something that we did together, and to honor him, I would like to attend, and my family Well, congratulations and continuing on your family legacy.
Speaker 3:That is amazing. I know they're excited. Are they excited? That is awesome. So what will you be majoring in?
Speaker 4:I'll be majoring in political science on a pre-law track.
Speaker 3:Oh, wow.
Speaker 4:So what's the ultimate goal? Ultimate goal I'd like to become a business attorney, okay, and I'm very interested in politics too, so maybe the future in that.
Speaker 3:Oh, wow, so a future in politics. And then you're a fourth generation girl. The sky is the limit, so you're going to strike out when you get there. Huh, yes, ma'am, love it, love it. So what intrigues you the most? You know, because it's so much political stuff going on now I can only imagine. So what? What's, what sparks your interest now?
Speaker 4:I think with politics, my interest has always been how decisions get made to make everyone comfortable. And right now I'm sure we're all aware that a lot of us aren't really comfortable right now. So that's exciting nationally, well, it's not exciting, but it's interesting to keep up with. And of course, nationally we's not exciting, but it's interesting to keep up with. And of course, nationally we're not comfortable. And then on some lower levels, like at my HBCU I know there's a lot of political turmoil right now, but I feel that, being that that is the career that I would like to go in, I think having that exposure and experience will be really cool that exposure and experience will be really cool.
Speaker 3:Wow, I like it. Now, in preparation for this contest, and I've been trying to help everybody out, because guys, they submitted these applications like in January, because you know. So I'm going to remind her a little bit Now for this contest you had to do an essay. Now the question was as a student, how can attending an hbcu shape your understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion, known as dei, and what opportunities do these institutions provide, opportunities do these institutions provide actively to actively engage in DEI initiatives on campus? So they had to submit an essay and these responses from these young people, what's your take on it? What's your, what's your position on it?
Speaker 4:yes, ma'am, I feel that HBCUs really introduce us to essentially DEI, of course, because of the reason that they were created, of course, and just that students that for us. And essentially, I feel that DEI is fostering an environment for people to be comfortable, of course, and feel valued, and I really feel like attending HBCUs create that environment and that space for students who look like me, who may not feel as comfortable at other institutions. So I feel like that is really important when discussing HBCUs oh, wow, see, you get that.
Speaker 3:You get that pre-law, that the political science. You had to put it in action with that question. I see you, I see you. Well, I truly enjoyed your segment today. Now, before you go because you already struck me, was that, before we let her go, please tell us one more time who you are, where you're from and what school you will be attending. Oh, move-in day is in a couple months, in a couple months, all right?
Speaker 4:Yes, ma'am, my name is Aiden Glover. I live in Jacksonville, florida, and this fall I will be attending the number one public, hbcu, florida A&M University, where I will be a proud Rattler and continuing on my family's legacy as well as the HBCU's legacy. Thank you for having me.
Speaker 3:Awesome, awesome. Thank you for coming. So after this commercial break, I will bring on our next guest and also, if you haven't voted, just saying Put a little plug out For my young people. If you haven't voted and you need to vote for someone, please look at the episodes All this week. I'm quite sure Aiden wouldn't mind you voting for her, but I'm quite sure Aiden wouldn't mind you voting for her, but I'm just saying you know. So right after this, we will meet our next guest.
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Speaker 3:Welcome back. Welcome back, See, I told you I was going to have a new guest after the commercial. They'll never believe anything I say, but if you are watching, you are. You know. We're wrapping up our last of the contestants so you can meet all of our wonderful young people. Now let me tell you about this guest I have next to me, you know, next to me, right here, Like this dude, this gentleman right here has been number one. So thank you first off to the people who have supported this young man. He has been number one for the last four weeks. So congratulations. Now tell us who you are, where you're from and what school you plan to attend this fall.
Speaker 5:Hi, I am William Osby II. I'm from Las Vegas, nevada, but I moved here to Frisco, texas. My fifth grade year I will be attending the Prairie View A&M University and I will be majoring in kinesiology and minoring in teaching and education. Oh wow.
Speaker 3:So you get your work cut out for you to be an educator and you're going to do that, oh, ok, well, hey, you know that's awesome. Now, why do you choose a double major?
Speaker 5:I've always had a passion for sports, helping people and education. I've had a lot of coaches help me along the way. Education I've had a lot of coaches help me along the way and I feel like I know what's right from wrong and what being a good mentor to another athlete, another student is, and I want to be a mentor and pay it forward to the future generations, not only in the classroom but also with helping them with physical needs, like maybe help them with an injury or even coaching them on the track. So I do have a very strong passion for coaching, teaching and just helping the future generation.
Speaker 3:Oh, wow, that's impressive. I have to ask, like, what sport are we talking about? Because I mean, you keep saying sports, so you got to play something. What's the sport?
Speaker 5:I run track and field, I do the hurdles.
Speaker 3:Oh wow, you're brave. Are you going to run track and feel I do the hurdles? Oh wow, you're brave. Are you gonna run track at pv? Yes, ma'am. Oh wow, that's amazing. Well, congratulations. Uh, that is not for the faint at heart. I did the hurdles one year. Um well, let me tell the truth. I did the hurdles for one day in practice and I realized I am not the one I don't know. You know, like super mario brothers was out when I was there. So I was like this is just like a video game, I can jump. And then I learned real quick that it wasn't it. Congratulations to you. I have to ask you got any state award the titles? You're real confident about this track. You must do something.
Speaker 5:I hold a school record at my high school. What? Yes, ma'am, I hold my school record. I've collected a few medals along the way. I was saying yes, ma'am.
Speaker 3:Oh, my goodness. And then he humble y'all. Well, congratulations. Like do you have aspirations in being like the Olympics one day, or you just run just because you like to run?
Speaker 5:and being like the Olympics one day. Or you just run just because you like to run, I just like to run. But it also helps being in the position of an athlete, because if you put yourself in the position of an athlete, if I want to be a coach in the future which I do I'll be able to kind of put myself in their shoes and be like, oh, I did this when I was younger, so maybe this will help them. So I do also run track to kind of help me with my future coaching role.
Speaker 3:Amazing. Now I have to ask because with the status that you have, you know, we kind of like brushed over it. You know, and I deal with multiple young people, so I have some athletes that I helped place in school as well. I know, with the stature, even though you're very humble, which I like most young people, with the amount of awards that you have, I read your resume and everything. So I've seen the application and he's very humble and that's really good. I know you have other schools that may have offered for you to be there, so why an HBCU?
Speaker 5:I've had a lot of family members go to HBCUs my grandma went to Howard, my dad went to Howard, my sister's currently at Howard. She just graduated and she's going to get her master's next year and I've always just seen the culture, the culture. Hbcus help future educators, future lawmakers, future teachers. I mean HBCUs are just great for helping future African-American students, but not just African-American students, future minority in general and they're just a place where I feel like I can grow and help other people grow around me and I think that has propelled me to be a great person in the future.
Speaker 3:That's amazing and thank you for being transparent. I know you're like that wasn't one of the questions she said, she just threw that in the field. I mean because when I see young people that have been and this is a tough competition glad I'm not a judge. These young people, they have to be committed to being's a tough competition, y'all glad I'm not a judge. Um, these young people, they have to be committed to be just the time. Um, they also have to be, you know, committed because they have to do interviews as well. So, um, I truly commend them, and we have some valedictorians, we have some valedictorians, we have some community activists. These young people are simply amazing. So, in preparation for the competition, everyone had to submit an essay and the essay topic I'm going to refresh Mr Williams' memory because y'all submitted this back what January. So, as a student, how can attending an HBCU shape your understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion, known as DEI, and what opportunities do these institutions provide to actively engage in DEI initiatives on campus?
Speaker 5:I think HBCUs they bring multiple different backgrounds together. We are all from different places, different backgrounds, and these really just help us bounce ideas off of each other. You know, we might all be black, but we're all from different backgrounds, we're all from different families, so it really helps us kind of grow off of each other. And this also helps us with things like maybe, I guess, learning what's right from wrong. You might meet a person from a different state and they might do something different than you do from your state. It really just helps you understand new things from new people, and I feel like you really can't learn that at PWIs, because I believe learning from people who look like me. I think it just helps me understand them more and relate to them more, and I think it might help them relate for me more if I'm trying to help them out too. So, yeah, I think HVUs are really good for DEI and helping us, as minorities, grow together and prosper together.
Speaker 3:Awesome, awesome. So I am extremely proud of you, as well as your other 66 candidates. And as we wrap up these interview sessions for phase one, uh guys, mr will has been in first place until last week. You know, somebody kind of took the throne. I wouldn't be surprised if he got some up his sleeve for next week, but he has been consistent in being number one. So how do you feel about that? Like, after that, you, the bat, you know for what You've been holding the number one spot? Like what can you tell other people in the competition? Like how can you help them out?
Speaker 5:I mean just put yourself out there, Don't be afraid to ask someone for help. I mean the least they can say, the worst they can say is no. So I mean really just ask people for help, ask your family, ask your friends, just put yourself out there. I mean it's just the worst they can say is no. That's how I like to look at it. Might as well do it instead of not do it at all.
Speaker 3:So yeah, Okay, Well, hey, I can't wait till we get to the final 10. Right now we're approaching the top 40. And you know, we already know he's not at risk of getting cut. He's been one or two for the last consecutive week since we have started, and congratulations to that, by the way. So if you need somebody to vote for, please look at our interviews. The link will definitely be in the chat, but I'm quite sure Will will vote for me because he's not afraid to ask. Now, before we go, tell us who you are, where you're from and what school you'll be attending this fall.
Speaker 5:I am William Osby. I am from Frisco, texas, 40 I.
Speaker 3:I will be sad because we started with 66 and we got to cut it because, you know, unless we get a whirlwind of donations, we only can award five. But thank you for watching and we look forward to hearing from you soon. This is Dr Monique Robinson with our Takesha A Davis Top 66. Look forward to hearing more of you. Thank you, mr Will, and our previous guests for your time.
Speaker 6:Are you interested in attending an historically black college or university? Hello, my name is Robert Mason. I'm president and founder of the Common Black College application. Our application allows students to apply to over 50 historically black colleges and universities at the same time for only $20. And universities at the same time, for only $20. Hbcu graduates have been some of the most renowned individuals in their respective fields since the late 1800s. In addition to that, our faculty and staff are truly committed to your success and they have a vested interest in seeing that you do well. That, coupled with the academic rigor and the fact that you will establish lifelong relationships, are just some of the many benefits of your attending an historically black college university. So if you're interested in completing the Common Black College app, visit our website at commonblackcollegeappcom to apply now. Thank you, and get educated.
Speaker 7:Celebrate the excellence of HBCUs with the HBCU Trivia Game. This board game provides an exciting and educational way to learn about notable alumni, historical events, sports news and more. This trivia game is sure to be a hit and perfect for college-bound youth alumni and the entire family. Don't miss out on this opportunity to support, educate and entertain. Get the HBCU Trivia Game today. Go to hbcutriviagamenet to order.
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Speaker 2:Tune in to a better chance for you television show with host Monique Robinson on the Daily Gospel Network, the television show dedicated to highlighting incredible students on their quest to change the world. Join us every week as we uplift the youth and help them on their journey to the bright future they deserve. Catch a better chance for youth television show with host Monique Robinson on the Dairy Gospel Network. Thanks for watching a better chance for youth television show with your host Monique Robinson, the television show where we highlight incredible students in their quest to change the world. Join us each and every week as we uplift our youth and help them on their journey to the bright future they deserve. So until next time. God bless from your friends on A Better Chance for Youth television show with your host Monique Robinson. You.
