Yahnay Baptiste
Student and Public Relations Director in Durham, North Carolina
I am currently a rising junior attending North Carolina Central University pursuing a double degree in psychology and mass communication with a concentration in public relations. For the 2016-2017 academic school year, I serve as the public relation director for the junior class council and social media/marketing specialist for project success. Two years ago, I never thought I would hold these positions in college. Throughout my life, I was known for being quiet and shy but as I got to college that immediately changed.
I believe because I chose to attend an HBCU I broke out of my shell. Having the opportunity to attend an institution to advance myself motivated me to discover who I am and my purpose.
During high school, I was an average student who didn't know what they wanted to do with their life, but my guidance counselor directed me to a personality quiz to see what career would be suitable. I found that public relations and psychology were the top careers for my personality. I first became interested in psychology from observing my parent's relationship. Having an African American mother and West Indian and Spanish father, I saw the extremity of my parent's relationship. Having different backgrounds and parenting styles prepared my to communicate efficiently with my peers.