By: Adam Holland

Molysha representing her letters.

“I am already better than I expected.” Perfect words coming from Molysha Brown. She is content but always striving for better. Being happy and humble while striving to constantly better herself and her community describe the personality of Ms. Molysha Brown. She is a member of The Epsilon Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, an organization referred to as G.I.V.E, and a player on the Delaware State University Women’s Lacrosse Team. She is a perfect example of a successful Delaware State University student always willing to give back, and represent the university with the utmost respect. Leaders are born and defined by their ability to put others first as well as take the responsibility of motivating others and bringing those people to where they need to be. Below is the text and portion of my interview with Molysha Brown:

Q: Where were you born and what was your upbringing like?

A: I was born in Wilmington, DE. My upbringing was happy but very humble. 

Q: Who has been the greatest influence in your life that has impacted the woman you are today?

A: My mom has been the greatest influence in my life. She and my father raised 6 kids together, but she also, simultaneously, took care of her elderly parents. One suffered from dementia and other cancer. Her strength and overall heart inspire me to do my best with no excuses.

Q: What about your family?

A: I have 5 siblings, 1 brother, and 4 sisters. My parents have been married for damn near thirty years and we’re all very close. 

Q: Can you tell us of your education history and what your goals or life ambition were when you were a student in High School/College?

A: I went to school in NC. I was an honors student and it led to me getting a decent scholarship. I wanted to become a surgeon when I was in high school. Now I want to go to medical school but I’m not quite sure honestly 

Q: Can you tell us of your job/education experience prior to what you’re doing now?

A: I went to a predominantly white high school. It was interesting, to say the least. Now, I go to an illustrious HBCU, and honestly, it is the best thing that I ever chose to do. The education is different because I get to actually experience African-American culture within the curriculum.

Q: What was the most memorable point at that job/school?

A: The most memorable point of my high school was when I lived in such a small southern town. We essentially had a year of racial divide, especially in 2015-16. Everything seemed to become more divisive than it ever was within our lifetime. There were racist, white people saying the N-word while wearing the confederate flag to school. It was not a positive environment. Even though it’s not a good memory, it’s the most memorable thing about high school.

Q: Is this where you thought you’d be 5 or so years ago?

A: I definitely always envisioned myself going to college and I always envisioned myself being involved as a health major. I didn’t necessarily envision myself at Delaware State but I wanted to go to an HBCU. I didn’t know which one and honestly, I kind of gave up on going to an HBCU when I decided to play lacrosse.

Q: What informed your decision on doing what you’re doing now?

A: In 2018, my father got really sick so I slacked off a lot on applying to schools and I also wasn’t sure where I was going to go because I was unsure if I wanted to leave my family. Over that summer, I ended up talking to the lacrosse coach here about the issue and she told me that she wanted me and basically offered me a full ride. With that, I figured I can take the financial strain off my parents. They won’t worry about me because I was born in Delaware and I have family here and also I’ll still be able to be in contact with my dad and if my mom needs any help I’m not too far.

Q: What are your plans for the future?

A: So I’m actually planning to pick up a minor in chemistry, so I can attend medical school after I graduate. This is something that I have to think deeply about but I’m pretty sure it’s the right path for me.

Q: What kind of advice would you offer a student, who is undecided on his or her career path?

A: For any student that’s undecided on his or her career path, I would say that you need to do something that you have a passion for because going to school, paying for it is enough pressure. Now, you’re dealing with all the intense pressures that come with college when you need to do something that you love and you need to do something that you enjoy.  Money is important when you get out into the real world, but I’d rather be in a job that I loved over a job that I hate.

Q: How would you describe the state of higher education in America today?

A: I would say higher education in America today isn’t the same detrimental factor that it was back in the day. It’s definitely one of those things that cost more than its value. I know people who have their GED who have the same level of jobs as people who have degrees from institutions of higher learning. Therefore, I would just say that higher education isn’t the same as it used to be and it shouldn’t be forced upon anybody as an option to set them apart in life.

Q: What does the future hold for America?

A: I would say that the future for America is unclear. We’ve always had a spotted history. I mean more than spotted– it’s pretty bloody. If we address our issues, I mean the blatant atrocities that we’ve committed against minorities in this country, then will be on the right track to begin the process of coming together as a country.

Q: Are you interested in politics? If no, why not? What is your take on the state of politics and the future of American democracy?

A: I’m interested in politics and I believe that the current state of politics, in the future of American democracy, is at stake. When we hold ourselves to such high standards while Haitian migrants are being whipped by the border patrol it’s hard to make sense of it. We’re at a point in this country where it seems like the only people being prosecuted for my rating are BIPOC.

Q: How are you responding to the outbreak of the Convid-19 virus?

A: Honestly, I started picking up new tasks and praying more.

Q: How did you handle the stay-at-home order? What about virtual learning or telecommuting? What keeps you going during these trying times?

A: I was at home with my family so it was very stressful but I also had to work in order to help out. Virtual learning was hard for me at first but then quickly became the easiest way for me to learn which is making it hard for me to transition back. The fact that I have to be better in order for my little sister to follow in my footsteps.

Q: How can the government better handle the situation?

A: The government needs to get a better handle on the situation by making masks mandatory from the jump and just continuing to reinforce that it was not a hoax. It is not a hoax and could’ve kept the public more up-to-date and prepared from the beginning of this nightmare. I honestly feel that if the President had been different at the start of the pandemic, not even just Biden, if it had been anybody with any kind of intelligence, we would’ve been in a better position now than we currently are.

Q: What are your hobbies or extracurricular activities? 

A: Lacrosse, Corresponding Secretary for SAAC, Hospitality Chair for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., I love to paint

Q: How would you describe your philosophy of life? That is, how do you see this life, and what principles get you grounded and moving forward? 

A: If I’m not going to do it, it’s not going to get done

Molysha is a strong black woman who turns vision into reality with a future that has no limits. Molysha will be successful in ALL that she does. It was a genuine pleasure to speak with this mighty woman as she continues to lead on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.