Nyla D Watson

Notorious. An adjective. Meaning famous or well known, typically for some bad quality
or deed.
Though this could be said about any dangerous city or person, the Class of 2026 comes
across as notoriously noteworthy in Delaware State University history. As an incoming
freshman myself, I was often met with the constant mention of our class being labeled as
the Notorious ’26. While I was confused about the initial meaning, I was more than
familiar with the reference, being that I am from Brooklyn, New York born and raised.

The Notorious B.I.G. is a staple in black history and just popular culture period. But
this word is more than just an adjective in the English language, it is a position for the
Class of 2026 to leave their mark on Delaware State University and its distinguished
community.
The Class of 2026 is filled with so many personalities and voices, that I thought we
should hear from these talented individuals of the future. I interviewed three freshmen,
Nia (N) who is a nursing major from Queens, New York, Kahlice (K) who is a nursing
major from Connecticut, and Tomi (T) who is a business marketing major from
Baltimore, Maryland.

When I sat down with them, I asked them a variety of questions.

Q: Why did you choose Delaware State University for the place for you to spend
the next four years?
K: I’m a little bit of a nerd. The summer of my junior year I literally sat and researched
HBCUs across the country and I knew that I didn’t want to go too far from home. I
eventually came across Delaware State and ended up meeting people from here as well.
That’s when I knew I wanted to go here. It was kind of love at first sight.

T: It has one of the best business programs out of all the HBCUs and they have given
me the most money so I can be able to attend without complications. I already had an
amazing support group from those who did attend DSU, welcoming me with open
arms.
N: I chose not to go somewhere that was too far. I also knew people from back home
who already went here too. They also gave me the opportunity to not spend too much
of my own money, so the decision was Delaware.

Q: Have you found the transition from high school to college easier or more
difficult? Why?
K: It’s easier because when I was home I was pretty much on my own anyway. All I did
was work so my independence was already there. The only difference is not having
someone here to wake me up or tell me what to do.
T: I think it’s been pretty easy so far. The only real complication has been that I do live
off campus, so I have to commute and get used to using a shuttle every day for
transportation.
N: I am a morning person so waking up and going to morning classes is pretty much the
same for me like it was at home, so nothing has really changed for me besides the fact my
mom isn’t here.

Q: What interests you so far coming to Delaware State University?
K: Since I have been here, I have seen a whole lot of organizations that I do want to get
involved with, I just don’t know which ones yet.

T: There are a lot of organizations to get involved with such as SGA, Business Managing
Club, etc. There are even opportunities to earn more money and to become more
involved on campus. Everyday there is something new, whether it is a party or just a
regular gathering, it’s just a great place to get yourself out there!
N: I think SGA is pretty cool. I saw that we do have a Caribbean Student Association
and I think that could be my home away from home.

Q: What is something new that you hope Delaware State University brings into
the 2022-2023 school year?
K: I want Delaware State to open up more opportunities for freshmen to have
internships and ways to get experience in the field they want to pursue.
T: I don’t really have an answer for that as of right now, but I do hope to see more stuff
freshmen oriented this year!
N: I would like to have volunteer work that is specific to my major being that I want to
be a nurse.

Q: What are some goals you have when it comes to the 2022-2023 school year?
K: I want to finish my freshman year with at least a 3.0 and not put too much pressure
on myself. I also just want to be more involved with social events on campus as well since
I don’t really know anyone.
T: It’s 4.0 season! I will be pushing for that 4.0 GPA. I know it can be hard sometimes to
be motivated, but since I came from a PWI to now an HBCU, I can see how people are
truly motivated and don’t just want to get by with the bare minimum. Socially, I do want to start my own club. I was very antisocial back home, so this is now my chance to
be as social as I can be, unapologetically of course.
N: I want to maintain my scholarship and really go outside my bubble since normally I
am shy but new environment, new me!

Q: What does the word Notorious mean to you as a person apart of the Class of
2026?
K: I feel like the word notorious when associated with the class of 2026 means that we
are larger than life in a way. We are the biggest class in Delaware State history and we
should embrace all parts of us!
T: I feel now that we (Class of 2026) are here, we are really making Delaware State’s
name ring a whole lot more. We are such a large class, full of hairstylists, nail techs,
designers, etc. We are really trying to get our name out there. So notorious can mean
that our impact is about to really be cemented.
N: Notorious in a way can mean you have a reputation to uphold, I feel when it comes
to the Class of 2026, our reputation is one of the biggest ones there are and it is our job
to uphold it to the best of our ability.

Q: When someone is notorious they are usually remembered for a deed usually
associated with being bad, if you could be notorious for anything at Delaware
State, what would it be and why?
K: I just want to be notorious for being that person that people can look back at and say
that she was the most enthusiastic and so ready to help others and give back.

T: I would want to be notorious for my work ethic and for building opportunities for
others. I want Delaware State to have Notorious alumni who can always help and come
back. Someday, I hope to be that.
N: I would want to be Notorious for being the most involved on campus. I came here to
get out of my shell and that’s exactly what I intend to do!
For myself, my reasons for attending Delaware State are personal. My mother and
godmother met on these acres in 2002. I have heard amazing stories about how
Delaware State had changed their lives and opened them up to a world of possibilities.
20 years later here I am.

My name is Nyla Divine Watson, a Mass Communication
major with hopes to become a creative editor in magazines one day. I am here as not only
a legacy student, but as living proof that 2026 has something to say and we will not hold
back.
Now as you can see, the Class of 2026 is absolutely no joke. We are strong minded and
thoughtful people, who want to give back to the great university that accepted them
into the Hornet family. We will do whatever it takes to showcase our abilities to others.
That the mark we intend to leave on this University is nothing but respected, celebrated,
and powerful. That we are notorious. And if you don’t know, now you know.