Strangers at move-in, best friends in Honors

Sometimes the best college decisions are the ones you don't actually make.

For University of Akron (UA) sophomores Jaylah Lacewell and Madison Bickerstaff, saying "yes" to a random roommate assignment in the Drs. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Honors College sparked more than just a living arrangement.

It launched a friendship and a shared path through classes, leadership programs and travel adventures - making every part of their college journey stronger.

Honors, but better together

Neither Lacewell nor Bickerstaff expected their random roommate pairing in the Honors Complex - where Honors Scholars can live and learn - to become the foundation of their UA experience.

Nervous about living with a stranger, they found immediate common ground through the Emerging Leaders Program and its civic engagement training before classes even began.

"I had never lived with anyone outside of my family," Lacewell said. "I had spoken with Madison on the phone over the summer and we had met at the Emerging Leader Summer Social. I really enjoyed those first few days where we got to just spend time getting to know one another and building that bond."

Suffice it to say, that first day together as new students in college and being on a campus sealed the bond, even for two students pursuing completely different majors - Bickerstaff studies psychology in the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences; meanwhile, across campus at the College of Business, Lacewell is pursuing a degree in marketing and sales management.

"Going random assignment for a roommate was the best decision I've ever made," said Bickerstaff. "I believe that Honors has shaped our friendship because of all the opportunities it offers both academically and personally. We have gotten so close within the past year and now I couldn't imagine not having a friend like Jaylah."

Making the most of opportunities

So, together, they discovered how Honors could elevate their college lives - and how much better it felt to share it. Beyond leadership training and having the chance to live in the Honors Complex, Honors Scholars also have priority registration to get the classes and professors they want the most, as well as exclusive scholarships that are added to any other financial aid already received.

The Honors Colloquia stand out, especially to Lacewell. These discussion-based courses bring together students from various majors to discuss timely topics in the sciences and humanities. "I've had the chance to learn about the Harlem Renaissance, techno culture and the history of the Honors College itself. These courses let me expand my interests far beyond my marketing major," she said.

Then there are the college ambassador-role opportunities students like Bickerstaff are thankful for. "Being in the Honors College has allowed me to push myself. One opportunity was being accepted into a position on the Honors Dean's Team."

But what stands out most? Experiencing it all side by side, like sharing information about courses while planning their next semester's schedules or attending events together, such as Dine and Discover where local leaders share their successes over a meal.

"The best part is that we both had interests in the Honors trips," Bickerstaff said. "We went to Chicago last spring, and now we're going to London together."

Advice for future Zips

After discovering how much richer the Honors experience became when shared, Lacewell and Bickerstaff want future Zips to know that saying "yes" to opportunities - and to people - can change everything.

"Always be on your A-game," Lacewell said. "Your journey starts now, before you even step foot on campus. Build yourself up academically and socially, and it will all pay off once you arrive at the University."

For Bickerstaff, the takeaway is just as personal: "The University of Akron is my home away from home. I feel safe and comfortable, and everyone is welcoming and helpful-especially the staff. The Honors program has been life-changing for me."

Story by Alex Knisely

Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or [email protected].