April 3, 2024
By: LaTunya Evans, Communication Specialist
Mississippi Valley State University's Student Government Association President, Cajanique Ollie, received a warm invitation from the Vice President of America, Kamala Harris, to attend the HBCU Leaders Retreat on February 29, 2024, at the White House in Washington, D.C.
The event's purpose was to bring student leaders from various HBCUs together to discuss important political issues affecting many Black and Brown college students.
Ollie almost missed this amazing opportunity, but once she completed her daily email check, something in her spirit moved her to check her spam, where she found it.
"It was in my spam folder. After checking my email as usual, I noticed the number moved from 487 to 489, but there wasn't new mail in my inbox. Something told me to check my spam, so I did. I am so glad I did because there was a letter from Vice President Kamala Harris," she explained.
The letter surprised Ollie because she was not expecting to be invited to the Vice President's house. She recalled being excited after reading the letter and seeing that it was explicitly addressed to her, meaning Vice President Kamala Harris knew her by name.
"It said, 'Dear Cajanique Ollie, on behalf of the Vice President of the United States.' Not at my school or town, but the Vice President of the United States invited me to her house. I was shocked," she said.
Most of her shock was due to her questioning why she was chosen to attend the event, although she did not apply for it, which made being addressed by name even more significant. Aware of this event's magnitude, Ollie's SGA advisor, LaTonya Jones, gave her no choice in attending.
"I was so shocked that I sent it to my advisor, and she said, 'Oh, you're going. You are attending this event.' From there, I knew I was going."
The trip to Washington, D.C., would be costly for her, but her dear HBCU home, MVSU, eliminated that burden by funding it. Another donation came from her church home, Lily of the Valley Church of Christ in Greenville, MS, giving her a monetary gift for her trip.
According to Ollie, her parents, Cynthia and Roscoe Greene, were so excited for her that they announced her rare opportunity to the church. Thrilled to have one of their young church members meet the Vice President of the United States, her church did not hesitate to assist her financially.
"They [my parents] announced everything at church because they were so excited for me. Everyone there was excited for me, so they [my church] decided to give me a love offering," Ollie proudly and gratefully recalled.
Another gift she received out of love and support for her opportunity was from her former Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Advisor, Sowitza Johnson, who helped style her for the event.
With so much love and support from friends and family, Ollie knew this would be an unforgettable experience. Extremely enthusiastic about being in attendance, Ollie enjoyed every moment of it. She recalled many famous figures and celebrities who were also in attendance and how their words of encouragement impacted her.
"Candice from The Real Housewives, Tyler Perry, and so many more celebrities were in attendance, encouraging us and honoring us for the great work we have done for our schools as leaders. Everyone loves compliments, but to have them coming from the Vice President of the United States and famous people was amazing," she said.
As an Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. member, Ollie knew that Vice President Harris was also a member of the same sorority and hoped to have a quick sorority sister moment with her. Luckily, she was able to receive that moment.
"She [Kamala Harris] was about two inches away from me many times during the event. We shook hands and gave each other a 'Skee-Wee.' It was just so astonishing," she explained, still in disbelief.
Outside of meeting Vice President Harris and many famous people, Ollie also met and networked with other HBCU leaders. In doing so, she realized that not all HBCU SGA Presidents or student leaders were invited, and she was personally selected.
From this experience, Ollie learned that her name was important enough to make profound connections for her even when she questioned her contributions for receiving them. Because of this, she wanted other college students and student leaders to know never to give up because your opportunity can come when you least expect it.
"Sometimes, you may not always see the fruits of your labor when you plant them so that you can be discouraging. Then, you'll receive many honors and recognition from a seed planted years ago. Don't give up. Keep going, and you will receive everything you worked hard for," Ollie added.
