Nineteen Fifty-Six Vol. 1 No. 2 Voice

JASMINE HOLLIE
UNIQUE STUDENTS
ON CAMPUS
Hatcher. The Hoover native is a
senior majoring in musical theatre
and criminal justice. For his senior
project, Hatcher decided to create a
Talk Series titled, “This is My Story,”
which creates a space where Black
people can open up about their
personal stories and experiences.
The series will feature a variety of
guests and strives to help break
down stereotypes within the Black
community. Hatcher said this special
project has been in the works for a
while. Also, it was created with the
intent to help break barriers between
the media’s portrayal of Black people
and the truth.
“I found that conversations can end
stereotypes and bring a sense of
empathy to the Black experience,”
said Hatcher.
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The University of Alabama is filled
with talented and gifted students
ranging from athletics, arts, beauty
and politics. Christian Hatcher and
Elissa Nation are just a few examples
of the many extraordinary students
that exist within the UA student
body. Quarantine and recent cultural
events have inspired these students
to discover new passions as well as
perfect older ones.
Nation, a sophomore majoring in
political science, is the CEO of her
own charm bracelet business named
A Nation’s Charm. What started
off as just a fun hobby for Nation
quickly blossomed into a successful
brand. However, A Nation’s Charm is
not limited to just charm bracelets.
There are also necklaces, anklets,
purses and many other items. Nation
said she hopes to continue expanding
her business in the future.
“I started making bracelets in high
school and began selling them to
my friends,” said Nation. “Everyone
started encouraging me to take it
more seriously my second semester
at UA, so I did
and it only went
up from there.”
Nation is very involved on campus.
A few of her organizations and
leadership roles include: Al’s Pals,
Women of Excellence, Ignite and
several others. She is also a part of over
five different honor societies. Nation
said starting your own business can
be challenging because it takes a lot
of time and money. However, Nation
also said making her bracelets is often
therapeutic and her friends keep her
motivated during stressful times. So,
what should other aspiring students
do if they have hopes of starting a
business? Persistence, patience and
self-encouragement is key.
“Do your research, save your money
and believe in yourself. Take the
leap,” said Nation. “You should be
your biggest investment. It’s also
better to work for yourself than for
anyone else.”
Another gifted student at the
University of Alabama is Christian
Hatcher said the inspiration behind
“This is My Story” as well as other
creative projects comes from
growing up in a neighborhood and
attending a school that were both
predominantly white. According
to Hatcher, his experience in and
outside of school made him realize
how ignorant some white people
were to the experiences and lives of
their Black peers.
“I personally believe that most people
aren’t racist, but ignorant,” said
Hatcher. “When people watch the
show; if it helps to touch someone
or change the attitude and values of
just one person, I’d consider that a
success.”
Hatcher said his main goal is to
create a database where Black people
can share their stories and also learn
about the experiences of their peers.
Hatcher described his talk series as
an educational tool for both Black and
non-Black people. Eventually, he plans
to branch out and feature other races
on the show, but for now it focuses on
Black stories. As far as guest speakers
for the show, Hatcher said he wants
to interview “interesting people with
interesting stories.”