Get to know Be The Match intern Javion Cox

Q: When deciding on colleges, what made Texas Southern University the place for you?
A: I knew I wanted to attend a Historically Black College and University (HBCU), but I couldn’t decide where. There was a college readiness program at my high school called iAspire. We took trips to different colleges and learned about them. After our trip to Texas Southern, I just knew it was the school I was going to attend. The landscape, programs, tour and showcase piqued my interest and the rest was history.

Q: How has attending a HBCU impacted your college experience?
A: Attending an HBCU has impacted my college experience by putting me an atmosphere of like-minded individuals who look like me and it has been such a valuable experience. Beyond that, being able to be taught by Black and POC professors who truly want to see you succeed has been amazing in reinforcing my will to pursue my education and become an educator.

Q: What is your major /area of study?
A: I am a theater and education major.

Q: What are your career goals and aspirations for the future?
A: Firstly, I plan on graduating with my teacher’s certification and Bachelor of Arts.  After that, I will pursue my masters and doctorate in higher education and find a career teaching at the high school or college level. I also plan to pursue a career in higher education potentially as a principal, superintendent, dean of college or president of university.

Q: Tell us about how you became an intern for NMDP.
A: One day I received a call from the director of the career center Ms. Boise. She said there was an opportunity to be an intern at a health care company and they were looking for an on-campus representative with energy and good speaking skills. At first, I was hesitant because I’m not a pharmacy major, so I wondered how I could possibly intern for this company, but she convinced me to apply and gave me phone numbers to reach out. One thing led to another, I learned more about NMDP’s mission and how the position assisted in saving lives and I wanted to be a part of that.

Q: How does the mission of NMDP align with your professional goals?
A: Being a theater and education major I have a desire to use my gifts and talents to connect and have a positive impact on the world around me. Whether that is through a performance in front of an audience or as an educator in front of a class. NMDP’s mission of saving lives through cell therapy aligns with my professional goals because by educating the people in my community on diseases such as sickle cell and leukemia and adding to the number of donors to help combat these diseases is crucial in saving lives. Using my gift to impact the world around me; that impact is what I look for in professional pursuits. 

Q: What does Black history mean to you?
A: Black History is the story of Black people on this earth not just African American history. Our achievements, our impacts and our cultures.  

Q: How do you plan to make history?
A: One of my major goals in life in general is to leave a legacy of success and positivity. To know something that I did, said or created made a lasting effect positively in the world would be history. I’m not sure what that is just yet or what it may look like, but I can accomplish it. The plan is to strive for it every day, so I’m sure history is currently in the making. 

Q: What do you enjoy most about your internship with NMDP?
A: It’s a great opportunity to practice my public speaking and is a great mission to associate myself with. 

Q: In your time at NMDP, whose story has impacted you the most?
A: One of the searching patients I have been able to meet was a professor at my school, who in fact is a Texas Southern Alumni. Learning and sharing his story has been so great in showing others that this affects people near and far.

Q: What is the biggest takeaway or lesson you’ve learned while interning at NMDP?
A: I’ve learned that not everyone will want to join the registry regardless of what information you present and that’s okay. What is important is spreading important information and getting donors who want to donate.

Q: What advice would you give to students hoping to land an internship with NMDP?
A: Having good energy and a background in public speaking helps a lot. Show how your personal talents and interest align with the mission of the registry.