Kiana Rivers

Kiana Rivers

When Kiana Rivers was a freshman at Elizabeth City State University, she had her eye on a degree in pharmaceutical science. That’s a long way from earning a degree in criminal justice, but in the end her decision to change majors, also changed the course of her life.

In the fall of 2017, Rivers will begin her journey toward her ultimate goal of becoming a superior court justice. She will first earn her law degree from North Carolina Central School of Law.

“I’ve always had a passion for law,” says the Elizabeth City native, “and all entities it deals with. I’ve always wanted to be a major change agent within the community, and I believe couyupled with my passion for service, a law degree will help me do that.”

Rivers says she was raised to recognize the benefits of attending school at ECSU. She says she understands now more than even how much the university has to offer her. And, she says, for her attending an HBCU was an important factor in her decision to attend her hometown university.

Rivers says her time at ECSU has been “amazing.”

“Through the four years I was engulfed into a culture that was extremely unique, yet entirely my own,” she said. “I was afforded several opportunities that included internships every summer, including my study abroad internship which was a blessing.

“This university has helped mold me into the educated black woman I am today.”

Although Rivers has a big future ahead of her, like so many who have graduated from ECSU, she will miss college life and the friends she’s made here.

“You really build a family,” she said, “while an undergrad, even with those faculty members that really care about us, I will definitely miss that.”

To future Vikings, Rivers says to stay on top of your business, always seek information from the university on resume and life skills. And perhaps most importantly, “Never stop growing!”