Meet Ae'Jay
Freedom to Find My Way
Wake Forest was one of the few universities that promised me the freedom to search for my own path of academic and creative growth. My experiences have been wide and varied and include taking a master class with the brilliant Meredith Monk, learning about cutting edge research in the field of neuroscience, performing the national anthem at an NBA game, presenting my own work in Brendle Recital Hall, and being right in the middle of an incredible Presidential election—hearing John McCain, Joe Biden, and Hillary Clinton when they visited campus during the campaign.
Dwelling in the World of Possibilities
I’m not positive what I will do after graduation, but I do know that Wake Forest is providing me with the skills I need to keep my options open. I might go to graduate school in cognitive psychology or cognitive neuroscience, or I might decide to audition for Broadway. Because I’ve taken classes from so many disciplines, I’m sure I’ll be successful whatever my post-grad choices. I enjoy exploring science, human nature, and creative expression. At Wake Forest I pursue all of these interests. My participation in theatre, dance, music and the arts as a whole inspires me to dwell in the world of possibilities.
Sharing Through Service
My favorite class so far has been a theater course known as Class Act taught by my mentor and friend, professor Leah Roy. Wake Forest recognizes that the arts are the backbone of humanity, and we need the arts to better understand and serve one another. The annual Gospel Choir spring break tours, for example, effect change in communities through music. The tours helps me to remember there are lost and hurting souls everywhere with whom we can share our spiritual strength and lend a hand in service and charity.
I have an avid belief in the power of creativity and the necessary marriage of art and science!
Directing Gospel Choir on the same stage with the amazing Ruby Dee.
Dancing on the Quad after a Convocation ceremony that focused on the importance of the arts.
Meeting Hector Salgado, and performing Death and the Maiden.
Performing my original piece, Look Not at Me, on Brendle Recital Hall’s stage as apart of the Meg Hudson Memorial Benefit Concert after an inspiring workshop with Meredith Monk.
Performing as Ga’Quon Mackfield as part of the Lilting Banshee Comedy Troupe.
Scales Fine Arts Center Lobby!!
Studying….all you need are note cards, friends, cranberry-grape juice, cookies and cream ice cream, gummies, and an understanding that you can do it!
Making friends…If you have to be anything but yourself, then that friendship is not worth making.
Choosing a major…Let go of the life you plan so as to have the life that is waiting for you; in other words, dwell in possibility!
About Me
Name: Ae'Jay Mitchell
Hometown: Shreveport, LA
Major: Psychology
Minor: Neuroscience and Dance
Expected graduation year: 2011
Clubs and organizations:
- Wake Forest Gospel Choir, Director
- WFU Tappers, President
- Anthony Aston Players
- Wake Forest Dance Company
- Old Gold and Black, Life Section Staff Writer
- Fine Arts Association
- Lilting Banshee Comedy Troupe
- Admissions Ambassador
- Wake World Troupe
- Recommended books: The Four-Way Fold, Proust was a Neuroscientist, Their Eyes Were Watching God, Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison, Great Expectations; As I Lay Dying
- Must-see movies and plays: “American History X,” “Ragtime,” “Hair,” “Life Is Beautiful,” “Funnyhouse of a Negro,” “Across the Universe”
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