As an intern, I have become more technologically savvy and more organized. I have gained life-long friends that have made an everlasting impression on life and I have gained business ethics that will be instrumental in my advancement in whatever my future endeavors may be. It has truly been an honor, as well as, a privilege to be an intern for the NTSCOE program.

Biography: Xiomara Bell
Xiomara Keona Bell is a Graduating Senior and Candidate for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History with an emphasis in African American Studies and in minor in Political Science. Xiomara currently serves as a summer intern for The Historic Tougaloo College’s National Transportation Center of Excellence. She is also President of the Student Government Association, President of Alpha Chi Honor’s Fraternity, president of Kappa Pi Honorary Art Fraternity, Vice- President for Active Minds, and a Tougaloo Ambassador. After Tougaloo, Xiomara plans to pursue a Ph. D. in her current field of study.

Being an intern for NTSCOE has helped me in so many ways. This has been a great experience for me. I have learned so much in addition to the experience that I have gained thus far. I have so much faith in this program, and I expect for it to be even bigger and better next year. I have learned so many tips on how to be professional and communicate effectively.

Biography: Courtney Coleman
Courtney Suzette Coleman is an intern for the National Transportation Security Center of Excellence (NTSCOE). Courtney is a nineteen-year-old native of Mound Bayou, MS. She is currently studying Political Science as a sophomore. Courtney has built a strong foundation while at Tougaloo. Courtney was recently named Miss Congeniality in the Miss Omega Psi Phi Pageant. She is also an active member in the Reuben V. Anderson Pre-Law Society. Upon graduation, Courtney plans to continue to study law at the University of Mississippi Law School.

My summer spent as an intern for NTSCOE has been greatly rewarding. My fellow interns have been the best and our leadership here at NTSCOE is always supportive. Dr Martinez always has a word of advice for us and makes it a point to challenge the interns to “Work the solution, not the problem”. Our supervisor, Schenika Henry, has also been very helpful in steering us in the right direction and is never shy when it comes to telling us when we are wrong.

Biography: Brandon Shaw
Brandon M. Shaw is a 21-year-old native of Belzoni, MS. He is a graduating senior and history major here at Tougaloo College. Currently, Brandon is an intern for the National Transportation Security Center of Excellence (NTSCOE) at Tougaloo College. Brandon has served in many other capacities while at Tougaloo. He has been a member of Anointed Voices of Grace, the Tougaloo College Jazz Band, a participant in the Opera Workshop, and a dedicated Resident Assistant in the campus dormitory.

I have enjoyed my summer serving as an intern for NTSCOE.
I have not only been able to gain an insight into the Department of Homeland Security, but I have also gained skills such as task force organizing, policy writing, planning, and networking skills that will be beneficial in whatever career path I may choose. Programs such as these offer many benefits for Tougaloo students. However, the best benefit of them all for me was the opportunity to make life-long friends and have fun!

Biography: Amber Williams
Amber Audria’ Williams is a junior English Major from Clarksdale, MS. Amber currently serves as a summer intern for the National Transportation Security Center of Excellence (NTSCOE) at Tougaloo College. Here at Tougaloo, Amber also serves as the Student Government Association Vice-President, Financial Secretary for the Gamma Psi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Tougaloo Ambassador, member of the Tougaloo College Honors Program, Bonner Leader, editor of the yearbook, etc. After Tougaloo, Amber plans to gain her Ph.D. in educational policy.

I am grateful for all the opportunities afforded me over the duration of this internship program. I know that the experience I’ve received here will guide me toward a great future, enhanced even more by an enriching education.

Biography: Alan Young
Alan Young is a graduating senior here at Tougaloo College. He is an Economics major with an emphasis in Business. Following graduation, Alan plans to attend graduate school to obtain an MBA to pursue a career in accounting. Since entering Tougaloo College, Alan has been an active participant in a number of clubs and organizations related to his field of study. Alan was also the recipient of the Tougaloo College 2008-09 Outstanding Academic Achievement Award. For the summer of 2010, Alan has been an intern with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) National Transportation Security Center of Excellence (NTSCOE).