For Siriss McLaurin, graduating in December marked more than the end of his time at Jackson State University. It signaled the beginning of a new chapter shaped by opportunity, preparation and connection through the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF).
As a transfer student, McLaurin said one of his priorities after arriving at Jackson State was finding a way to stay involved with TMCF. He had been familiar with the organization at his previous university and knew he wanted to reconnect.
“I wanted to look for that opportunity again at Jackson State,” McLaurin said. “Engaging with it in a different space felt exciting and even more meaningful.”
This summer, McLaurin attended TMCF’s Leadership Institute for the first time and served as a student speaker at the 38th Anniversary Gala. As a winter graduate preparing to enter the workforce, he said the conference came at the perfect time.
“The career fair at the Leadership Institute impacted me professionally and career-wise,” McLaurin said. “As a student speaker, we received tips on how to present ourselves and other aspects of professionalism that I hadn’t fully considered before. Those were things I didn’t realize were important until I experienced them.”
He added that Leadership Institute allowed employers to see his skills and work ethic firsthand.
“TMCF gave us opportunities to put what we learned into action,” McLaurin said. “The connections you make actually work for you.”
Reflecting on the experience, McLaurin said the intentionality behind every aspect of TMCF stood out most.
“Everything was very thorough and thought out,” he said. “Everyone was creative and encouraging. It didn’t feel like work. It felt like connecting with people and doing meaningful work without stress.”
As he moves forward in his career, McLaurin said his experience with TMCF left him feeling prepared, confident and ready for the opportunities ahead.
