My Top Five of all Time Playlist

    As a lover of all things art, you should know I absolutely love music. No matter the genre, I can still get down to it. It is just something about a smooth, mellow, and warm voice that just gets me. Or maybe that day I decided to listen to rap music and get some motivation from it. Today, I'll let you in on my top 5 songs of all time. These are songs I live by and you can listen to my report on them here or on the vinyl. Click on each vinyl to hear the whole song by the artists themselves.

       Coming in at number 5 is Dirty Diana by Michael Jackson. Jackson is a master at music, and that's no secret, but Dirty Diana got on this list for other reasons. Guitar riffs and solos randomly throughout the song? Yes please! Between the intricate rock melodies and the orchestra working overtime in the background, I've been infatuated with this song since the first time I've heard it. Sometimes, I even credit Michael Jackson for my rock awakening.

    Coming in at number 4 is Ready or Not by The Fugees. Let's be absolutely clear, I love Lauryn Hill, and her contribution to this song will go down in history. Not only has it been copied, mimicked, and mocked into the ground, but the original mix has carried through time. Now, is it the first time we have heard the lyrics? NO, but that is all the more reason to love and understand the mixing and vocal adlibbing that came from a group of friends just doing things in college. 

    Coming in at number 3 is Killing Me Softly With His Song by The Fugees. This song is a song I could go on all day about. I won't, I promise. The mixing on this melodic masterpiece needs to be studied. It was one of the first songs I fell in love with as a kid, and fell for again due to the depth and realism behind its lyrics. Between the mix of rap, rhythm, and soul, Killing Me Softly will cover with a layer of warmth that'll make you want to keep playing it again and again.

    Coming in at number 2 is Big Things Poppin (Do It) by T.I. This song is my all-time favorite rap song. The motivation it has given me is immeasurable. It's a song about ambition and making it. Not only does it encourage you to continue to make it, but when you tune into the lyrics, you cannot resist the urge to just go out and do something for your greater good. Comically, and poetically you can hear him arguing with two versions of himself, because he only sees himself as competition.

    Coming in at number 1 is Rose Golden by Kid Cudi featuring Willow Smith. This song holds a near and dear spot in my heart, since it's gotten me through some tough times. Cudi used a mixture of instruments to orchestrate this wonderful song. The lyrics, mixing of voices, and use of trumpets give this song a euphoric feeling. This song is enough to make a grown woman cry. You heard it here first folks, Kid Cudi knows how to kill a melody.

Thank you for listening to me babble about one of my favorite things. Like Erykah Badu said, I'm an artist, and I am sensitive about my stuff. These are songs that have guided me through life and filled my ears with thoughts of conviction and moments of peace. To say they have motivated me is an understatement. Well, thank you for listening, and as always, go dawgs!

NCCU? See You There. SCSU vs. NCCU ad

     South Carolina State, rise up! Bulldog nation, get loud. We have just two more games left to become MEAC champions! Click here or on that bad, bad bulldog to hear about the upcoming game!

 This Saturday, we take on North Carolina Central at their home field in the O'Kelly-Riddick Stadium. You heard it right: this Saturday, November 14th, in Durham, North Carolina, at 5:30 p.m. Students are encouraged to come out and support your bulldogs. The school will provide a fan bus; however, students must have their own tickets, and food will not be provided. Seating is limited for this blowout rivalry of the Carolinas, so get your tickets quick. 

We took home our last matchup, so be there when we do it again.

Tickets are being sold through both SCSU athletics and NCCU athletics.  Please note that this game will have a strict clear bag policy. 

Parking will be assigned and directed by North Carolina Central University based on tickets and seating.

And in the words of the notorious Chennis Berry, "Rain, sleet, or snow, the mailman's gotta go to work." So I'll NC SEE YOU there! And as always, go dogs!

"Always Market Yourself" - Dr. Demi Washington Interview

     There is a new face in Turner D here at South Carolina State. Dr. Demi Washington is the latest addition to the communications department, bringing a wealth of degrees and knowledge. My name is Alia Goode, and this is a little bit of life with Lia.  Click here or on the photo to listen to my full interview with Dr. Washington.

Dr. Demi Washington found himself returning to Orangeburg County after some of his family members fell ill. Given the opportunity, he came to the halls of South Carolina State after being an online teacher since 2020, but I am getting ahead of myself. During our interview with the good doctor, he shared with us his humble beginnings in Denmark, SC, where he attended Olar-Denmark High School. He emphasized how he needed to leave Orangeburg County to pursue his dream life. 

Click here or on the picture below to read a little more about Dr. Washington. 

Dr. Washington found himself at many institutions, but ended up graduating from the illustrious Jackson State University. He tells us a little about why he chose communications and how people inspired him to continue his work by using his voice. He then continues by telling us about his work experience. One of the most impactful notes that he left with the class is that you should always be marketing yourself. In his words, he always has one foot in the door and one out. 

Dr. Washington ends our conversation by asking about our aspirations. Since he's so well-traveled and professionally developed, he emphasizes the importance of Communications majors. He describes our major as a hustle and lists the multiple opportunities that we could take if we put ourselves out there. Washington himself says it took him multiple tries to even get to the correct university.

Dr. Washington does not plan to stop his extravagant career here at South Carolina State. He wants to continue his ventures and possibly go for a bigger position, which might come at another university or even as mayor in an underdeveloped town where, in his words, he can "show them how it's done."

It was truly an honor to interview someone so determined in our field of work. Dr. Washington is truly the epitome of not being complacent and never being too comfortable. A huge thank you to Dr. Demi Washington for sharing his story of persistence, insistence, and unbelievable faith in oneself. Well, this was a small dose of life with Lia. Thank you for listening. Signing off, Alia Goode, and as always, GO DAWGS!

"Always Market Yourself"- Interview with Dr. Demi Washington soundbites

     The Communications major just added a new face to Turner D at South Carolina State University. Dr. Demi Washington is one of the newest teachers at South Carolina State, joining the school for the first time in person. He has been teaching online communications classes since 2020, but found his way onto campus for personal reasons. Here are a couple of soundbites from his interview.

Click the picture to be taken to his SCSU Bio.

Dr. Washington began by telling us about why he chose communications and how he landed back in his field.

He then gave us students some advice on how to deal with companies and manage the workforce.

Dr. Washington finishes off our conversation, saying that media is a hustle, demonstrating multiple ways we can make money and keep money.

Our class conversation with Dr. Washington was very insightful and refreshing. He reassured us that we have multiple ways to make money. Communications is a bountiful career path.

My Big Day Remembered

     I have always wanted to be an HBCU queen; it was something I knew I had to have as a part of my legacy on this campus. Like most little girls, I always imagined myself wearing a tiara and serving the community. My big day is about my interview for the Royal Court and a big dress debacle.

Click here or on the picture to read a little more information on the history of HBCU Royal Courts

     I was hesitant for a week, but then I decided to go for it. I went through the process of turning my resume in and writing my platform, then came the interview. Leading up to the day, I was running around trying to find the perfect interview dress. I resembled a chicken with its head cut off. I needed something that was the perfect mix of business professional and pageant interview ( I am a pageant girl after all.) I went to multiple stores on multiple days. Between trying on all of these dresses and listening to my boyfriend's and best friend's opinions, I finally found something I liked. Since I found the dress, the only thing left to do was to prepare for the actual interview. The day was Thursday, September 4^th, 2025. Everything I did that day was very calculated. My interview was at 5pm, because I didn’t want it to be too early or too late.  My dress had to be perfect, and I definitely had to be calm. I don't have classes on Thursday, so I had the whole day to prepare.

     During my preparation, I printed out my resume, making sure everything was clear, concise, and without error. As I went over everything, I looked down at myself. I did not like my dress anymore. I realized it didn't fit the occasion, and if I wanted this like I swore I did, I'd have to get another dress. That realization ended up working out in my favor. I went back to one of the dress shops, and they had just put out new dresses in my size. The perfect size, fit, and style basically sprang off the shelf. I then proceeded with the rest of my day.

    This day just so happened to coincide with Convocation, so I was busy. I took a little time after that to settle my nerves. Then came the big moment.... Click here to hear the rest of My Big Day story. 

Communications Connection Interview with Jalyn Woodbury

 This past week, I interviewed Jalyn Woodbury, a Junior Journalism Communications student hailing from Florence, South Carolina. During our interview, she shared a little bit about her future aspirations, planned projects, and goals from the esteemed South Carolina State University. Click here to hear her interview.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Jalyn. She is extremely insightful. We both have big dreams for our futures and South Carolina State. 

Click here to go to Jalyn's blog.

Click here to hear my interview with Jalyn!

My Outlook For The Year

     This year is going to be a long and hectic year like any other, but honestly, I am ready for the task. I find myself wanting more than I had last year, so I am taking on the challenge. This year, my Sophomore year, is going to be busy.

Click here to listen to my plan for this year.