Amari Veale

Amari Veale '18

Psychology

Amari Veale

Amari Veale ’18 is a Psychology major and Criminology minor at Framingham State. She is a resident assistant and the president of the recently formed student club M.I.S.S., a group dedicated to empowering female students of color.

Why did you decide to attend Framingham State?

I visited on a tour with my mother, and we both came away thinking it would be a good fit. The environment was really nice, and we loved the tour guide. It felt like a place where I could see myself growing. My feeling was solidified during Black and Gold Orientation. I befriended my orientation leader and became convinced that student life here was worth it. I’ve really enjoyed the experience since I arrived. College is what you make of it, and I’ve really tried to get myself out there and involved in a lot of opportunities.

What is M.I.S.S.?

M.I.S.S. stands for Motivation, Intersectionality, Sisterhood and Solidarity. It’s a student group celebrating women of color and seeks to educate and empower women of color to have their voices heard. M.I.S.S. started from a desire on campus to have a group that supports women. It’s about making friends, having mentors and hearing from women in successful jobs and careers. We welcome members of all genders and races who want to learn about, support and celebrate these issues. M.I.S.S. is all about inclusivity and unity. We are many branches but one tree.

What sort of activities is M.I.S.S. involved with?

The group is growing very quickly. We have weekly discussions every Monday that are attended by 30 to 40 people. We have a few different things in the works, including a blood drive, and we plan to get a team together for Relay For Life. Last semester, we hosted an event called Bigger Than My Block, which is a group from Boston that speaks about retention and rising above the stereotypes associated with coming from inner-city neighborhoods. We also want to have an induction ceremony for M.I.S.S. next year, to show the girls our appreciation. There is a lot happening.

What are your plans after graduation?

My plan is to go to graduate school and get a degree in child psychology. I’d like to get a certificate so I can work while I am in school pursuing my master’s degree. At this point, I’m undecided on whether or not I will go for a PhD. I’d like to work with youth in juvenile detention centers. Right now, the system is more about punishment and not about treatment. I want to change that and help them stay out of the prison system when they are older.