Summer — 2009

Allia ‘Lyrica’ McCoy

Music

“I knew that SMC was an excellent school because, years ago, my dad transferred from here to UCLA. I guess it just runs in the family.”

She was in her second year at SMC and getting ready for a June transfer, and she offered excellent advice on how to succeed at the College. “Counseling has helped me sooooooo much, particularly through the Black Collegians program,” says Allia McCoy, a distinctly song-and-dance woman. “Last semester I served as their president and—I have to tell you—the counselors there offer counseling that caters to every student’s needs and wishes. And I believe that’s the reason for the incredible transfer rate to other colleges from SMC. You really get that one-on-one advice here.”

Singing, dancing, and rapping her way to a possible transfer to USC, Allia says, “I’m somewhere between Liberal Arts and Communication as a major. That’s where I’ve spent the bulk of my studies. But I think it’s also important to step outside yourself sometimes. Just take a class that you might not think you’re interested in: Mix it up! For example,” she continues, “I had a night class with Professor Doucet, who’s an incredible teacher. It was Creative Writing and, oh, how can I say this? He’s a poet himself, so he knows the power of the word, and he’s very descriptive. He is very involved in his classes, and shares extremely well with all of us. I’ve just been very lucky with all of the teachers I’ve had here.”

Allia adds, “It is so important to get involved with all the extracurricular stuff that goes on here at SMC. Especially the student clubs! We have a club for every conceivable interest. And if you join one, you’re gonna make some great and fascinating friends who will broaden you as a person.”

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