When Kala Smith left Los Angeles for Houston, she wasn’t just going away for college — she was chasing something bigger: a new environment, a sense of belonging, and a chance to grow into herself.

“I didn’t want to be in L.A. anymore,” Kala said. “I wanted to be around my people, experience southern culture, and learn about my history firsthand. And it was all worth it.”

Now a junior at Texas Southern University, majoring in Psychology with a minor in Business Administration, Kala has found both community and clarity on a campus she calls “a culture like no other.”

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Kala’s early years were spent navigating the layered diversity of her city — and what it meant to stand out.

“It was very diverse growing up,” she said. “In elementary school, I went to a private school where I was usually the only Black person in the class.”

That reality taught her early how to hold her own. “Being in that kind of environment taught me that I was different — that I couldn’t be a follower,” she said. “I had to be unapologetically me, no matter what.”

Things shifted in middle and high school. “That’s when I started being around more of my people,” she said. “That’s when I started to feel comfortable in my own skin.”

Kala’s parents didn’t go to college, but they made sure she would. “My family shaped my views on education by always keeping me focused,” she said. “They made sure I stayed on top of my work but still had balance — school and social life.”

For her family, sending Kala off to college represented something larger than individual achievement. “They pushed me to accomplish what they couldn’t,” she said. “They wanted me to live out that dream.”

Kala learned about HBCUs on her own — researching schools, scrolling through social media, and narrowing her options based on where she could build both a home and a network.

“My mom said if I went out of state, it had to be somewhere we had family,” she said, laughing. “That left Texas and Atlanta.”

She began looking at every HBCU in those areas, comparing programs and student life. “What sealed the deal for me was Houston,” she said. “Being in the heart of the city, with so much culture and opportunity — it just felt right.”

A campus tour in 2023 confirmed it. “When I visited TSU, I loved the atmosphere,” she said. “Everyone was so welcoming. The energy on campus felt alive.”

A New Home in Houston

Her first few months at TSU were both exciting and emotional. “I got homesick at first,” Kala admitted. “But I reminded myself what I came here to do.”

The turning point came during her second semester. “That’s when I met one of my closest friends,” she said. “We clicked instantly. That’s when I knew I made the right choice.”

By sophomore year, she’d stepped into leadership as a Resident Assistant, a role that pushed her beyond her comfort zone. “It gave me challenges, experiences, and opportunities that shaped me,” she said. “It made me love my HBCU even more.”

Kala describes TSU’s culture as “lively and connected.”

“The year I came — 2023 — was such a blast,” she said. “Our class was so involved. People call TSU a party school, but it’s so much more than that.”

Every Monday, the campus transforms for ‘Multi-Millionaire Mondays,’ when students dress up in professional attire to network and build connections. “It’s about showing up as your best self,” Kala said. “We’re learning to think like leaders.”

She lights up talking about the collaboration between student organizations — from charity runs to creative events. “Our run club teamed up with a fashion club for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and ran four miles together,” she said proudly. “We really support each other here.”

And then there’s the fun. “Humpdays and Humpnights are everything,” she said, smiling. “There’s a DJ, a theme, and everyone’s out on campus just enjoying life. It’s community at its finest.”

At TSU, Kala’s learned to take ownership of her path. “Being here helped me get out of my comfort zone,” she said. “I’ve met new people, tried new things, and discovered what really makes me happy.”

That clarity led to a pivotal decision — switching majors. “I changed from Business Management to Psychology, and it was the best thing I’ve done,” she said. “I realized how much I love understanding people and behavior.”

Her advisors encouraged her right away. “They supported me completely,” she said. “That’s when I realized — this is what legacy looks like. People who want to see you win.”

If someone asked her why they should choose an HBCU, Kala wouldn’t hesitate. “I’d tell them this is a culture like no other,” she said. “It’s a community like no other — rich in culture, history, and pride.”

She points to TSU’s strong academic foundation — especially its acclaimed Thurgood Marshall School of Law — as proof of the school’s excellence. But it’s the people who make it unforgettable.

“From the friends you make to the administrators you meet, everyone here makes an impact,” she said. “At Texas Southern University, we welcome everyone. We build each other up. And we make sure you leave here better than you came.”