7 Reasons We'd Send Rachel Jeantel To Hillman College

After having everything from her reputation to her IQ lambasted in the media and online for weeks, it came as refreshing news on Tuesday that acclaimed radio host Tom Joyner offered Rachel Jeantel, 19, friend of slain Florida teen Trayvon Martin, a full scholarship to any HBCU in the country. *insert hearty applause and a bittersweet teardrop here*

While there are more than 100 prestigious historically black colleges and universities across the nation (you can check our sister site Newsone.com for a thorough rundown of HBCUs in America HERE) we at TheUrbanDaily would like to imagine what it would be like if Jeantel were to attend Hillman College—yes, the fictional alma mater of Whitley Gilbert, Dwayne Wayne and Ron Johnson, immortalized on the hit TV show, “A Different World.” Director Debbie Allen credits the show with increasing enrollment at real life HBCU’s and so many of us wish we could have attended.

Here are 7 reasons why we think Hillman would be the perfect fit for Rachel.

She’d get a respected education with an African-American focus: Like any HBCU, Hillman affords a thorough education tailor-made for the black intellectual. In other words, she won’t just be learning about Shakespeare and quantitative physics, but rather discerning Shakespeare’s influence on hip-hop culture and how Blacks would be affected by global warming. Don’t those courses sound more interesting?

She’d always have a smile on her face: After the tragic loss of her friend, we’re sure that Jeantel could use a good laugh these days. With crazy Ron, his eternally stressed out crush/girlfriend, Kim, the charming bohemian, Freddie, and wise-talking cafeteria guardian, Mr. Gaines, always around (R.I.P. to Lou Meyers), how could she not always be entertained?

She’d get an instant fashion makeover: Whitley Gilbert might not have always been the easiest person to get along with on the show, but there was no denying her impeccable style. From her always-ready-for-a-job-interview skirt suits to her dazzling jewels, Jeantel will have the brothers taking notice.

She’d always have someone to talk to: No matter how trying her class schedule may get, there’ll always be a mentor around to lend an ear or offer advice—from professors like Colonel Taylor to the ubiquitous Coach Oakes and even Jaleesa, the slightly older co-ed whose experience and determination provided limitless aspiration. We wish we had them around at our college.

She’d have a plethora of hot men to choose from: Proving that college is more than just exams and extra credit, the students at Hillman always make time for someone special on campus. And luckily there was always a lovely variety to choose from. Freddie had her eyes on Shazza, while Whitley had Dwayne wrapped around her finger, so we’re sure that Jeantel would find someone of her own in no time.

She could take a stand against injustice: If there’s anything we learned from her testimony during the George Zimmerman trial, it is that Jeantel is a young woman who can recognize a lack of justice. Hillman helped students like Freddie speak out against colorism and apartheid in South Africa. We have a feeling that Jeantel would have a few more items on her agenda that she’d like to discuss.

She could be part of a valued sisterhood: Not only would she be among her own at a reputable academic institution, but Jeantel would have the chance to pledge for a coveted spot in the Alpha Delta Rho sorority, which values fellowship, scholarship, service, and humility. She’d just have to try to stay on Big Sister Gorgeous One’s (aka Whitley Gilbert) good side.

Watch Rachel Jeantel and Tom Joyner on the “Nancy Grace” show: