Two first-generation Jackson State University students are making history as the first Hispanic students in their respective performing sections of the Sonic Boom of the South Marching Band. JSU senior Marvin Garcia Meda is the first Hispanic head drum major for the Boom, and sophomore Priscilla Marin is the first Hispanic performer of the Prancing J-Settes. Both are excited to take their talents down to Miami, Florida to perform during the Orange Blossom Classic weekend.
A strong passion for dance led Marin to the campus of Jackson State. The social work major said that when she discovered the art of majorette-style dancing, she knew she would attend an HBCU.
“I joined community majorette dance teams and they exposed me to the world of HBCU dance. So, when I entered my senior year in high school, I was like I need to go to an HBCU,” Marin shared. “I started studying the different styles of HBCU dance. I kept learning and the J-Settes are the reason I came to Jackson State University.”
Director of the Prancing J-Settes Chloe Crowley said the timing of Marin joining the team could not have been better.
“Ironically, Priscilla made her debut during our 50th year in existence, which not only speaks to the exposure and popularity of our band program, but to the inclusivity of our University as well,” said Crowley.
A Dallas native, Marin joined her high school dance team in the ninth grade and was praised by her coaches. She spent countless hours watching majorette performances on YouTube to further enhance her craft. As the end of her high school years approached, she began networking with HBCU dance coaches.
For Marin, dance is more than a hobby. She described it as an outlet and a way for her to connect with people.
“I’m able to share a passion with people and be exposed to so many people with different backgrounds, disabilities, language barriers, ages, ethnicities and more. It’s a way for me to be around various people who share the same passion,” said Marin.
In her academic life, Marin immediately immersed herself into University culture on and off the field. She is a member of the Student Social Work Advisory Council and the Latasha Norman Peer Educator Group.
“She’s a hard worker, very creative and passionate about everything she participates in, not just band or J-Settes but with her work and the community service she does around campus also,” Crowley said.
Marin has big career aspirations and plans to infuse dance with social work. Inspired by the challenges of her upbringing, she wants to dedicate her life to serving the underprivileged and prides herself on being a self-motivator.
“I felt like it was kind of my purpose to help other people find their purpose in life because I feel like I lost my way a lot, and I was the only one who really had me,” revealed Marin. “I didn’t have a good support system anywhere, so because I was good at understanding myself and my situations, I feel like I can help other people understand their own through my experiences and the experiences of other people I talk to.”
The Dallas native plans to start a community outreach program to serve those in need. In the near future, Marin said she wants to create a safe space for dancers of all shapes, sizes, ethnicities and backgrounds so they can enjoy their passion in a judgement-free zone.
Marin shared that she has formed a sisterhood with the other J-Settes, and the Sonic Boom feels like one big family.
“I was nervous at first because I understand that I’m the first Hispanic, and this is a safe space for Black people at an HBCU. I felt like maybe I was kind of taking something away, but after being surrounded by so many good people, it made me feel like I wasn’t any different,” Marin explained.
Crowley credited Marin for having a bright and cheerful personality.
“I often call her the cheerleader of the squad because she’s always constantly motivating her teammates behind the scenes, much like the fans at our performances,” said Crowley.
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