Championing excellence: Meiyah Hill's inspirational journey

Meiyah Hill, ’22, an outstanding alumna, is a shining example of the qualities of resilience, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. Her story is one of determination, academic prowess, and the unwavering support of a community that believed in her potential.  

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Hill’s educational journey blossomed at the Cleveland School of Architecture and Design, a top-performing high school in the city. However, her path to success was paved much earlier. As a student at HBCU Prep, now known as Wings Academy School of Innovation, Hill was the first in the school's history to be accepted into the prestigious high school. Her principal, Tiana Ferguson, '96, who is also an alumna of Central State University, inspired her to aim high and set her sights on excellence. 

This encouragement led Hill to John Hay High School, a magnet school known for its rigorous college preparatory curriculum. Reflecting on her high school experience, Hill credits her principal as a pivotal influence. “She was very important in my life, inspiring me to attend Central State University,” Meiyah shared. The strong foundation and support she received at John Hay High School prepared her to meet the challenges of higher education, where she would continue to excel and make a significant impact. 

Pursuing excellence at Central State University 

Hill's transition to Central State University was seamless, thanks to the rigorous preparation she received in high school. She thrived in the University’s environment, embracing opportunities to excel academically and grow as a leader. Majoring in Sociology, Hill was determined to make the most of her time at Central State.  

Her involvement in the Student Government Association (SGA) as a senator of Academic Affairs enabled her to advocate for her peers and contribute to the campus community. “I wanted to shape our campus and be a voice for the students,” Hill explained.  

One of her proudest achievements was organizing a Study with SGA and NPHC (National Pan-Hellenic Council) Night during finals week in 2021. This event, aimed at fostering campus unity and academic support, was a resounding success, demonstrating Hill's dedication to her role and her peers. The event brought together various student organizations, creating a collaborative and supportive environment that benefited everyone involved. 

Beyond her SGA role, Hill also served as the president of the Sociology Club, where she led initiatives to enhance the academic and social experiences of her fellow sociology students. Her leadership extended to organizing guest lectures, career workshops, and community service projects, all of which enriched the lives of her peers and strengthened the bond within the department. 

Setting goals and chasing dreams 

During the summer of 2021, Hill interned with the Law Offices of Carlos K. Johnson and Fernando Mack. Being a legal intern changed her perspective of the legal system and its procedures. She also learned that paralegals are instrumental in the operation of law offices.  

Hill witnessed her first state and federal hearings and learned about discovery and filing motions with the court during her internship. The experience left her wanting to attend law school after completing her undergraduate studies.  

“It was a great experience. It was motivational. It was inspirational,” Hill said. 

Now, she plans to combine her passions for higher education and law, with a goal to become a university legal counsel. “As a future lawyer, I want to be part of the change in that I want to affect policy,” she said. “I want to serve students of color. I want to be a part of those things, and even DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) is being threatened.  

“As an attorney, I would make sure those laws and policies and procedures are just and fair to Black and brown students on college campuses. As college students, we’ve always had the activist spirit, especially at HBCUs. We are known for spearheading entire movements by ourselves — the Black Power Movement, the Civil Rights Movement, the Liberal Arts Movement. So, I want to continue that spirit through my career as an attorney.” 

A legacy of impact and inspiration 

Hill’s commitment to academic excellence extended beyond her high school and university experiences. She also attended Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C), where she participated in the High Tech Academy program. This opportunity allowed her to dual enroll in high school and college courses, ultimately earning her an associate degree one month before she earned her high school diploma.  

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“Tri-C showed me that community colleges matter and provide a quality education,” Hill emphasized. As a third-generation Tri-C graduate, she proudly carries forward the legacy of her grandmother and mother, both of whom instilled in her the values of perseverance and lifelong learning. 

“I have to align myself with good opportunities, good people, and just good things overall,” Hill said. “I was really known for my academic status because I was always focused on my studies, and I was always just about the business of getting things done.”  

Throughout her journey, Hill has been supported by a “village” of mentors, educators, and family members who believed in her potential. This network of support has been instrumental in her success, and she remains committed to giving back to her community. 

Her involvement in various mentoring programs, both within and outside of Central State, underscores her dedication to empowering the next generation of students. 

In addition to her academic and extracurricular achievements, Hill has also been involved in numerous community outreach programs. She has volunteered with local nonprofits, participated in community clean-up projects, and served as a tutor and mentor for younger students.  

As Hill continues to pursue her academic and career goals, her story serves as a testament to the transformative power of education and community support. At Central State University, we are proud to celebrate her achievements and the positive impact she has made. Hill embodies the spirit of Central State, where excellence is nurtured, and leaders are forged. 

Her journey inspires us all to strive for greatness, support one another, and embrace the opportunities that education provides. As Hill looks toward the future, we have no doubt she will continue to achieve great things and inspire those around her to reach their full potential.