Shameeka Mattis ’03 (BEP’99) is a Social Worker and a Behavioral Health Liaison at the Riverside Correctional Facility for Women, which is a part of the Philadelphia Prison System. Shameeka received her BA in Sociology and English, and her MSW from the University of Pennsylvania.
EOP interviewed Shameeka (via email) to ask her to share her experiences & give advice to our current students regarding campus involvement, study tips and so much more.
My duties involve case management, referrals to prison classes, life skills program, major correspondence between inmates and court system (primarily lawyers and some judges), which impacts prison release process, intake, discharge planning, mental health assessments and follow-ups.
I was president of the Students of Color Support Center (SCSC), a member of the University Judicial Board, a Peer Counselor BEP ’01, Rhetoric instructor for EOP summer program, JUMP Nation host, president of Delaware Hall Council in Newing College, GEAR UP tutor/mentor.
As a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated I advise all students to learn about themselves as students first. This is integral to their development as young adults. Membership obtained too soon can thwart growth that is supposed to take place when one enters a university setting. Learn who you are first, and know that you're always changing. Do not get locked into "group think" by joining one of these organizations too soon. Wait one year, even two, if you can. College is more than Frats and Sororities. I didn't pledge until my junior year and this allowed me time to establish myself before entering my beloved Sorority. People knew who Shameeka was first, then they were introduced to Shameeka, the Delta. Also, know that if not obtained in college membership can usually be sought afterwards at the graduate level.
As far as community service: Penny Drives for Battered Women, clothing drives, book drives, JUMP Nation host, Binghamton Multicultural Weekend host, Triple Cities Clean-Up Initiatives, Jump Rope for Heart, Red Cross Blood Drives, Urban League volunteer in conjunction with BSU's weekend program for children.
Read the d@#% books! Reading is the only way to know what you’re learning and writing about. Some class assignments are boring but there may still be something to learn from one chapter out of millions. Also participate as much as possible in class discussions. This is the best way to earn your grade and develop relationships with professors and classmates. It also allows students to become familiar with their strengths and interests. Lastly, I would advise students to take courses they need, but to balance that with course that interest them because you only get one undergrad experience. Make the best of it.
Do not work freshmen year if you can help it. It takes away from the learning process and the conditioning needed to be a stellar student. Work for residential life or something that will pay for room and board, because paying back loans will hurt, especially if housing was why you accumulated so much debt. Try to work in areas that will pay well, and/or strengthen your skills across disciplines. I was most marketable in my professional life because of the campus-related job opportunities I seized. Jobs that allow you to complete your school work don't hurt either.
shamroad@yahoo.com, shameeka.mattis@prisons.phila.gov, smattis@alumni.upenn.edu
Party, join organizations at your leisure, participate in community service events because it's your responsibility as someone in a higher learning institution, fight for what you believe in, party some more, and don't take yourself so seriously. college is a blast if you make it that way. If a program, curriculum, or opportunity is not available or in existence, then create it! And you all better graduate!
