TaKayla Wilbourn: An Innate Leader

Through her strong leadership abilities, this second-year RBC student makes a meaningful difference in the RBC community.

Tell us about yourself — where you’re from, family life, hobbies and interests that inspired you to major in what you’re currently studying.

My name is TaKayla Wilbourn and I’m a second year-student here. I’m from Prince George County, Va. I graduated from Prince George High School in 2023. A few of my hobbies include listening to music, watching documentaries, as well as doing my hair and makeup. I’m a Psychology major with a vast interest in law. I have a strong love for learning about the human mind and reading about true crime, which is what sparked my interest in my major.

Are you a residential or commuter student? Whichever pertains to you, tell us about your experience and how you’re supported.

I am a residential student and my experience living on campus has been great overall! I enjoy living in the dorms because it has taught me new responsibilities as I grow into adulthood. The way I make connections with people who are either out of state, athletes or international students has helped me relate to them on different levels because we’re all getting adjusted to a new environment being away from home. This year, I’ve worked with Residence Life as a Desk Assistant. I enjoy this job because it requires me to contribute to the safety of the residence halls. Some of my duties include checking IDs, signing people in and assisting students who get locked out of their rooms. I always feel willing to help anyone who comes to the desk while I’m working, even if they just want to sit in the lobby with me and chat!

Why did you decide to attend RBC? How were you supported by your family and loved ones when you decided to attend?

I decided to attend Richard Bland College because during my senior year I was indecisive about which university I wanted to go to. Since I already knew Psychology was my passion, I still wanted to explore if there were any other paths that I may like more. My aunt and uncle are RBC alumni, so they were also a factor in why I decided to apply.

What are your plans once you graduate from RBC?

After graduating from Richard Bland College, I plan on transferring to Virginia State University to earn my bachelor’s degree in Psychology.

Are you involved in any extracurricular activities? What are your titles and how has your experience been? What’s been your most memorable moments?

The extracurricular activities that I’m involved in on campus consist of Student Assembly, Mental Health Diaries Club and the Community Service Committee. The position I have in the Student Assembly is Second-Year Representative. My primary goal is to support second-year students in reaching their full potential through networking and active campus involvement. I strive to ensure that students know the numerous opportunities available to them upon graduation or transfer, empowering them to make informed decisions about their future.

My experience being a student leader has given me so many opportunities to help me shape my future. I’m grateful for the events I’ve been able to attend and the connections with people who are willing to give me advice and mentor me to improve my leadership skills. My favorite memory with Student Assembly is when we went to go see “The Diary of Anne Frank” play. I enjoyed how we all bonded and came together as a group to learn about different parts of history.