Stevie, Steven, and Stephon Wilson, triplets, are set to graduate from Grambling State University the week of April 12. They will be the fifth generation of their family to attend the university, which their family has done since the 1950s. All three were born and raised in Winnfield, Louisiana.
The firstborn, Stevie Wilson, says he’s had a great time at Grambling State University. He was a member of the world-famous Grambling State University Tiger Marching Band and was involved in a number of other organizations.
“My time at Grambling has been amazing,” Stevie said. “It’s been like nothing else. Sure, it was tiring and I would doubt myself at times, but I kept pushing myself forward. I’ve learned how to prioritize my time. I’ve learned to not care what others say and to just keep on moving along and doing the right thing, having a positive mindset and not allowing others to steal that. I’ve continued to stay positive and stay true to myself.”
Stevie will attend the University of Miami’s virtual Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) prep program after graduation to prepare for the MCAT. After that, he intends to apply to medical school the following cycle.
“It feels awesome,” Stevie said about graduating. “It feels like a relief to be able to go out into the world and make a difference.”
When Grambling’s grandmother underwent bilateral knee replacement surgery, he was inspired to pursue a profession in medicine, according to Grambling. He observed the physicians, nurses, and other medical personnel who assisted her in her recovery and noticed their care and attentiveness. He believes he’ll attempt to change the African-American community’s aversion to doctors.
“You often see Black entertainers and sports stars, so why not doctors?” Stevie asked. “We need doctors. We need Black doctors. They are the ones making a difference. It makes it feel like I could be the change and we need that. I want to be that difference and help heal this world, heal this country, break those barriers regarding health disparities, not just people of our color, but of all colors, of all races. I want them to know they will be taken care of and trust that I will do the right thing with their life in my hands.”
“Representation matters. More importantly, Black health matters, and a lot of Black people don’t trust the medical field,” said Stevie, referring to the Tuskegee experiment. “[Some people in the African American community] Don’t have faith in doctors. My passion is to be a medical doctor because too many people of color and [in] different ethnic groups are dying because they aren’t being heard. This field is in need and I want to be a part of that. I want to be able to help heal this world.”
He advises those considering entering Grambling or pursuing a career in medicine that it is difficult but worthwhile.
Steven, the middle of the Wilson triplets, was very involved on campus, having spent the previous four years in the Student Government Association (SGA). He describes his experience at Grambling as “outstanding.”
“Coming in as a nervous, shy freshman who didn’t know anyone, but was still 45 minutes from home, it was great,” Steven said. “I served in student leadership in SGA all four years and being able to meet big name people like Magic Johnson, the head of AT&T, meeting those people just shows you are somebody. Like the university’s motto says, ‘the true place where everybody is somebody.’ My freshman year, I applied for the freshman vice president position, ended up getting it, and was eventually appointed to freshman president in my spring semester. The experience for me, serving in student leadership, was phenomenal being an advocate for the student body and getting to meet with the faculty and administration to discuss things important to the students.”
“I interned my senior year of high school and was able to shadow several different doctors in Winn Parish,” Steven said. “They took us through these various departments and one day took us to surgery. I got to stand behind the scenes and see what an anesthesiologist does. I thought to myself, ‘This is something I would be very interested in.’ Today, there are not many African American males in the medical field. I think during this time, amid the pandemic, there is a very high need for African American men in medicine.”
“There is a light at the end of the tunnel,” Stevie said. “Just know you can do it. Continue to believe in yourself and do not give up. Don’t let anyone tell you what you cannot do because you are capable of doing anything you set your mind to.”
Stephon Wilson, the youngest of the Wilson triplets, says that while Grambling wasn’t his first pick, it was the best option.
“I didn’t think it would happen, but I am so glad it did,” Stephon said. “Never give up on anything. When they offer you an opportunity, take it. I couldn’t pass up all the opportunities given to me and they have made me the successful man I am today. If you feel down and the work is overwhelming, press on, because you will make it. The university motto is ‘the place where everybody is somebody’ and that is so true. I have achieved so much.”
Stephon is currently employed with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), where he will be promoted to a permanent job in the coming weeks. He plans to start his own firm and eventually relocate to Washington, D.C., he says to enter the political arena.
He considers being able to graduate with his brothers a blessing and advises future Grambling students to never lose up.
“It’s been an amazing tradition,” Stephon said. “Every year, we would go to homecoming. Coming here was one of the best choices I have made in my life because of the Black culture. I wasn’t aware of a lot of Black history; it wasn’t something we were taught in school. To be able to come to an HBCU and learn more about our culture and the history of Grambling State University, I have enjoyed every opportunity I have had here.”
After graduating with a drive-by parade, the Wilson triplets are being recognized in their hometown of Winnfield.
