His Second Family

Often, college is more than a place to go to class; the years spent on campus make it a second home. Although the C. T. Bauer College of Business is across the state from management junior Xavier Walker’s hometown, he said while studying, working and socializing here, he is exactly where he belongs.

Supportive Staff

As a high school student, Walker was enticed by Bauer College’s offerings, and earning an academic scholarship solidified his decision to attend. Not long after stepping foot on the University of Houston campus during orientation, Walker met one of his greatest role models at Bauer, Executive Administrative Assistant Shaneika (Nikki) Gradney.

“My parents, two sisters and I were walking in Melcher Hall and saw Ms. Nikki pushing a cart with a whole bunch of backpacks,” Walker said. “My dad, who is talkative, asked her for help. I had that opportunity to really connect with her. She told me always stop by.”

And stop by, he did. During his freshman year, Walker would stop by Gradney’s office regularly, sharing updates on how school was going. Toward the end of his first semester, Gradney let him know about a student worker position opening up in the Office of the Dean.

Walker received the job offer and is entering his third year working at Bauer. Surrounded by full-time Bauer staff, Walker said he’s learned a lot about himself and the college.

“Ms. Nikki is like my second mom,” he said. “She's always looking out for the students, including the other student workers in the Dean's Office. She's always encouraging us and giving us connections. She even gives us lunch — even when we aren't really hungry.”

Walker said his Bauer village goes beyond just his direct supervisor. He credits Joyce Williams, Imani Gaines, Francisco Lopez, Richard Scamell, Tom George, Dean Xianjun Geng and Korey Foster as the faculty and staff who he can lean on in times of need.

“The Bauer staff are going to make sure you're good and have everything you need,” Walker said. “My Bauer family is my second family.”

Academic Achievement

Despite his supportive work environment, the college years still brought Walker some trials and tribulations. Walker felt homesick for his family back in Fort Worth and experienced grief after losing some friends.

Eventually, life’s circumstances and difficulties led to Walker losing his academic scholarship. In the face of the financial hardship, Walker began doubting his place at the university.

“I told my mom that I felt like I didn't belong in college because I wasn't performing as well as I did in high school,” he said. “I was holding myself to such a high standard. She gave me a long lecture. She said she didn’t raise a quitter, and that I’ve been through too much to quit. My parents are still my No. 1 fans.”

After the conversation with his mom, Walker felt reassured to keep going. He enrolled in summer classes, determined to raise his GPA before the approaching fall semester. During this time, Walker leaned on his faith, and drew strength from his late friend Trae Richmond, who often said: “What if I told you all of the struggle would pay off tomorrow, but you decided to quit?”

Soon after, Walker received an email from Director of Registration and Academic Records Mary Gould about the Jesse Jones Scholarship. After a successful interview process, Walker received the word that he was awarded the scholarship. His first call to share the news was to his mother.

“We were jumping for joy; we were just so happy,” he said.

Walker’s GPA has improved since joining the scholarship cohort.

Community of Peers

As Walker continued to pull himself out of a dark period in his life, he started to seek community amongst his peers. He decided the best way to move forward would be to get involved with other business students.

“I know I'm meant for greatness,” Walker said. “I knew if I kept holding myself back, and not getting involved with at least a business organization, then I wouldn’t get to where I need to be.”

Ultimately, Walker joined the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) and applied for the organization’s executive board. He said the community had made him feel more comfortable as a Bauer student and has helped him professionally grow.

“Being with other Black students like me who are trying to make their way through life and build themselves into business leaders inspires me to push myself to do better.”

Despite still feeling homesick at times, Walker said he’s confident Bauer is where he’s meant to be.