Student Spotlight: MiMi Harris

ASU STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: MIMI HARRIS, SENIOR HEALTH AND HUMAN PERFORMANCE MAJOR WITH A CONCENTRATION IN EXERCISE SCIENCE

PLANS TO BECOME A DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY

MiMi Harris, hailing from Phoenix, Arizona, is a senior health and human performance major with a concentration in exercise science. She exemplifies leadership, service, and global impact. Through prestigious internships with organizations such as Amazon, USA Basketball, Nike, and the Manning Passing Academy, along with extensive campus involvement and national volunteer service, she continues to lead with purpose. From founding service initiatives and creating her own scholarship to earning recognition from President Biden for the Spirit of Community Award for hundreds of hours of community service, and President George W. Bush, during his Fox National News interview, for her ethics in athletics, her journey reflects a deep commitment to giving back, excellence in academics and athletics, and making a difference locally and globally. 

What is your major at Albany State University and what motivated you to learn more about that field?
My major is Exercise Science. I was motivated to pursue this field through my personal experiences as an athlete and from being injured while playing competitive volleyball. I realized how complex the human body is, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, bones, and more. Yet within that complexity, there is also simplicity in effective treatment.

I became fascinated by how the body heals, stretches, and responds to rehabilitation, even while in pain. During my own recovery, I was initially afraid to stretch, but I began to see the benefits and how rehabilitation positively impacted me both physically and mentally. The world of medicine is constantly evolving, and I find it unique that no two injuries are the same, no two people heal the same way, and no single rehabilitation plan works for everyone.

This is why listening to the patient is so important, along with understanding the treatment plan provided by the physician, to help restore both physical and mental well-being. You learn a great deal about a person through how they handle pain and adversity, and you can make a meaningful impact simply by taking the time to care for them.

Why did you choose ASU?
I chose ASU because, as a transfer student, it was the best decision for me holistically, financially, academically, and athletically. I am grateful I made that choice because I would not have met the friends I have today, built meaningful professional connections, or experienced opportunities that have already enhanced my career in sports.

The relationships I have formed with staff on campus have also been significant and life changing. I have even met some of my future bridesmaids here at Albany State.

What are you passionate about outside of ASU?
Outside of ASU, I am deeply passionate about helping others, especially those in need, gain access to the same resources and opportunities as everyone else. That passion led me to create my own scholarship, MiMi’s Give Back to ASU. I have been blessed by the many people who have poured into me, and I wanted to return that kindness by pouring into others in the same way it was given to me. As the saying goes, “To whom much is given, much is required.”

I am also passionate about being a role model for young Black girls as they navigate a society that sometimes tells them they are not enough or capable of achieving their dreams. Creating a legacy for myself and my future family is important to me, one they can be proud of and one that shows that if opportunity does not knock at your door, you can build your own door to open.

I am grateful for the chance to create opportunities not only for myself, but for my friends and future family, with the hope of building a legacy of excellence that lasts for generations to come.

What has been your favorite moment at ASU?
My favorite moment from ASU is becoming a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. As a legacy, this moment had been a long time coming, not only for me but especially for my mother. This experience stands out because I realized that transferring to this institution was bigger than me.

Throughout this journey, there have been purposefully ordered steps, people placed in my life at just the right time, and moments that aligned exactly as they were meant to. Becoming a member of this organization was one of those moments. There were people I did not know I needed, people who needed me, and connections waiting on the other side of my membership.

Joining this organization at Albany State added so many meaningful members to my village, relationships I would not have formed otherwise. I am deeply grateful for this sisterhood, as the relationships, connections, and experiences have helped shape the woman I am becoming.

Who has made the biggest impact on you at ASU?
The biggest impact on me at ASU has come from the students and faculty. They have shown me that it is okay to be vulnerable while maintaining professionalism, showing compassion without being invasive. They have taught me new ways to fall and pick myself up, as well as fresh perspectives on asking for help. They have supported me as I tried new things, even when I had no idea where to start. They remind me every day that sometimes your purpose is bigger than yourself, which is invaluable because, on difficult days, lessons like these keep you from giving up on yourself or anyone else.

What advice would you give to high school students interested in ASU?
To any high school student considering Albany State University, pursue this school and all it has to offer. Transitioning from a larger city, high school, or university can be challenging, but attending ASU is more than worth it. The RAMily is like no other! The support is genuine, and the memories are truly heartwarming.

As a smaller HBCU, we often must fight for resources and advocate for ourselves consistently. These experiences have taught me life skills I will carry into my career and future. ASU also shows us that hard work matters, and that you can make just as big an impact on people and your environment as you could at a larger campus or more well-known HBCU. What matters is your heart, your mindset, and your belief that you can make a difference wherever you are.

ASU teaches that sometimes reaching your goals requires taking a different route, which brings unique lessons, skill development, and connections along the way. Above all, ASU teaches perseverance, perspective, and how to create your own lane of success, measured by the standards you set for yourself.