#HotNerdFall: Megan Thee Stallion, Yara Shahidi & Other Celebs Who Put Their Education First
In 2016, black women became the most educated demographic in the US, further proving the theory that our mothers didn't raise any fools. Whether you went to a PWI, HBCU, community college or trade school, getting a little extra training in your field of choice is always a good idea.
While college may not be the only route to success, it can certainly illuminate a number of pathways. This was especially true for celebrities like Megan Thee Stallion and Yara Shahidi, who are both currently pursuing four-year degrees while maintaining full-time entertainment careers. This fall, Yara is heading back to Harvard for her sophomore year, and Megan, who is enrolled at Texas Southern studying health administration, says that she's fully prepared to make this a #HotGirlSemester to remember. The rapper told Access Hollywood:
"So, being a hot girl is like a lifestyle and everybody knows I'm still in college. It's gonna be a real hot girl semester, you know what I'm saying? Real hot nerd fall. So, I'm just about to start putting on for all my school girls."
After losing her mother earlier this year to a long-standing brain tumor, Megan has her sights set on using her platform to put other women on the power of education and open assisted living homes in Houston. She continued:
"I want to show other girls how happy I am and how confident I am, how I still want to go to school and I still want to rap. I just want to be like a good example to somebody in the future."
Along with Meg, here are four other celebrities who will inspire you to have one helluva #HotNerdFall:
Yara Shahidi
While Yara may be on track to be a giant in the entertainment industry now, she also says that she will not compromise her education for a chance at Hollywood. After taking a gap year, Yara began her sophomore year in 2018, accompanied by a recommendation letter written by Michelle Obama herself. In an interview with Glamour, the actress said:
"Hollywood isn't moving anywhere. I'll figure it out when I get back."
Issa Rae
College is good for more than just a degree, being in school can allow you to meet some major contacts too, sis. Just ask Issa Rae, who met the co-producer of her first major web series, Tracy Oliver, while pursuing African American studies at Stanford.
Ciara
Generating multiple streams of income ain't easy, so Ciara enrolled in Harvard's four-day intensive business program to equip herself with all the tools she needs to be a mommy mogul. The "Level Up" singer said that taking the classes not only helped her dreams of being a college grad come true but helped further the agenda of her new entertainment label, Beauty Marks.
Lupita Nyong’o
Before her breakout role in 12 Years a Slave, Lupita was getting her college degrees all the way together. After graduating with a bachelor's in theatre studies from Hampshire College, Lupita went on to study acting at the Yale School of Acting.
Featured image by lev radin / Shutterstock.com
Taylor "Pretty" Honore is a spiritually centered and equally provocative rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a love for people and storytelling. You can probably find me planting herbs in your local community garden, blasting "Back That Thang Up" from my mini speaker. Let's get to know each other: @prettyhonore.
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Exclusive: Tristan Mack Wilds Talks Being His Wife's Biggest Fan
As a singer and actor, Tristan Mack Wilds is used to being in the spotlight. But when it comes to his wife, Christina Wilds, he has no problem playing in the background. During xoNecole's exclusive xoMan conversation with the multihyphenate, Tristan shared that as a husband, he puts forth the effort to make sure Christina is supported in all of her endeavors.
“No one in the world doesn’t like feeling [invalidated], especially by their partner," the Swagger star said. "I want to make sure my wife understands that not only am I her biggest fan, but I’m supporting her in any way I can. It’s less about my career and more about her feeling [supported] in everything that she does and that we do."
Christina is a children's book author and the founder of Tristyn's Book Club, which was created to help close the gap between Black children and others when it comes to reading.
The two met on the set of The Wire when they were 15, and their love continued to blossom from there. However, just like life has its peaks and valleys, so did their relationship. “I think in any successful relationship, you go through ups and downs. It’s just like life or career choices," Tristan said. "Before you can consider yourself a solidified success, God is gonna put you through tumultuous downs and super-high beautiful ups so that you can feel the emotions and ride it out until you guys understand each other’s flow.”
The couple share two daughters and gives fans a glimpse into their family life on social media.
