NIYAH HAYWOOD
Having always valued being part of something bigger than herself, incoming genetics freshman Niyah Haywood is ready to embrace life as a Clemson Tiger this fall.
Niyah is from Columbia, South Carolina, and graduated from Spring Valley High School, where she ranked eighth in a class of 492 while staying actively involved in cheerleading, track and field, Student Council, HOSA, and the Science, Spanish, Social Studies, and National Honor Societies.
“I was founder and president of my school’s Student Athlete Leadership Team (SALT for short). My favorite achievement sports-wise was becoming president of the South Carolina High School League’s Student Athlete Advisory Council, where I was able to showcase my leadership and influence high school athletics across the state… I’ve also completed independent research projects and presented at the Science and Engineering Fair and South Carolina Junior Academy of Science.”
For Niyah, Clemson offered the perfect balance of strong academics, school spirit, leadership opportunities and a campus culture that felt supportive and connected. But the biggest draw was the chance to study genetics — a field that truly interests her — at the only university in South Carolina with a genetics major.
“Clemson felt like the best place for me to grow personally, academically, and professionally. The plethora of research opportunities and opportunities given through the HRC definitely put a check in the pro column as well. Overall, Clemson felt like a place where I could challenge myself while still building community and preparing for a future in research and healthcare.”
Niyah’s interest in genetics comes from the curiosity to understand not just what happens, but why it happens, drawn to how small changes at the molecular level can create larger effects in health and biology.
“I enjoy connecting research with real-world impact. Genetics combines my interests in discovery, problem-solving and improving people’s lives through science and medicine.”
After arriving on campus this fall, Niyah is looking forward to game days, joining a few science-related clubs, being accepted into and graduating from the Honors College, lake days with friends, gaining a sense of independence and becoming a Clemson Tiger.
“Being a Clemson Tiger means being part of something bigger than myself. It’s a community that values excellence, tradition, leadership and connection. To me, it represents the opportunity to challenge myself academically, grow as a person and pursue my goals while creating lifelong memories and relationships. It means showing school spirit, embracing new experiences and leaving Clemson having made a meaningful impact on the people and places around me.”
SARAH SPRATLIN BULLOCK
Growing up in a devoted University of Georgia family, incoming genetics freshman Sarah Spratlin Bullock — “SS” to her friends — spent countless weekends cheering on the Bulldogs, following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather, both former Georgia baseball players. She could see her higher education path pretty clearly, until two years ago when her brother, Truman, chose Clemson.
“It flipped my world upside down. I wanted somewhere that everyone was obsessed with. I wanted somewhere that people got involved and stayed involved, somewhere that people loved for their whole lives. Because of my brother and the Clemson friends we made along the way, I knew Clemson was my place too.”
From Greenville, SC, Sarah attended Christ Church Episcopal School from kindergarden to her senior year where she was involved in all things performing: cheer, theatre and choir.
“I cheered in the London New Year’s Day Parade as a UCA All American this year, and it was one of the most special experiences of my life! I acted in two shows a year at school and am an assistant director for the middle school every year.”
In addition, Sarah serves on the Youth Leadership Team at Buncombe Street Methodist Church, a camp counselor for Vacation Bible School, was a school ambassador and a member of the prom committee.
Sarah has always had a particular interest in biology, her physician dad being her biggest inspiration to go into the science field, planning to go into premed just like him. As she moved up in school and started taking more challenging biology courses, she became interested in genetics.
“I’ve developed a particular interest in genetics thanks to my AP Bio teacher, Mrs. Unger, who arranged us a trip to the Greenwood Genetics Center. I think people are wonderful, and I would love nothing more than to learn more about how we are all so uniquely us.”
So excited to get to campus in the Fall, Sarah plans on being very active in clubs and organizations across campus, taking in the full Clemson experience. She plans to join ‘everything [she] can,’ such as Greek life, the sailing and line-dancing clubs, choir, FCA and Central Spirit.
“I am excited for the people and experiences. College is a time to grow as a person, shape others, and be shaped in return, so I am excited for those new friends, swims in the lake, study dates over coffee, worship nights, dances, and beyond. I am excited to see who I will become and who I will meet along the way!”
