Eden Boles is a senior Biology major at Howard University, with double minors in Chemistry and Community Health. Originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, she has built her academic journey on discipline, intention, and a clear vision for impact.
With plans to pursue dermatology alongside a Master of Public Health, Eden is focused on addressing health disparities in Black and Brown communities—particularly in areas of skin health that are often overlooked. Her work is rooted not just in ambition, but in lived experience, cultural awareness, and a deep commitment to service.
But beyond her credentials, what stands out most is how she shows up—with confidence, clarity, and a strong sense of identity shaped by her HBCU experience.
In this conversation, Eden shares what it means to grow, lead, and pursue purpose in spaces designed to reflect and nurture Black excellence.
Interviewer: What does being an HBCU student mean to you personally?
Eden: Being an HBCU student feels like coming home to a place I never knew I always needed. As a girl from Little Rock, Arkansas, I was often one of the few Black faces in the classroom. But here, I’m surrounded by brilliance that looks like me, with people who are diverse in thought and perspective. Being at an HBCU has allowed me to walk with pride, speak with confidence, and grow in rooms where Black excellence isn’t the exception—it’s the standard.
I: Who or what inspired you to attend an HBCU?
Eden: I’ll never forget when a Howard student ambassador told me, “You have the rest of your life to be a minority, but you can spend the next four years being the majority.” That stuck with me. I chose Howard because I wanted to be poured into—not just academically, but culturally and spiritually. I needed a space where I could dream boldly and be held accountable by a community that understands the unique strength in my Blackness. Once you become a Bison, you’re part of that legacy for life.
I: How do you bring your “swag” to campus life?
Eden: My swag shows up in how I carry myself—through my commitment to service, my love for learning, and my Southern charm. I bring my hometown with me wherever I go, which means I show up with grace, grit, and gratitude. Whether I’m leading, mentoring, or simply being myself, I let my passion for health equity and my love for my people speak for me.
I: What does your HBCU teach you about Black excellence?
Eden: Howard teaches me that Black excellence isn’t just about achievement—it’s about intention, community, and impact. It looks like late-night study sessions with friends who become family, professors who pour into you, and a campus that challenges you while reminding you that you’re already enough. It’s rooted in resilience and expressed through joy.
I: What’s your major, and how do you plan to use it to uplift your community?
Eden: I’m a Biology major with minors in Community Health and Chemistry. I plan to become a dermatologist while also earning my MPH so I can merge clinical care with community-based solutions. I want to address health disparities in Black and Brown communities, especially in skin health. My goal is to open a clinic that provides both treatment and education—bridging gaps in care that I witnessed growing up.
I: Where do you see yourself in five years—and how is your HBCU helping you get there?
Eden: In five years, I see myself in a dermatology residency, working toward my MPH, and advocating for equitable healthcare access. Howard is actively preparing me for that path—not just through academics, but through mentorship and community. It’s not just about earning a degree—it’s about building a legacy and impacting lives.
I: What advice would you give to a high school student considering an HBCU?
Eden: Don’t let anyone make you think choosing an HBCU means choosing less. It means choosing empowerment. It’s choosing to be celebrated and challenged at the same time. If you want to grow as a leader, thinker, and whole person, there’s no better place to do that. You deserve to be surrounded by people who see your excellence before you even prove it.
I: How can the SwagHer community connect with you?
Eden: You can connect with me on Instagram at @eden.boles or on LinkedIn at Eden Boles.
Eden Boles represents a generation of young women who are not only pursuing excellence—but redefining it. Through her commitment to healthcare, community impact, and cultural pride, she is building a future rooted in purpose and service. Her journey is a reminder that when environment, identity, and ambition align, the result is not just success—but legacy in the making.
