Milan Love Marches to Her Own Rhythm Towards a Future in Education

Four years ago, Milan Love '27 arrived at Bowie State University with two diverse passions: music and a desire to help children learn. Today, the Upper Marlboro, Md. native thrives in both pursuits as an Early Childhood and Special Education major in the College of Education, and as a seasoned trombonist in the university's Symphony of Soul Marching Band.

"I chose Bowie State for reasons that felt both practical and personal. I grew up in Prince George's County, and I wanted to stay close to family while attending college. Bowie State's strong reputation and connections to my high school teachers helped make the decision easier."

Although she explored other colleges in the region, Love says that Bulldog Nation stood out.

"I had teachers who attended Bowie State, and they spoke very highly of it."

Music provided another path to campus. Love's high school band director knew Billy Bennett, BSU's director of university bands and music coordinator. The two musical leaders shared a longtime connection, and they helped Love secure an audition.

On audition day, she performed her chromatic scales and a musical selection for Bennett. The performance paid off immediately.

"I received a scholarship on the spot. That really encouraged me to apply to Bowie."

Love's musical journey began much earlier than high school. As an elementary student at a charter school, every pupil was required to select an instrument. Her music teacher recommended that she try the trombone, believing its sliding mechanism would fit her personality and interests.

"My mom and I went to a music store, and the trombone was taller than me! But I embraced the challenge, learned how to play it, and never looked back. I've been playing the trombone since fourth grade."

Her commitment to all forms of education stems from an even deeper source: her family. Love's sister was born prematurely and has autism and other special needs. Watching her mother advocate tirelessly for her sister's educational support left a lasting impression.

"My mom and I were her first teachers. We learned sign language so we could better communicate with her."

As Love grew older, she noticed how special education professionals worked closely with her sister and witnessed firsthand the difference skilled educators can make in a child's life.

Those experiences inspired her decision to pursue a career in special education.

At Bowie State, faculty members have strengthened her passion. One professor who has made a significant impact is Dr. Antonia Charles-Strowbridge from the Department of Teaching, Learning & Professional Development. Love credits her with helping her develop her own instincts as an educator, particularly in lesson planning.

"Lesson planning for special ed is very tedious, but it became one of my strengths because of Dr. Charles-Stowbridge's guidance."

She also admires her professor's energy and commitment to students.

"You can tell teaching is her passion. She gives us real-life experiences that help us connect the dots."

While academics shape her professional future, the Symphony of Soul Marching Band continues to define much of Love's Bulldog experience.

"I've lived on campus since my first year, because of the band's schedule. Band camp begins two weeks before classes start and runs from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day."

She remembers arriving at Bowie State feeling nervous, especially as she adjusted to the band's unique marching style.

"In high school, we started everything on the right side. At Bowie, everything starts and ends on the left. But from the first day, older band members helped me navigate the transition. I always had someone willing to help me."

For more than 40 years, the Symphony of Soul has been a tangible symbol of Bulldog pride and musical excellence. The band's electrifying performances and fancy drilling maneuvers attract national attention. Earlier this year, the band claimed its fourth consecutive CIAA Fan Favorite title.

Love says she doesn't fully realize what the marching band has accomplished until she sees the footage.

"When I'm in the middle of marching, I can't see the whole view. I already know we're flipping our horns, using a lot of movement and bringing great energy. But when I see video, I realize I was part of a diamond shape or some other kind of complicated move. I love the designs that our drill instructor comes up with, and I just say wow!"

Love helps continue the proud marching band tradition by mentoring younger students through recruitment events, Saturday Bulldog Band programs and outreach visits to local schools.

As she looks ahead, Love encourages incoming students to embrace every opportunity Bulldog Nation offers.

"Be open and present, and don't be afraid to explore the academic, social and personal sides of Bowie State. Ask questions, build relationships and take advantage of every opportunity. The university will give you everything you put into it and more."

Her final piece of advice mirrors the spirit she has found on campus.

"Embrace Black excellence, because it's who we are."