When it comes to sprinting to excellence, Florida A&M University student-athlete, Tyler Symone-Brown, emerges as a remarkable force of inspiration.
Hailing from Dallas, Texas, Tyler is not only a dedicated business administration student and track and field star – but also an ambitious entrepreneur and owner of Dear Rattler, an online guide that serves as a beacon for current HBCU students navigating the intricacies of academic life.
Established in August 2022, Dear Rattler is an invaluable online guide dedicated to supporting current HBCU students.
Offering a comprehensive range of services, from financial literacy resources, FASFA and scholarship assistance to coveted internships with companies like Apple HBCU Scholars and Sony Music, Dear Rattler goes beyond academics, providing vital support for students’ physical and mental well-being while actively advocating against harmful legislation impacting the HBCU community.
Tyler’s journey into entrepreneurship was sparked by a desire to assist prospective college students in their pursuit of success.
“I knew right away that I wanted to attend an HBCU,” Brown said. “I toured FAMU, and that is what inspired me to start Dear Rattler, to help students find the HBCU that is right for them by providing scholarships resources.”
Triniti Hawkins, a friend of Brown, expressed her excitement for Brown’s entrepreneurial impact.
“Tyler’s passion for wanting to guide prospective HBCU students really shines through her virtual admissions guide Dear Rattler,” said Hawkins.
Her passion for empowering students goes beyond the academic realm, extending into financial literacy, scholarship applications, internship placements, job applications, and advocating against harmful legislation targeted at HBCU students.
While Tyler plays a crucial role in guiding others, she remains a dedicated student herself. Her unwavering motivation stems from a deep connection with her faith.
“My biggest motivation is God. I’m always helping students, but I’m also a student – and that helps me keep my focus with Dear Rattler by helping my peers anyway I can,” said Brown.
Looking ahead, Tyler envisions a future where she can make a significant impact in the legal field.
Expressing her aspirations, she shared, “My goal is to go to law school and work doing Industry Position trademarks, copyrights, and patents. I would love to help Black people protect their brand identity as far as their creative work. Unfortunately, African Americans have not had the best contract negotiations and protect their assets. I would love to play a role in creating Black wealth.”
William McPhail Jr., a close friend of Brown, has witnessed her ongoing tenacity as an entrepreneur and scholar.
“Whether it’s her schoolwork or projects like Dear Rattler, she puts in 110% effort,” said McPhail Jr. “It works for her because she works in faith and passion. That is why so many people like Dear Rattler because it is authentic and genuine; just like Tyler.”
Tyler’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to uplifting her community shine through in her advice to aspiring individuals.
“If someone has an idea to do something, just do it.,” Brown said. “If your genuine passion is to spread good, it doesn’t
matter how many likes you get or how much engagement you get – stick with it and do what makes you happy.”
Tyler Symone-Brown continues to strive as not only a dedicated FAMU student-athlete and scholar, but a trailblazer determined to leave a lasting impact on the lives of HBCU students, fostering a legacy of empowerment, education, and prosperity through.
For the latest updates and more on Dear Rattler, be sure to follow @dearrattler on Instagram.