It’s not everyday that someone gets the chance to meet one of their favorite singers. But for Canisha Cierra Turner, she was given that chance along with being honored by one of music’s greatest performers, Janet Jackson. For the Janet Jackson 20 Under 20, the freshman Agricultural Business major from Waverly, VA was honored on March 25.

The Janet Jackson 20 Under 20 induction was developed from Jackson’s Number Ones, Up Close and Personal tour. For each city Jackson is visiting on her tour, she plans to meet, honor and recognize up to 20 young people under the age of 20 for the extraordinary contributions to their local communities.

Jackson’s search for extraordinary individuals was held from December through March in Atlantic City, New Jersey where Turner was selected. She was nominated into the induction from her brother.

“When I received this, I was so excited that I was getting the chance to meet my 2nd favorite icon,” said Turner.

Turner added and expressed that she is a die hard Michael Jackson fan followed by Janet Jackson, Beyonce and Jennifer Hudson.

Those selected received 2 tickets to Janet’s Number Ones, Up Close and Personal tour and got a chance to meet Janet Jackson backstage.

Not only was Turner excited about meeting Jackson she wanted to give her a gift. “Everyone gives artists flowers and I wanted to be different,” said Turner. She had put together a scrapbook of all of her community service and inspirations for Jackson to remember her by. Although Turner had insight of giving Jackson her gift, Turner had to deal with some security issues. “The security guard told me that Janet was not receiving gifts and I felt hurt,” said Turner. Due to  miscommunication between the publicist and security, Turner was finally told that she had the capability to give Jackson her gift. “My brother had to run all the way back downstairs to get the scrapbook and he made it just in time before we walked in to see her,” said Turner.

Turner highly expressed that Jackson was a very humble individual and she did not have a diva persona towards the young honorees around her. As Turner talked to her, Jackson listened attentively, smiled, and commended Turner for her service.

Now being recognized by Janet Jackson on a national level, Turner has shown even more exemplary academic, leadership and community attributes here at North Carolina A&T. She is currently a member Alpha Lambda Delta Freshmen Honor Society, the Executive Assistant to the outgoing Student Government Association President, Wayne Kimball, a member of the SGA Lobby Day Committee, Common Cause: The

Movement, MANRRS, and a Research Undergraduate Assistant in the Department of Agricultural Business just to name a few. She is the upcoming 2011-2012 Miss Alpha Lambda Delta.

Turner feels that it is perfect to be of service to people by assisting them in fully living out their purpose in life.

“If I have helped someone along the way, then my living shall not be in vain,” Turner concludes.

• Jonathan Veal