When I’yana James arrived in New York City for an appearance on NBC’s “Today Show” Monday, the Caroline County native and Virginia Tech senior was under the impression she was there solely to present a 60th birthday gift to television personality Hoda Kotb, one of the show’s hosts.
But after the Virginia Tech-themed gift basket for Kotb was displayed, co-host Jenna Bush Hager announced a surprise.
Hager informed James that, because of her perseverance in completing an undergraduate degree at Virginia Tech, she was being awarded the first-ever Hoda Kotb Scholarship.
Virginia Tech’s mascot emerged holding the $20,000 check as James and her mother, Toshia James, looked on stunned.
“When they told me on camera [Monday], they were like, ‘We actually have a gift for you and Hoda, and I was like, ‘What’s going on?’ James said. “And then they presented me with a gift, and I was like ‘Oh my god, this is insane.’ I’m extremely grateful and appreciative, but it was completely unexpected.”
“Today Show” host Hoda Kotb hugs Caroline County native I’yana James after presenting her a $20,000 scholarship during Monday’s episode.
Kotb is a 1986 Virginia Tech graduate who majored in broadcast journalism. James, a 2017 Caroline High School graduate, is also studying communications and majoring in public relations.
When “Today Show” producers were searching for a Virginia Tech student to present a gift to Kotb on behalf of the school, James’ advisor suggested she would make a good fit.
Like Kotb, she is a first-generation college student. James believed the pre-arranged interviews that aired Monday were part of a process by which producers would select someone to appear on the show and present a gift to Kotb.
“When the entire thing started, they wanted to hear my story,” James said. “They told me there were some other students they were considering as well.”
James’ story revolved around battles with anxiety and depression that led to her taking significant time away from school to focus on her mental health. James returned home to Caroline, then moved to Richmond with a roommate to learn more about herself.
“I didn’t necessarily know what depression and anxiety was when I was going through it,” James said. “But I just knew that I didn’t feel good. I had no motivation to do anything. I had stopped going to class. My grades were tanking. I was not in a good place mentally.”
James said her decision to leave school coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic and therefore was an opportune time to focus on her well-being. Her mom, Toshia, worked two jobs to help with her tuition in her first go-around at Virginia Tech. But when James returned, she worked both in the school’s dining hall and a Sheetz convenience store to offset the costs.
During the “Today Show” segment, it was noted that she also participates on a dance team and her grades have greatly improved since her return. James said although her graduation timeline has changed, the sabbatical proved beneficial.
“I felt like being out in [Richmond] just presented me with an opportunity to heal myself and learn more about myself and what I wanted to do and the direction I wanted to go,” James said. “I started taking a couple of online classes while I was there and that gave me the encouragement and the push to come back here and finish my degree.”
James initially majored in animal and poultry science at Virginia Tech — because she wanted to become a veterinarian — but switched to communications when she returned to the school.
After graduating in December, she plans to further her education by taking American Sign Language classes. One of her goals is to become a sign language interpreter for a major company.
“I definitely think communications is more my speed, specifically public relations,” James said. “It allows me to do things that I’m happy about.”
James said the appearance on the show marked the first time she and her mother visited New York City, a novelty that added to the excitement. After returning home, friends and family showered her with congratulatory calls and messages.
Kotb told James she has a bright future and requested that she gives a “pinky promise” to meet again.
“You’re going to do great things, incredible things,” Kotb said. “And when you do, will you come back and tell us about it?”
“I absolutely will,” James said.
