Reality Check

Baylor's own reality TV celebrity returned to campus in September to share her keys to success with female business students. Only 27, Roxanne Wilson, BA 2000, has accumulated a lifetime's worth of experience and wisdom.
Although she made a lasting name for herself during her years at Baylor, most recognize her from her appearance on the popular reality TV show "The Apprentice." 
While working with the Baylor Alumni Association in the Austin area, Wilson was asked to pass the word around to young grads that "The Apprentice" crew was coming to do auditions for Baylor graduates on a special day. 
"As I was passing this information around to others, I figured why not audition myself," Wilson says. "I believe if a door opens, go through it and take the risk. You'll never know unless you try." Several interviews, tons of paperwork and a trip to Los Angeles later, Wilson was notified that she made it onto the show. 
She ended her time with "The Donald" as one of the top four contestants, a spot no other black woman had earned. "I learned that I can really step up to any challenge. And to work with the best and the brightest of the business industry and have them hear my ideas and think they're good is such a good feeling," Wilson says.
Wilson was invited back to campus in September by the Baylor Business Women, a new group on campus "dedicated to preparing women for what's to come after graduation," says Lauren Esau, president. She covered three topics that she's learned post-Baylor and believes all Baylor women should implement: leadership, balance and faith.
"Baylor is the best incubator for leadership," Wilson says. She is one to know about leading the Baylor community. She was the first woman to serve on the Baylor Chamber of Commerce and eventually became president. She was also the Diadeloso, parade, and homecoming chairman; Welcome Week leader; on the steering committee for Steppin' Out; a freshman class council member; and a supplemental instruction leader. Wilson also had time to earn a business degree in economics.
Maintaining balance is another one of Wilson's keys to success. "Business isn't everything. Work is not everything. But it is important to find something you love. Life is too short to do something you don't like," Wilson says. She describes herself as a retired lawyer and plans a career in public speaking and broadcasting. She also created a book of prayers while on "The Apprentice." "I'm working harder now than when I was a lawyer," Wilson says.
"Women want it all," she says, "but 'all' isn't necessarily the same for everyone. Define it for yourself and seize it."
Esau agrees with Wilson. "The most important thing is to wake up and test yourself to make sure you're doing something you love."
Finally, Wilson told students to "find faith and figure out what it means to you." She says that often the right answer is the hard answer, and advised trusting one's instincts. "Pray before you make any questionable decisions and think about who you are. I wouldn't be where I am today without a sense of who I am and my faith in Jesus Christ," Wilson says. Cate Giblan, a Cabot, Ark., sophomore who attended the event, said she "was impressed by the way Wilson was able to incorporate faith and balance in the business world."
Wilson began working as a certified Jazzercise instructor through law school and will be appearing in a catalog. She still serves Baylor as an alumni association board member, Student Life advisory board member, Baylor Business Network Austin committee member and a Baylor Young Grad Network Austin committee member.
As for her plans of becoming a U.S. Supreme Court justice--"If the President called me up, how could I say no? Might I get back to that dream? Absolutely!"