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Kentucky State University students received career and life advice from two entertainers who are nationally known during the Student Government Association Black History Assembly.

Rocsi Diaz, best known as the co-host of 106 & Park from 2006 to 2012, and Lance Green, best known for his role as Calvin Payne on Tyler Perry’s House of Payne and Tyler Perry’s The Paynes, served as the special celebrity guests.

Creating your own path was a theme that resounded throughout the assembly.

Diaz mentioned Oprah as one of her favorite figures in black history because she spoke up for herself and was tenacious in paving her own way.

“She showed us the blueprint of what to do,” Diaz said.

Gross said he also admired people who aren’t afraid to create their own path.

“Tyler Perry, who is like family to me, created his own blueprint and made his own way,” Gross said.

Gross also extolled the virtues of hard work in achieving your goals.

“Never be afraid to work hard,” Gross said. “Anything is possible, any goal is reachable if you put in the work.”

Gross added that his father told him that as an African-American, he would have to work twice as hard to get half the result.

“Me being willing to work, I knew that I could do it,” Gross said. “I like to work. It’s like fuel to me.”

Diaz spoke about her experience as a woman in the workplace.

“We have to work together,” Diaz said. “Find out what a man’s motives and intentions are with you. You cannot rely on them, ladies. Rely on each other.”

Diaz added that every opportunity isn’t always a great opportunity.

“You have to know it’s OK to walk away,” Diaz said. You cannot be scared to stand up. Another opportunity will come. Believe and trust that.”

During a Q&A session with students, Diaz and Gross spoke about how they got into their respective industries, how faith has driven their careers, what motivates them and what they wish they knew when they started in the business.

“I wish I would have known more about business,” Diaz said. “Start stacking your money so you can follow your dreams.”

“I wish I would have started investing my money earlier,” Gross said.

Diaz and Gross also said that social media allows people to be their own best promoter and to build their own fanbase.

“You have so many outlets that others didn’t have,” Diaz said. “Stop being focused on getting (entertainment industry workers’) attention and let them come to you. The more of a name you are, the more they’ll be like, ‘Oh, something’s buzzing in Kentucky.’”

Two students were also the recipients of the Student Government Association scholarships.

Rian Hairston and Lawrence Avery Gardner received $1000 scholarships from the student organization.