Alumni Then & Now: AJ Haynes — Centenary Magazine

AJ Haynes is a 2011 graduate of Centenary College. She is currently traveling the country touring with her band, The Seratones and fulfilling film opportunities. AJ recently returned home for the opening of the new Caddo Common Park for a special performance.

Centenary Days

During my time at Centenary I majored in English with an emphasis in Communication and also completed a Master of Arts in Teaching at Centenary. As an undergraduate I was involved in Cantare, KSCL, and theatre. For so much of my collegiate experience, I was in survival mode. I had anywhere from 2-5 jobs (student worker for English department, writing lab tutor, teacher at the Renzi Center, music gigs, babysitting, service industry, and other various odd gigs) all while maintaining a full course load. Because I was mostly financially dependent by necessity, I had to hustle. In retrospect, I wish that I had more community accountability for self-care and self-preservation.

Life in 2022

I split my time between Shreveport and my cabin in North Mississippi, but I am mostly in transit due to touring and film opportunities. There is no typical day! I have so many varied experiences day-to-day due to the nature of my work, so typical is not part of my lived experience. Currently I am focused on cultivating stillness and peace, and having a strong, nurturing community that uplifts my freedom and autonomy.

What was your favorite off campus hang out spot?

Big D’s BBQ, my friends and I used to put on DIY punk shows there. Big D has the best chopped beef sandwiches.

Who was your favorite professor?

That’s a trick question. I’ll say that my experiences were my greatest teachers.

What lessons did you learn from Centenary that you bring into your work with The Seratones?

I believe that synthesis is one of the beautiful elements of a liberal arts education. The class that had the biggest impact on me was Dr. Hamming's Queer Theory class. I have carried so many of these lessons through my life and art.

What advice would you give to Centenary students?

Be curious and prioritize play. The lies of white supremacist structures makes us believe that only seriousness and struggle bring genius. Hold on to your joy. Your body is a site for liberation--tend to it with loving kindness. Find a community that helps you see the beauty of yourself in all your conflicts, complications, and messiness. Hold each other in loving kindness.