It has only been one month since I've been at my beloved HBCU, North Carolina A&T State University and I already feel like I've learned more than I did in my four years in high school. No, I don't mean more equations and formats, but I mean real valuable lessons, memories, and even just little tiny things that will stick with me forever. What an honor it is to spend everyday with like-minded an intelligent people, while getting an education at the #1 Public HBCU in the nation.
1. Black Excellence
Black excellence has always been something I've witnessed from my parents, sister, and role models, but the amount of black excellence I've witnessed in the last month on campus is truly immaculate. Getting to spend every moment with all this driven melanin only makes me want to strive to become greater.
2. HBCU Parties
Let me first start by saying, that although HBCU's get a bad rap for being party schools it's not true. Sure, we know how to get down, but we also know how to take care of our books before the partying starts. Anyways, what I've learned from HBCU parties is you should never pay to party if you're a girl; plain and simple. As well as this, don't fall for it when a party says they are free until 11, because I guarantee you, no matter how long you stand in that line the doors will open at 10:59, and maybe just maybe the first person in line will get in for free.
3. Get to Fried Chicken Friday Early
So, maybe the stereotype is true. Maybe Black people really do love fried chicken. This being said, get to Fried Chicken Friday early, so you do not become a victim to the line inside the caf that looks like it's a line for the best ride at an amusement park.
4. Everyday is a Fashion Show
When I tell you Black people like to show out I mean it! Everyday at an HBCU is a fashion show for some folk. No matter the weather, the day, or the time there will be people dressed in heels, suits, and their best attire whether it's to get to class, the caf, or the library.
5. Don't Drop Your Plate
If you are in the caf and there's even a slight possibility that you're carrying more than you can handle then set something down, because I guarantee you if you drop a plate, a cup, or even silverware, you will have the whole entire caf applauding you for you innocent accident.
6. Rep Your Area Code
Okay, so before coming to Greensboro, I had never even heard or experienced people repping their area code at functions. However, as soon as I got here I noticed that that was a very common and boastful activity done at every event. Pretty much, they tell you to rep your city and everyone starts yelling out their area codes and various numbers and signs, all of which none include Kansas, because who's actually from Kansas?
7. Pride
Nobody on this earth is more proud than an HBCU graduate. Furthermore, no HBCU graduate is more proud than one who attended North Carolina A&T State University. CAN I GET AN AGGIE PRIDE?
8. Networking
It really is about who you know in this world and the cool thing is that there is pretty much an Aggie in every state which is why I've learned that it is so important to network with all different types of people on this campus and specifically the ones in your major. There's going to come a time where you might need some help, you're in another state, you need a reference, or you need to collaborate on a project. Who you gonna call? AN AGGIE.
9. Black is Beautiful
Never in my life have I seen so many beautiful black people. Black girl magic is real. Black men magic is real. That HBCU glow is real and all the melanin popping on this campus is truly surreal.
10. HBCU Hymns
No, I don't mean the songs from that book next to the bible in church. I mean the songs you are bound to hear at an HBCU and the ones where you should probably move out the way or start dancing to, no matter how hot it is. These include Knuck If You Buck, Faneto, Swag Surf, and Back That Azz Up.
11. History
The history of an HBCU is what make them truly vital to this country. Everywhere you walk on this campus, it is enriched in pure history, and for that I am thankful I chose this school and now get to be apart of the legacy it leaves behind.
12. It's Okay to Be Me
So many times in my life, I've had to blend in and act a certain way to be perceived as well mannered or acceptable to the dominant culture of this country. But being at an HBCU has taught me that it's okay to be me. It's okay to love my blackness. It's okay to be proud of my culture and for that I will boast and forever be thankful for the immense pride and mini life lessons this school has already ingrained in me.
