Believe me, it's really not that bad. Towson treats me well (we won't talk about the food though). I'm learning new things each and every day. I have an abundance of tools that I need to succeed. I'm sure you do too. But I have to say, your belittlement used to fog my mind, and the constant wonder of whether or not I made the right choice clouded my own judgment. It took a while but I've now realized that the quality of my education won't be diminished by your "shade."

I hold no regrets with my decision, and I won't let you steal that joy away from me.

Sure, I won't experience the typical HBCU advantages (extravagant homecomings, majorettes and marching bands, etc.), but I'm honestly content with where I am. No, I don't think that my education is valued more than yours. The quality of your education is just as important as mine. You deserve the best education you could possibly attain. Truly, I understand I may face occasional ignorant remarks, but I am capable of stepping right over them and moving forward.

Yes, there is plenty of black folks here, and the present culture on campus remains to withstand your opposing opinions. For a minute you made me feel like my "blackness" didn't count. You can rest assured that it actually does. I don't need to go to an HBCU to affirm the identity of my "blackness." Believe it or not, being a minority has its perks. In fact, I feel more aware of who I am because I am a part of the minority. I know who I am, and I'm no different from you. So don't worry about me. Worry about you.

I have many friends of different backgrounds, and that's not to say that you cannot find that at an HBCU. It's to say that I feel accepted and embraced as the person that I am. If you find a place where you feel your true self and love yourself, the kind of institution plays less a significant role in the grand scheme of this thing we call life. I take pride in where I go to school and feel accomplished. To be honest, I can never equate my PWI experiences with an HBCU. I fully support them and understand the significance. But I love my PWI, not just socially but academically, and you cannot change my mind.

Attending a PWI constantly drives me to challenge the stereotypes black students face on a day-to-day basis. Each and every day I can prove to myself and others that our race holds knowledgable, intelligent, and ambitious qualities. I wish that you achieve your dreams and that you're comfortable where you are. I trust your feelings are mutual. Let's win together.