As we near the end of the first semester and slowly trickle into finals week, I can't help but reminisce that this time last year, I was at the illustrious Howard University, an HBCU (Historically Black College or University). My one semester there molded me into someone I had always admired. I was exposed to a culture I couldn't get anywhere else; especially at Towson University, a PWI (Predominantly White Institution). I'm not saying one is better than the other, but the experiences I've taken so far with me have shown me a lot about myself and the world we live in.
Going into Howard, I was a little bit overwhelmed. I came from a predominately white school system and I wasn't really exposed to a lot of black people. The black friends I did have were African, so you can see so far how closed off I was. My parents were just as thrilled as I was that I was coming to Howard, and I knew that being the only kid from my school going here, I'd have to come out of my comfort zone and adjust to being alone.
I had signed up for a mentor the summer prior, and she was really amazing for my transition into college life. She made it really easy for me to go out and meet other people, which I was definitely not keen on doing. She even invited me to one of her club meetings, and I ended up joining. The club ended up helping me create more friendships and experiences that I had not gained before.
At Howard, I learned about "darties" (day parties), "popping out," and the infamous "Howard runaround." When I tell you that the runaround is serious, I mean it is serious.
But besides the negative, Howard taught me to be aware of my identity as a black person, and as a woman, in America. It taught me to be cognizant of my role in the world, and if I wanted something done, I had to fight for it. The courses at Howard also went into more depth about African American History than any PWI class could teach. All my classes were rooted in my history.
It was incredible.
I had grown so tired of learning about old white men, and Howard gave me that refreshing change that I needed. I learned about people who looked like me! Inspiring people, who if it wasn't for them, I wouldn't have the motivation to strive for success as I am doing now.
I'm so thankful for the memories and the wisdom I took with me. And I can't wait to also be that change. I am forever a Howard Bison.
