Oklahoma is a slow state compared to the other 50. It is very late to catch up on music, certain trends and it is not as big as other states when it comes to diversity. Some things Oklahomans take very serious are football and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite KD's decision to leave the state and head west, we are all finding our ways to cope with his decision as he joins a new team. Speaking of west, in the middle of these two factors of Oklahoma lies a college named after John Mercer Langston, founded in 1897. It is the western most historically black college and university in the United States.
Besides many other reasons to live in the state of Oklahoma, Langston University is a H.B.C.U. which predominantly has an African American population. The school is located in a rural area which gives me the vibe of home to my family from East Texas. Langston University is unique in its own way and has just as much to share as any other school. The Langston Motto is "Find the Lion in You," which really serves as an H.B.C.U. In a world where it seems like you are so different from everyone else, at a H.B.C.U. like Langston, you fit right in no matter how different you are or where you come from.
From my experience so far, it seems that historically black colleges and Universities serve as a place for change and enlightenment. It is a place where you can begin your life as an young adult and began to shape yourself into who you are in life. I never pictured myself at a H.B.C.U. originally but I am glad I made the decision because it has raised my awareness for myself. Personally, before I attended a H.B.C.U., I was enrolled at a community college with many older residents and high school graduates from my city. I felt stagnant attending those courses, alone and like there was no one there to surround myself for inspiration to keep going by myself. Nothing against a community college, but there is a sense of freedom at a university. Upon attending my H.B.C.U., I instantly noticed the energy held by adults my age going after the same goals as me, and they look like me and grew up in many similar ways.
A historically black college and university gives one enlightenment, raises awareness and it gives love and care from a supporting staff and student body. One can also learn many hard-knock life lessons, but that is a part of life. There are many stories and backgrounds all in one place, but we are all the same. We all come together and connect. Before, after and even in between class, one can just wind-down by the many activities there are to do, especially partying, which is a part of all colleges. At the end of the day, as long as you take care of your responsibilities, call your parents to let them know you are breathing and passing your courses. You are going to do great at a historically black college and university.
