Below is one of my favorite scenes from, "A Different World". That scene, and that show lit a fire in me that could not be extinguished. I HAD TO ATTEND AN HBCU. For those who do not know, an HBCU is a Historically Black College or University that was founded before 1964. I grew up watching, "A Different World", fantasizing about the day I could go and experience everything that I saw on TV in my life. All I ever wanted was to go to an HBCU. I wanted to be a lawyer just like Freddy from the TV show. Unfortunately, my dreams and plans did not go with my pockets, so I had to change my plans a bit. I started off going to a community college full time while also working full time. It was hard and very challenging, but I never let go of my dream….an HBCU. Community college was cool. I met new people, had good passionate professors, but it still was not a family environment.
An opportunity came about that would forever change and shape my life. I got accepted into Virginia State University! It was the realization of a dream. I would finally have my "A Different World" moment. I would get to go to an HBCU.
From the moment I arrived at VSU, it was like another world. We were greeted immediately as soon as we arrived on campus. The football team helped moved us in while the marching band played all of our favorite songs. All the new incoming students quickly bonded as we all were moving in, singing "Pretty Brown Eyes" by Mint Condition. After we all moved in and our parents left, we had a meet and greet that night. It was like going to a barbecue or cook out with your family. They had everything that would normally be on the menu for a family get together. I was home. The next day we had a meeting in the auditorium about the family of Trojans and the history of VSU. The president spoke about how we are now family. We support each other, lift each other up, and push each other to greatness. We were one family. This was just day two.
I was in awe for a while being at VSU. I did not realize that I was in a different world until I went back home to visit and realized just how different the atmosphere was at VSU. It was a rich atmosphere where you are built up and affirmed. Even the education was a different vibe in the classroom. I had a few teachers who reminded me of Dwayne Wayne from "A Different World". They were more than just my professors. They taught me, they understood me, understood my walk, my path, my past and pushed me hard because they saw a bright future in me. It is hard to put into words just what my HBCU means to me. You really do go in one way and leave another. It was there that I learned the importance of volunteering and being a mentor. Serving my community to make it better starts with me. VSU taught me it’s OK to party and let my hair down every now and again. Hey, if you work hard its OK to enjoy a free night.
It all ended too soon and too fast for me. Due to financial issues I had to leave VSU before my journey there was complete. I was devastated for a long time. Nonetheless, I had to grow up, get a job and save my money. I did finish up school and got my degree online. I am currently finishing up my Master’s degree now online also. However, I plan to go for my Doctorate at an HBCU. Why not complete the journey where I have always wanted to be? My HBCU grew me and taught me so many invaluable life changing lessons; I am forever grateful and indebted to VSU. It is important to not let HBCU’s fall by the wayside and carry on the traditions from our past into the next generation. It is important that our young people know there is a place like this that exists. There is an experience and an education that is once in a lifetime. An HBCU was my choice, a decision I will never regret.
