My Historically Black College and University (HBCU) means so much to me because the lessons I have learned in my short time here will last me a life time, and then some.
But if I go into telling you the story of those lessons we’re going to have to do some time traveling, okay?
So, hop in your time machine, travel back five years in the past, and find 15-year-old me.
Ask me what college am I interested in attending. I’ll probably say something along the lines of, “I haven’t thought about it much,” and I’ll probably add that I’ll figure it out when it gets closer to that time.
Fair warning…do not believe me. The truth is that, I probably couldn’t name you more than three universities, and any school popular enough that I would know the name of, was not one that I would expect to be accepted to.
Fast-forward two years, find 17-year-old me, and ask me the same question. I’ll probably say something along the lines of, “I don’t know, I’m in between a few different schools” and I’ll probably add that I have a bit of time left to figure it out.
Fair warning…do not believe me. The truth is that I hadn’t even applied to more than three schools, and only because it was a requirement for Senior Seminar.
I couldn’t picture myself receiving an acceptance letter in from anywhere, so I didn’t waste my time on applications.
Now fast-forward another three years and find present me.
Don’t bother asking all of those questions because it no longer applies.
Instead ask me what I have learned from my HBCU. This time I’ll have a certain answer.
Fair warning…believe me when I say I’ve learned at least three things.
My HBCU has (1) taught me to love myself and my culture in a way that I would have never thought to. I learned to embrace my tightly curled hairs, and to appreciate the thickness of my dreadlocks.
Although I have never been ashamed of my dark skin, I cannot say that I truly loved it until I surrounded myself with those whose skin matched mine.
My HBCU has (2) opened my eyes to the beauty of my black women. I don’t think there is any place other than my HBCU where I could meet so many strong, beautiful, confident and talented black women.
I don’t think there is any place other than my HBCU where I would feel so driven to set an example for black women that black men can be great too.
My HBCU has (3) taught me that hard work and dedication are all the tools needed to be successful in this world.
I faced so many obstacles on the road to get here, some once I arrived, and then some every so often, but my HBCU has taught me to love my obstacles.
I learn every time I get knocked down.
My HBCU has shown me that getting to college is only part of the battle and the rest can only be obtained through determination.
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The Great Awakening: My HBCU
November 15, 2017
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