As a contributing journalist for HBCU Connect it is always my pleasure to bring you, the reader, HBCU news that you can use.
Last week I wrote an article entitled "HBCU Student Defends HBCUs!!!" This article featured a very special HBCU student, Amanda Lewis, who attends Alabama State University.
Today, I received a very poignant e-mail from Amanda, thanking me for that article. I'd like to share it with you.
"Tressia. Thank you so much for taking the time to look at my blog and take it to heart. I was so tired of the negative things people were saying, and I had to say something. Your article really touched me and brought tears to my eyes. ( that's hard to do.) I have been through so much in my life and it is so nice to see that someone is actually taking notice of my accomplishments. You are truly a genuine person who has God on your side. Words can not express How you have helped to boost my morale and made everything I have worked for worth while. Again I thank you. I love the article. Please keep in contact. God bless."
If we look closely at Amanda's words, if we really 'listen' with our hearts, we will discern just what it is that all students need to hear from time to time.
"Well Done!" "Great Job!" "Keep up the Good Work!" Yes, commendation.......
We don't know what some students are going through to receive an education. Many face challenging circumstances that may, inadvertently, corrode their belief in themselves. Perhaps, family support or spousal support may be minimal or non-existent. They are left to jumpstart themselves. Self-motivation is essential in any undertaking, to be sure, however, the power of commendation is immeasurable.
HBCU students' struggle twice as hard to better themselves.....and for some, to deliver themselves from the clenches of poverty, and the inequality that has deprived them since birth.
We know that education abolishes ignorance. It, also, abolishes poverty just as it abolished slavery.
It is difficult to persevere when one is without nurturing.....without support and encouragement.
In fact, studies have revealed that infants who are not shown constant encouragement and nurturing have much lower response levels than infants who receive nurturing on a regular basis. Why is that?
It is because we all thrive on encouragement. It is a basic human need. The response level in us soars when commendation and recognition are provided. Commendation strengthens and promotes achievement which leads to greater success.
I dedicate this article to Amanda Lewis and to all HBCU students/alumni who have chosen to become a part of history by attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
HBCUConnect.com and I commend you on your perseverance and your dedication to become the nation's African-American community leaders of tomorrow.
Many opportunities exist to show encouragement and support to our HBCU students.
Let HBCU students know that you care by being quick to offer commendation. As has been seen in Amanda Lewis' case, a little commendation goes a long way.
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Tuesday, July 19th 2005 at 10:39PM
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