Why did I choose to attend a HBCU?
I almost didn't... in fact, I probably would have attended University of Maryland.
Critics say that HBCUs in the 21st century are irrelevant; a reminiscence of segregated Southern colleges and post-slavery industrial education. Or, more simply, a double standard imposed by a liberal society.
My experience shows otherwise. Having grown up in an ethnically diverse neighborhood and attended majority White schools, I could have found a home just about anywhere. It was actually the recommendation of my parents and church members that I consider a Historically Black college, particularly Hampton.
I did my homework, and HIU seemed like a good fit... good academics, a positive atmosphere, about the right size, and a good location - far enough away to be independent, but close enough to get back home on occasion.
Looking back, Hampton did give me those things. There are many other colleges that could have done the same. But I found something that I don't think I could have found elsewhere.
Like any school, there is a crowd that is only interested in just getting by. At the same time, I ran into a fe people like me - that have a sincere desire to change the world by doing something extraordinary.
For the first time, I was able to find friends that had the same kinds of interests. Where being intelligent was not a curse, but respected, and you can talk about your plans for the future without people blowing you off.
The one thing that frustrated me prior to going to college is that everyone was being pushed to excel, but nobody really understood why. Putting in hours of toil just to have a job and belongings that are slightly better than everyone else's was a confusing proposition to me.
I didn't develop true motivation until my years at Hampton. The realization that I was given certain skills and interests for a reason, and it was up to me to figure out what the reason is and what to do about it.
The HBCU experience gave me purpose, the one thing which I was not able to find anywhere else.
The textbooks at Hampton and UMD are probably the same. Sit in an accounting class at either one, and you probably wouldn't notice much of a difference. Some people would say that this is proof that the prominence of HBCUs has come and gone.
For some, education is simply a step; a series of tasks you complete to move toward employment. For others, it's an experience - an opportunity to look at your life and for the first time, to direct it where you would like to go.
It is this difference for which I will always be a supporter of HBCUs.
Posted By: Jon C.
Friday, March 16th 2007 at 12:37PM
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