Why am I on HBCUconnect & I go 2 a White School?
One of my professors once asked me, "If you have so much love for HBCU's and believe so strongly in their founding principles, why are you at a white institution?" I stared at him for a few seconds, searching my mental database for a good answer (a.k.a.-an excuse). I ran through the list of cliche' replies, only to find myself arriving at the only true answer that I could utter without sounding like a madman..."The University of Alabama was free!" I am on scholarship.
As a freshman high school student, I dreamed of going to Howard, FAMU, or Fisk. Yet, by my senior year of high school (after I was introduced to "fast" girls, teen clubs, and underaged drinking) my 2.7 g.p.a. just wasn't gonna get me there affordably.
Howard probably laughed at my scholarship application, FAMU offered me a partial scholarship in business, and Fisk didn't even respond. Needless to say, I was dejected. So, I applied to this behemoth in-state school and was accepted. I got a letter asking me for an interview...an interview? For college? Long story short, the interview got me a full ride.
I still long for the feel of attending an HBCU though. I want to be in the company of the future of Black America (not just the future of the black bourgeoise). I long for the feeling of unified love for a school both before and AFTER graduation.
HBCU's were founded upon the principle that before blacks can truly make advancements in a white privileged society, we must educate ourselves so that we may be able to successfully navigate our way through it. HBCU's have been the backbone and driving force behind the black intelligentsia and have produced a plethora of wonderfully successful blacks.
Every time I visit an HBCU I find a future leader, professional, and/or intellectual in the process of growth. I am looking forward to getting a graduate degree in Higher Education so that I can dedicate my life to helping make HBCU's the strongest education entities in the world.
To All HBCU students, I salute and envy you. Make it happen.
As a freshman high school student, I dreamed of going to Howard, FAMU, or Fisk. Yet, by my senior year of high school (after I was introduced to "fast" girls, teen clubs, and underaged drinking) my 2.7 g.p.a. just wasn't gonna get me there affordably.
Howard probably laughed at my scholarship application, FAMU offered me a partial scholarship in business, and Fisk didn't even respond. Needless to say, I was dejected. So, I applied to this behemoth in-state school and was accepted. I got a letter asking me for an interview...an interview? For college? Long story short, the interview got me a full ride.
I still long for the feel of attending an HBCU though. I want to be in the company of the future of Black America (not just the future of the black bourgeoise). I long for the feeling of unified love for a school both before and AFTER graduation.
HBCU's were founded upon the principle that before blacks can truly make advancements in a white privileged society, we must educate ourselves so that we may be able to successfully navigate our way through it. HBCU's have been the backbone and driving force behind the black intelligentsia and have produced a plethora of wonderfully successful blacks.
Every time I visit an HBCU I find a future leader, professional, and/or intellectual in the process of growth. I am looking forward to getting a graduate degree in Higher Education so that I can dedicate my life to helping make HBCU's the strongest education entities in the world.
To All HBCU students, I salute and envy you. Make it happen.
That was amazing. You truly gave me chills. Please, lets keep in touch. alana_toolie@yahoo.com. Let all of us make it happen.