H.B.C.U

Helping Blacks Create Unity

Coming to Fort Valley State University has taught me so many things. First and foremost, it's shown me that when black people want to have a celebration, we really know how to do so. As the time draws near for me to leave Fort Valley, which has been my home for the past four years, I reflect upon the good times that my friends and I had during homecoming. It was like a family reunion, but this time the family was bigger than I had ever imagined. I was blown away during my freshman year because it was my first time ever attending a homecoming event. I walked to State University Drive, which had been deemed, "The Strip," and thought to myself, "What.The.F*ck." It was total madness, but I knew that it would be something that I would grow to appreciate for the rest of my life.

And to think that I almost missed out on all of the things I've experienced down here in the valley. My first choice was Clark Atlanta. I was 18 at the time I had to make my college decision, and leaving mom and dad behind in Macon just wasn't happening. I guess you could say I was a bit afraid, but then I already had a couple of friends in the valley who assured me that the experiences that I would have at Clark Atlanta University would be fairly similar to those I would have at Fort Valley State University. It was all going to be a black experience. I wouldn't say I was coerced, but I was persuaded by the best persuaders and I ended up being here- the place that would become my alma mater, the place I would grow to love and cherish.

I've met so many people that I truly love, so many people that I'm glad came into my life. There is so much talent on these campuses, but people have all of their energy focused in the wrong place. Instead of trying their hardest to make it to class on time and turn in assignments on time, people (myself not excluded) try their hardest to get to the club on time or buy this outfit before it goes off of sale. Black is where it's at. I can't even imagine what it would be like never to have experienced what I have received here at FVSU. And I know that there are so many others like me. It's time for us to help our black people create a sense of unity. Instead of working against one another we need to work together. Imagine that. And nobody could stop us. No, I'm not trying to start a new panther party, but we need to start a revolution. A revolution where our brothers and sisters care about the education that children get in public school because right now I can truly say that I'm disappointed.

As I further my education after graduation, I can only expect the best. My first choice of law school is Howard University's School of Law (of course) but I will be submitting my application to Georgia State. It's not my first choice, but I'm expecting the best. Fort Valley turned out as a good experience, and I'm hoping the trend will continue as I pack my things and head to Atlanta.