A love letter to Howard University...

So I have visited HOWARD University three times in one week to get a transcript.  Now one would think you could just visit campus one time to retrieve a transcript...but HOWARD being HOWARD closed the transcript office at 3:00 the first day I tried.  The second day I was able to pay for the transcript but had to give them 24 hours to print it.  So finally it was ready.  While I was inconvenienced by the process, I was completely left with a sense of pride that I have never felt any place else.  There is truly just something about HOWARD..

Now, don't get me wrong, I LOVED Maryland. It was a great place to attend undergrad!  I met wonderful people there! SHOOT, I met my husband there AND got married there but HOWARD definitely holds a special place in my heart.

Let me go back to my recent visit and explain why......

So I get out of my car and head across campus to the "A" building and I found myself reminiscing about my many experiences there.  While the law school is at a different campus, I remember the many hours I spent in line at the "A" building trying to cash the financial aid checks.

Then I remembered my first summer dating my husband and him taking me to see "Once on this Island" at the Ira Aldridge theater (he swept me off my feet early).

Then I passed by Slowe Hall named for one of my sororities founders...

Then I passed by a group of black guys and most people (myself included) would expect them to shooting the breeze about the latest hip hop song but I was pleasantly surprised to overhear them discussing Psychology issues from case study book from class...

A distinguished recruiter friend told me that even though HOWARD produces top notch performers, most companies do not give Howard graduates a second look because they assume us to be somehow sub-standard. This left me furious and angry.  Some of the greatest minds have been graduates of this institution!!!!  While disappointed with the general state of the world, one thing holds true.... there is still just something about HOWARD.

There is just a history that surrounds you when you are there whether it be Thurgood Marshall's ghost tapping you on your shoulder or Roberta Flack singing in your ear...there is just something. Even my husband's family, who are from another country call Howard home and HOWARD helped them produce successful doctors.

Everything is special at HOWARD.....even down to the vendors. They have a special flavor, too...stuff you can't buy from any old run of the mill vendors.

So I left the campus after the expected hiccups still feeling inspired.  I am grateful for all those that came before me who are now cheering for ME.

All I could say is AMEN and AMEN!