Professor Elam

One of my favorite aspects about Howard is the passion that the professors have for their students. I haven’t had a teacher that isn’t willing to work with me. More specifically, I’m talking about my old Honors English professor. Professor Elam is one of the best things at Howard University.

Last semester her class was undoubtedly the hardest class that I have ever taken in my life. Ironically, this class was fundamental for me understanding what it means to truly write anything. I learned so much from her class. We discussed The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson and race relations that still exist in America. She critiqued my writing to new levels that forced me to develop my skills and my critical thinking levels.

When I finally decided to face one of my fears, which was to have my creative writing read by someone who TRULY knows creative writing, she was there to give me advice. She read my piece and then told me I should have been an English major. I wouldn’t have the courage to pursue a great passion of mine without hearing these words of conformation. Isn’t God funny like that?

Well, long story short: If you’re considering coming to Howard, come, even if you only come for Professor Elam.   

Sick at School

Being sick at school sucks. For one everyone will say, “if you need anything let me know” or “feel better”, but no one will take care of you like your mom will. If you haven’t gotten home sick, you will get your first wave of “I need my mommy more than anything” will come when you have a 100 degree fever, stomach pains, you haven’t eaten anything in a couple of days, and nobody is there to wait on you hand and foot. Like I said, being sick in school sucks. But don’t fret here are some tips to getting over the lowest parts of your college career.

1.     Stock up on medicine before you get sick! So when you do get the bug that is going around your floor you don’t have to wait days until you have time to make a Target run. At your first sign of uneasiness take some medicine. Don’t wait until the last minute to finally decide that you’re sick enough to take Nyquil or Tylenol. TAKE IT ASAP!

2.     Get a lot of rest. Going to a party when you’re sick is not only a bad idea but it is a bad reputation to have. Nobody wants to be twerked on while you’re sneezing and coughing until your death. Being sick is not a good look; so don’t try to be at every event. Take you being sick as an excuse to lie in bed and watch TV or catch up on your homework. Take time out of being a fashionista or a busy body and work on bettering you.

3.     Know who your real friends are and only talk to them during this time. These are the people that will risk getting sick to hang out with you during your coughing fits. Your friends at college will give you some water when you just finished your last bottle. And hopefully you’ve made the kind of friends that will come as close as you will get to your mom. They’ll be there for you for emotional support, and if you’ve made some great friends then they’ll be there when you’re puking.

4.     Call home more often. Nothing worries a parent more than to know that their child is sick and they can’t be there to care for their offspring. They’ll offer moral support through the phone and you can believe that they’ll be praying for you before bed. They like to hear your voice often anyway, and a little hint the more you call home, the more willing they’ll be to give you money when you spend your allowance.

5.     Finally, the most important thing that you can do while you’re sick is pray. Because only God will get you through. “Through His stripes you are healed” and it is critical that you take this time to get closer to your savior. Because He’ll make this difficult time faster and smoother if you lean on him for strength. 

Long story short when you get sick take your medicine ASAP, take time off your busy schedule, know who your real friends are, call home, and most importantly pray. If you follow these steps then you’ll be sure to get over whatever infected you in no time at all.

"Don't Go to Howard to Find a Man."

Since a young child we are told that we’re going to marry our College Sweetheart. Well, how about when the ratio of girls to boys is 14 girls for one boy? Do you still have that happy ending? At Howard there are nothing but thirsty girls desperately vying for the attention of at least one “man”. Let’s face it, with the ratio on their side none of them are looking for a serious relationship. Seeing a couple on campus is just as rare as seeing someone not dressed up for class; it just doesn’t happen. Howard doesn’t have the happy wedding ending where the couple gets married after graduation and living happily ever after. It’s not what you come to Howard for.

I’m not saying that I’m looking for a relationship, because I’m really not. I’m just curious, where am I supposed to meet my knight in shining armor? The chances at Howard just suck.  

The Mecca , So Far

Well I am three days into Freshman Week at Howard University and it feels like I've been here for years already. Most of the people on campus are extremely friendly and in my dorm hall the doors are always open. I have to admit though that I am the thing that I am anticipating the most is the official start of classes. I'm a loser I know, but there is something about being taught by an AFRICAN AMERICAN who is one of the most notable persons in the field that intrigues me. I can't wait to hear stories about how America used to be, I am excited to gain knowledge that a PWI just can't offer me. I'm excited to learn.