Dear Howard University,
Pause, Stop, Rewind.
It was a hot, sunny August day in 2005 that we first met. The emotions on that can be recalled as if I had experienced them yesterday. The overwhelming feeling of excitement, feeling as if independence was going to be discovered in the Quad, Baldwin Hall, second floor, room 235 to be exact. Little did I know that random late night fire drills, sharing a community bathroom, amongst many other things would all be apart of my journey.
Well freshman year has definitely come and gone, and so have all the others. So once again lets Pause, Stop, and Fast-forward this time. It’s May 2009, only a few days until we say our farewells. As I reflect on our time spent together, the lessons learned simply can’t be ignored. It was here, that I had my first taste of failure, and learned the true meaning of hard work, that I was no longer in high school, so therefore I couldn’t turn in high school level work, and expect to get a college level grade that I would be satisfied with. However, it was also here that I was able to taste, and experience the true meaning of “If at first you don’t succeed, dust yourself off and try again.” Through great guidance and motivation I grew academically, as well as mentally and emotionally, and matured into a well rounded Howard Alumna.
You are deeply criticized at times for the way things are handled in the “A” building, for your long financial aid lines, and many other things that could be mentioned, but I cease here. While these things truly irritate and frustrate some over the years, in some form or fashion, it has made us all stronger, giving us great preparation for the real world that awaits us after today. As the saying goes “only the strong survive at Howard,” and some say “if you can make it at Howard, you can make it anywhere.”
Well, I have made it, along with just about 2,000 others. The reality of things are starting to set in for me, no more moving in/out of dorms, meeting with friends in the punchout, or taking a quick trip to the bookstore. Yes, the moments are now bittersweet. However, the time has come for me to put on my cap and gown and continue on my journey to something even better. So thank you Howard for the lessons learned, good and bad, the laughter, tears, and struggle, and finally, the feeling of achievement over the last four years.
O Howard, we’ll sing of thee.
Kendra Wright
Audio Production Graduate
Class of 2009
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