Fast forward to my junior year of high school, and my passion for HBCUs had only grown stronger. As I began looking for colleges, my heart was set on attending an HBCU. I spent countless hours watching YouTube videos created by current HBCU students, scrolling through Instagram pages dedicated to campus life, and keeping up with the latest TikTok trends. The vibrant community, the legacy of excellence, and the unique cultural experience were all I could think about. I was determined to make it my reality, with Howard University as my ultimate dream school.

However, senior year brought a harsh dose of reality. Despite my dreams and excitement, I was denied admission to Howard. My heart shattered. It felt as if my dream had been snatched away, and I wasn’t sure how to move forward. Thankfully, I had applied to multiple schools—16 HBCUs and two predominantly White institutions—and received acceptance letters from 14 of them.

Among the offers, one stood out: Virginia State University (VSU). Not only was I accepted into its Honors College, but I was also offered a large scholarship. It was a pivotal decision, especially since I had never traveled farther north than Georgia. I took a leap of faith, and I am beyond grateful that I did.

Attending Virginia State University has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. From day one, I felt embraced by a community that not only supported me but also pushed me to excel. I have built lifelong friendships, connected with incredible mentors, and discovered a sense of family that I didn’t know I was missing. My time at VSU has been filled with opportunities that have shaped me both personally and professionally. From internships to leadership roles, the doors that have opened for me have been nothing short of amazing.

While VSU wasn’t initially part of my plan, it has proven to be the perfect place for me. It’s a testament to the idea that our paths are often guided by something greater than ourselves. Attending an HBCU like Virginia State has not only asserted my identity but also given me the confidence to chase my dreams unapologetically.

Choosing an HBCU was about more than academics; it was about being part of a legacy. It was about walking onto a campus where history and excellence come together, where students are celebrated for who they are as they prepare to become leaders in their fields. 

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AI-powered virtual assistants like Alexa and Google Home are revolutionizing how parents manage their daily lives. These assistants can set reminders, play music, and even control smart home devices, making it easier to keep everything running smoothly. For example, parents can use Alexa to set a timer for when the kids need to take their medicine or to play calming music to help them fall asleep. Meal planning apps like Yummly (basic app is free, paid upgrade available) and Plan to Eat ($5.95 after free trial) can generate healthy recipes and shopping lists, making it easier to keep the family fed. And, with services like Amazon Fresh, groceries can even be delivered right to your doorstep, saving time and energy for more important things. 

But AI’s impact doesn’t stop there. It’s also making a big difference in childcare. Apps like BabyConnect and Happiest Baby track sleep patterns, and feeding schedules and even offer personalized advice on soothing fussy babies. This can be a lifesaver for new parents who are navigating the ups and downs of caring for a tiny human. Additionally, these apps can help parents identify potential health issues early on and provide valuable insights to share with pediatricians. 

And, as if that’s not enough, AI is also supporting parents’ mental health in meaningful ways. With AI-powered chatbots and virtual therapy platforms, parents can get support and resources from the comfort of their own homes. This can be especially helpful for parents who struggle to find time for self-care, or who live in areas with limited access to mental health services. These platforms can offer personalized advice, coping strategies, and even connect parents with other families who are going through similar experiences. By providing a safe and anonymous space to discuss challenges and concerns, AI-powered mental health tools can help parents feel less isolated and more supported. 

Of course, some people worry that AI will replace human interaction, but I think it’s just a tool to make life easier. By saving time and reducing stress, AI can help parents focus on what matters most — their families. This isn’t about replacing the human touch, but rather about freeing up time for more meaningful interactions and activities. With AI handling routine tasks, parents can devote more energy to playing, teaching, and bonding with their kids. 

As AI continues to evolve, the potential for its impact on parenting is truly exciting. From personalized learning platforms to AI-powered baby monitors, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re a parent or know someone who is, it’s worth exploring how AI can make parenting a little easier and more enjoyable. 

I’m a bit biased on this topic. This article was written with the help of AI, which I used to organize my thoughts, create an outline, and refine my writing. AI helped me rephrase sentences for clarity, smooth transitions between ideas, and overcome writer’s block by suggesting alternative approaches. While it didn’t replace my creativity, it was an invaluable tool for improving sentence structure and polishing the final product, allowing me to focus more on content and less on editing.

The future of AI in parenting holds much promise. As the technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative solutions to make parenting easier, safer, and more enjoyable. One thing is certain – AI is here to stay, and it’s revolutionizing the world of parenting, one algorithm at a time. 

Katheryn Moore was a summer intern at Neapolitan Family who graduated from Naples High School in 2023. She is a sophomore marketing major at Virginia State University. 

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Many students don’t realize how important it is to network in college. You are surrounded by future leaders. It is important to build those connections with your peers sooner rather than later. It’s also very important to connect with your professors! One of the biggest mistakes I made in the beginning was thinking I had to do everything on my own. I tried to tackle every assignment, club, and social event solo without asking for help or support. I quickly realized that it wasn’t sustainable or necessary. By surrounding myself with people who supported and encouraged me, I was able to achieve more than I thought possible. And that’s what I want to pass on to you: the importance of building relationships, seeking help when you need it, and leaning on others to help you achieve your goals.

So, how do you actually build this network and stay focused on your goals?

For me, it started with being intentional about the clubs and organizations I joined. Instead of just signing up for everything that sounded vaguely interesting, I chose a few groups that aligned with my passions and values. Among these groups, my involvement with the National Association of Black Accountants proved to be transformative as I went from a member to the social media chair of the executive board, creating valuable connections and an amazing support system that has helped guide my academic and professional success. I also forced myself to step out of my comfort zone and strike up conversations with people I didn’t know – whether it was a classmate, a professor, or a guest speaker. By taking these small steps, I began to build a community of people who supported and encouraged me.

I was hesitant to attend a career development seminar, thinking it would be just another dull lecture. That event, however, turned out to be a game-changer. That’s where I met Cassandra, an experienced business professional who would become my mentor. At first, I wasn’t sure what to expect from having a mentor, but Cassandra’s guidance and support have helped me grow in various areas. She’s pushed me to explore new interests, refine my skills, and apply for many new opportunities. Cassandra has been a constant source of encouragement and wisdom, helping me to stay focused on my goals and reminding me why I started college in the first place. Thanks to her, my freshman year has been transformed from a mere academic exercise to a journey of self-discovery and growth.

Over the past year, I learned that success isn’t just about achieving good grades or landing a coveted internship but about building meaningful relationships, staying true to your purpose, and creating a foundation for future success. My hope is by sharing my experiences and insights, other students will be inspired to approach their own freshman year with intentionality, purpose, and a commitment to building a strong network of peers, mentors, and friends. Remember, the connections you make and the memories you create during these four years will stay with you for a lifetime. So, get out there, take risks, embrace challenges, and make the most of this incredible journey. You’ve got this!

Katheryn’s Top Tips for Freshmen

Get Involved on Campus: Join clubs, volunteer, or take on a part-time job. It’s a great way to meet people and build your resume.

Embrace Networking: Attend career events, join clubs, and connect with people in your field. You never know who might become a valuable mentor or friend.

Be Patient and Kind to Yourself: Freshman year can be challenging. Remember that it’s okay to make mistakes and that you’re growing and learning every day.

Seek Help When Needed: Don’t struggle in silence. Reach out to professors, advisors, or mentors for guidance and support.

Explore, Don’t Settle: Try new things, explore new interests, and don’t be afraid to change your mind.

Be Conscious of Your Friend Group: Make sure to surround yourself with people who are like-minded academically and have goals.

Be Open-Minded: Don’t be afraid to try new things and explore different interests. You might discover a new passion.

Prioritize Self-Care: Make time for exercise, meditation, and relaxation. Your mental health matters.

Stay True to Yourself: Don’t lose sight of why you started college in the first place. Stay focused on your goals and passions.

Seek Out Mentorship: Find someone who believes in you and can offer guidance and support. It can make all the difference in your freshman year! 

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