At the age of 12, I stumbled upon Howard University. Little did I know that discovery would completely alter the trajectory of my academic and professional journey. Up until that moment, I had never heard of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The discovery that there were institutions specifically dedicated to nurturing and celebrating Black excellence left me in awe. Schools for people who looked like me? It was a concept that amazed me. From that point on, I was mesmerized.
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.