A PWI is a predominantly white establishment, such because the College of Georgia, and a big majority of universities within the nation. An HBCU, like Howard College, is a traditionally black faculty or college. In line with the United Negro Faculty Fund, “Congress outlined an HBCU as an establishment whose principal mission was and is the schooling of black People.” Prior to now, HBCUs had been very important as a result of black college students had been typically denied admission to white schools. Nevertheless, in a day and age the place a scholar legally can’t be denied for his or her race, some marvel why college students nonetheless resolve to attend HBCUs.
With highschool commencement so shut I can virtually really feel the diploma in my arms, I positively perceive how irritating senior yr might be. And like each different black scholar, I needed to resolve between making use of to/attending an HBCU or a PWI. My father is a professor inside the Atlanta College Heart (AUC) so I’ve grown up used to the concept that I’d attend an HBCU. For individuals who do not know, the AUC is a consortium of traditionally black schools in Atlanta, Georgia, comprised of Spelman Faculty, Morehouse Faculty, Morehouse Faculty of Medication, and Clark Atlanta College.
I made a decision to attend a PWI. And earlier than anybody jumps to conclusions about my resolution, let me clarify why I selected the varsity that I did. Initially, I’ve the very best regard for HBCUs. I believe traditionally black schools are coaching grounds for a few of our most influential black leaders and delightful items of historical past that need to be preserved. I respect these faculties and all the pieces they stand for, however I additionally consider deciding on a school is an especially private course of. It is a resolution I needed to make for myself, to not make anybody else completely happy. Finally, I’m the one who will probably be on that campus for the subsequent 4 years working towards my diploma — not my dad and mom, not my mates, and never somebody on Twitter who disagrees with my decisions.
To place it merely, my resolution to attend a PWI was not made as a result of I look down on HBCUs. It was not made as a result of I believe HBCUs are “unprofessional” or “unorganized” or “will not get me a job after commencement.” (To be clear, I do not consider any of these issues.) As I beforehand acknowledged, deciding on a school is a private course of. What works for one particular person could not work for everybody. After lengthy discussions with my household, I selected to attend Loyola Marymount College in Los Angeles, California this coming fall. I dedicated to this faculty not due to misconceptions relating to HBCUs however due to the alternatives this faculty will afford me.
For the reason that seventh grade, I dreamed of attending faculty in Los Angeles. It appeared like an unattainable dream till second semester of senior yr, when all the pieces lastly got here collectively. I acquired virtually a full-tuition scholarship and a seat within the College Honors Program, two blessings I could not go up. The placement of the varsity is the definition of perfection (palm bushes and probably the most stunning view of Los Angeles — from the seashore to downtown to the Hollywood signal) and I’ve met so many great folks, each incoming freshmen and present college students.