Finding Belonging at an HBCU after attending a PWI
I sat there in discontent as I heard the DJ, yet again played a song that was written by someone who did not share the same skin color as my own. It wasn’t that Party in the USA or Don’t Stop Believin’ were bad songs, they just didn’t carry the representation of my culture which I so yearned for.
For much of my schooling in K-12 I constantly encountered situations in which black culture was either mocked, stolen, or wholeheartedly ignored. Although it bothered me, I figured I was in school to get an education, and the “fun” could wait. Yet I noticed there was just something different, something vibrant about the way that black students could thrive in environments made for themselves. Taking all of these moments into consideration, my senior year I only applied to Historically Black Colleges solidifying that going forward my academic experience would transform.
While transitioning from predominantly white education, I had many expectations, and even more questions. Yet, I could only live on the hopes and stories of my friends, and family who are alums of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and was eager to share the experience. Nevertheless, the moment I got on the campus of Hampton University– my chosen HBCU– I was confident to have confirmation in my decision. Here at Hampton a sense of family is created from day one.
We were invited onto campus on move-in day, with an energetic and enthusiastic Student Leadership team. Clapping hands and yelling chants the student leaders ensured that we arrived on campus feeling welcome, and ready for the amazing HBCU experience.
Each faculty, and student also shared a spirit of kindness, from the Resident Directors, to the security guards, everyone seemed content in their job helping young black students receive an unmatchable education. It seemed as though the hopes, stories, and expectations had finally come to fruition. I was now at a place where I easily belonged.
