College Daze
While covering a multi-city college tour, we stopped at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCAT for short, if you know you know) and we audited a journalism class.
The professor inquired about each student’s topic for a research assignment. I sat in the back observing my students take in the moment. In a blink of Deja Vu, I was back in my “advanced” poetry workshop class at FSU:
I sat near the professor, watching each student present their poem. Of course— there was one person who wrote her poem right before class and it was … embarrassing. Life happens to everyone and I understand that it feels better to present something instead of nothing. However, when it comes to writing— creative writing especially— extemporaneous creativity isn’t something you just have, it’s cultivated.
That day, it was clear that my peer would’ve been better off plagiarizing.
The professor at NCAT snuffed out the flames of mediocrity and challenged each student's topic. Listening and clarifying every idea with ease. It was refreshing to see a Black Professor in literature. While navigating the possibility of Grad School, I’ve considered a few things I’ve noticed that I need:
Professors that look like me
A program that’s fully funded (or at least has opportunities to make it that way).
Close to an entertainment hub
A program that challenges students to think and dream bigger.
Interdisciplinary. In some way, shape, or form.
What’s most captivating about this college tour is that it inspired me to invest more time into exploring schools I typically wouldn’t. During my pre-undergraduate college journey, I didn’t visit many schools. Though I am grateful for my experiences, I believe things would be different if I were exposed to more cities at a young age. There’s something special about having options that can tip the scales in your favor.
I would be remised if I didn’t thank the Center One Foundation for not only helping me secure scholarships and navigate the college application process but also being a pillar in my educational experience. To have a full circle moment by giving back to kids who are where I used to be is a gift and acknowledgment of the fact that things do change— we just get older.
And isn’t that more than enough inspiration to build a life worth remembering?