In about a few months I will be beginning my college app. process, and at the moment...I'm confused and scared. My whole life I have dreamed of attending Princeton University, but now that dream seems pretty impossible. Lately I have been thinking about the idea of attending Spelman.....It is a great institution, but I am afraid I wont fit in. When I do make my decision, I want my college experience to be fun,exciting and filled with top rate education. My fears of attending Spelman consist of the ideas that girls won't like me because I am "too white" or the guys I meet who might not want me because I am "too fat" or "too dark." People at HBCU's are known for their confidence and strength, but with my apprehensions and my low self-esteem, could I ever be HBCU material?
The issues you mention related to your self esteem would be an issue at an HBCU or a non-hbcu if you believe those ideas in your head... I would think you'd have more of an issue being "too dark" at a non-hbcu, because at an hbcu there will be people darker than you and probably hundreds or thousands your same color. Also as for being "too fat" I would recommend 2 things. Don't worry about what other people think so much. It is important to be healthy and work on your weight to be fit and active, but if people don't want to date you for whatever reason, let that be there problem not yours. There is always someone out there for you no matter what. I'd think your odds of connecting with other folks like you would be greater at an HBCU. Lots of recruits are coming from your same background. Visit some HBCUs, email some folks from the schools you like.
hey simone, when i read this i almost felt as if i had wrote it! im going to spelman next year and i too deal with some of the same problems as you but ive realized that i am a good person and a great catch and as long as i continue to believe and exude this than i kno my experience at spelman is going to be better than ever!! even though i don't know you i think that you are going to be just fine at an HBCU, you just need to believe that for yourself gurl and everything'g going to be fine!!
In about a few months I will be beginning my college app. process, and at the moment...I'm confused and scared. My whole life I have dreamed of attending Princeton University, but now that dream seems pretty impossible. Lately I have been thinking about the idea of attending Spelman.....It is a great institution, but I am afraid I wont fit in. When I do make my decision, I want my college experience to be fun,exciting and filled with top rate education. My fears of attending Spelman consist of the ideas that girls won't like me because I am "too white" or the guys I meet who might not want me because I am "too fat" or "too dark." People at HBCU's are known for their confidence and strength, but with my apprehensions and my low self-esteem, could I ever be HBCU material?
@ Mizz Simone - Even though HBCUs are majority people of African descent, HBCUs are very diverse in cultures, personalities, physical abilities, mental abilities, likes, and dislikes. In my experience, I am sure you will fit in and excel at an HBCU. Best wishes at Spelman!
Wow! Thank you all so much. Reading all of your comments make me really feel as though I can make a smooth transition at Spelman! I will keep everyone updated on my college decisions in the coming months!
One of the things I appreciated about attending an HBCU is being able to find yourself, and also finding people that share similar interests and background. You'll find that the things about your appearance or your personality that you may think are faults aren't faults after all. People will appreciate you for who you are.
"The issues you mention related to your self esteem would be an issue at an HBCU or a non-hbcu if you believe those ideas in your head... I would think you'd have more of an issue being "too dark" at a non-hbcu.."
Not necessarily, not at all. At least concerning Spelman (AKAs) and Morehouse--looks seem to be the most important to people there. Unfortunately most men women at HBCUs are more concerned about being flashy and the few "high-achievers" that are there would be considered average or mediocre in any other environment. The few "high-rollers" in the cliques and wearing heels everyday to class usually have terrible credit by the end of the first year, which probably leads to their high school mentality and constant complaining to the administration about their "high tuitions" that are substantially lower than 90% of colleges and made even lower by the grace of the United Negro College Fund and merit scholarships for mediocre grades. If you have the grades for it go to a college that will be more financially and socially advantageous.
