When I was in high school I was told by my parents that I was going to college since neither of them attended a college. My sophomore year of high school I went to the African American History Museum where I saw Fisk University. I went home and told my parents that I wanted to go to an HBCU. By my senior year I had applied to 10 schools and was accepted to 7 of them which included Fisk University. Although it as a struggle with my dad for him to accept my decision but it was a decision I made with my heart. Even after leaving Fisk after 2 years I returned to school and is now a senior at Florida Memorial University My reason for attending an HBCU was the need to be surrounded my others who were my same race and to experience the history of HBCU's. In the history books I heard about HBCU's being built during the reconstruction era and I wanted to be apart of the rich history built by our ancestors. It was really important to me to become a product of an HBCU and share my experiences with my family and high school students who are not aware of HBCU's and what they provide for the African American community as well as other minority groups. I am proud to say that I attend Fisk University which graduates the top African American doctors and I currently attend Florida Memorial University which graduates the top African American teachers. Being a part of an HBCU is a great way to meet successful people of color as well as be proud of something geared toward me and other like me. Attending both Fisk and Florida Memorial has and will continue to help me meet my future goals in life personally and professionally by continuing to build relationships amongst the faculty, students, staff and alumni. Personally being at an HBCU such as Florida Memorial has allowed me to take on roles I never thought I would. I currently hold the title of Miss. UNCF as well as member of Student Government. These two positions have helped me grow personally and professionally through my interaction with various individuals while strengthening my weakness and perfecting my strengths. It has been an amazing experience attending and HBCU and has taught me a lot about how important HBCU's are as well as organizations like HBCUConnect and UNCF. I have learned about the importance of giving back and that lesson alone had driven me to become and advocate for HBCU's so student who struggle financially at HBCU's are given the opportunity to finish school especially at HBCU's.

To re-submit your essay click here...

more-->