Why College? And Why YOU…at an HBCU?

BRAVO! Give yourself a pat on the back! Just by picking up and reading through this magazine or viewing this publication on HBCUcareers.com you are possibly well on your way to a more comfortable and secure financial future! Whether you are in a Post Secondary School presently or whether you have yet to graduate from high school or are returning back to school and/or are entering in from another institution …You can start your journey for success right here/right now! You may ask: Where do “I” fit in “on this quest”…to my goals and dreams…FINANCIAL FREEDOM.

DID YOU KNOW:

That only 2% of the entire population in America is considered to be part of the “very, wealthy” as defined by FORBES/FORTUNE Magazines?! EVERYONE deserves to succeed…Why not YOU?! Do you have to be wealthy to be “defined” as successful? Absolutely not. But, you will have to know which direction you are headed plus what steps to take to start you on your way! That’s why these articles plus similar info and networking can be helpful for YOU!

Here are a few “initial” QUESTIONS to ask YOURSELF:

• What do I really ENJOY doing?
• What am I REALLY good at?
• What direction AM I headed? and
• What CAN I DO to be MY SUCCESSFUL best — starting TODAY?

First of all, now is not the time to go it alone or panic…Take your time, through this wonderful process. ENJOY IT as your adventure begins or continues, and just breathe! [Remember: Breathing is NOT an option! smile] Try these tips as you move forward toward the ultimate pursuit of your dreams and goals:

Ask yourself THESE 4 questions:

• What should I be doing?
• What should I NOT be doing?
• What should I LEGALLY be doing for the betterment of myself, my family, my community and FOR my country?
• What are the STEPS that I need to take to reach my DREAMS and GOALS?
• Next, remove distractions from your thoughts and environment. [That may include putting down “pods, pads, pc’s, cells”, “berrys”, and all technology for a little while.]
• Second, SEEK HELP! Look up all of the resources you can –as often as you can! Only include trusted individuals or technological sources and resources that are safe! Ask trustworthy adults to assist you along this JOURNEY that includes, but is NOT limited to: family, friend[s] (only bff’s if they are there to take you seriously and really help), school counselor[s] & counselor[s], library personnel and clergy/men & women! If you do not have source[s] of your own; then ask around and/or adopt someone trustworthy! There are Senior Citizens in your community that would love to provide you with a wealth of information; regarding, their life experiences and support!
• Third, put your plans in writing and use the resources from above to process all of your options for goal/career building.
• My suggestion today is that you seriously consider continuing your education through an Institute of Higher Learning.
• Yes, there are 2-year Degree Programs or schools that offer Certificates; Specialty Schools for fields of study, such as, Culinary, the Arts, Music, etc., Technical Institutes and Community colleges… but there is nothing “quite” like the 4-year college experience!

So…Why College?

• The 4-year college experience allows you to work on your emotional/intellectual maturity before being thrust out into the full time workforce PLUS:
• There is nothing like Campus Life and living in a dormitory at a 4- year college or university.
• The experience is awesome, awe-inspiring, and just indescribable!
• You have to actually see it, feel it, and experience it to BELIEVE it!
• The plethora of academic and specialty degree programs provide students with professional and academic skills for Post-Secondary and career success.
• The extracurricular activities and organizations at a 4-year college will all add memories and networking that will last a lifetime.
• Institutions of higher education will allow you to experience diverse cultures, explore new places, and meet new people.

COLLEGE [an institute of higher learning] can be YOUR TICKET to a FINANCIALLY secure future!

The TN Student Assistance Co. states in a Dec. 2011 publication that:

• On average, college graduates earn $900,000 dollars more than high school graduates OVER a lifetime!

PLUS,

• College opens career doors, and it introduces YOU to new ideas, roles, lifestyles and people; which can be so necessary in the development of your skills and talents – YOUR DREAMS and GOALS!

Will everyone that attends a 4-year College or University end up on a successful path? Well, it is true that not everyone will do thusly. However, statistics show that by expanding your field of education, you broaden your options on this quest to follow your dreams!

As I recruit around the country, I was recently presented with a very, interesting question, by an 8th grader: He asked me quite directly: “Why, do I have to go to college, I’m planning on being a graphic artist?!” and “Why do “I” even need to “think” about ANY of that now, I’m just in the 8th grade?” Plus…“What could an HBCU even offer me?”

Truthfully, I answered the question; by prefacing it with:

• “You are NEVER too young to LEARN and you are NEVER too young to EARN! Everyone needs to contribute to the paths of their own success PLUS help those around them – this includes your families, your community and your country!

Asking “why” do you need to think about “it” [YOUR FUTURE], “NOW… is like asking others to do all of your work for you and refusing to do any chores on your own…It must be done! BE CLEAR: HARD WORK IS THE FOUNDATION OF ANY HOUSE, HOME, COMMUNITY, CULTURE, OR COUNTRY.

Here are just a few additional facts:

• Having a GOAL/PLAN or DREAM–even at a young age is GREAT!
• Unless you are “above average” in talent while utilizing: a paintbrush; a cooking utensil; or fashioning items of cloth, art, or other materials … that will earn you top dollar you will have to work/get a job!
• Unless you are a superior athlete on land, sea, snow and/or ice, in the air, on a course, court, or field … or
• Unless you have superior talents with any type of ball by: dribbling, kicking, batting, hitting, putting, driving, smashing, shooting, and/or butting a ball or
• Unless you have superior talent on a microphone or with pen & paper in rhythm, rap, rhyme, or writing poetry, verse or lyrics or you make hit recording after hit “with your 4 brothers” on stage…or
• Unless you are born a “child prodigy, or a gifted and talented genius” and that talent/gift is earning you or your family an income…and
• Unless you inherit a fortune from your family or will be joining the family’s successful business and
• Unless you find a job, i.e., on an oil rig or an auto assembly line, or in a field, that requires only a high school diploma or a G.E.D., making $50 – $150 or more per hour or unless
• You have just won the lottery or have had another windfall of lucky win of legal, large sums of money…
• The fact of the matter is here in America if one of these is not the case:

You will have to work quite hard at honing your talents and your skills into a polished profession that is in demand–that will bring you personal and financial success!

• How will you be able to pursue your financial independence, starting TODAY or by WORKING on it, right NOW?
• Most students in America, graduate high school [with a diploma or a G.E.D.] at around 16 or 17, some a little older and others may be younger…So WHERE does that LEAVE YOU…?

Here are a few more facts:

• If you are graduating from high school under the legal age of 18; there are very few things you are legally allowed to do. [That includes standing on a corner selling products/goods that are not licensed or legal.]
• You cannot vote until you are 18! [Voting is a glorious and very necessary American act which enables each of us, here in America, to be counted and have a voice in your community!]
• You cannot legally obtain an unrestricted Driver’s License; in any state, before the age of 18!
• You cannot rent a car with most Agencies; in most states until the age of 25 years of age. [NOTE: A few agencies will allow drivers who are 18 or older to rent a vehicle–with many restrictions.]
• Also, you cannot independently enter into a legal contract [this includes co-signing for a car, motorcycle, ATV or truck. This includes apartments with or without a roommate, a home, etc.]
• You cannot enter into the Armed Services/Branches of our country’s wonderful Military Forces until you are 17 and only with the consent of parent[s] or guardians [there may be few exceptions to this rule…but the legal limit is 18 or older.]

Again…I am suggesting TODAY that you continue your education—upon graduation. My choice is for graduates to attend a 4-year college, preferably at an HBCU.

WHY AN HBCU?

First, and perhaps foremost; there’s the HERITAGE, the HISTORY, and of course, the LEGACY! Need we say more!? Of course, we do! And so we shall! Many of America’s finest institutions of higher learning are: HBCUs…HBCU stands for Historically Black Colleges & Universities and many of these magnificent campuses/institutions are over 100 years old.

HBCUs were created during the time when people of color; particularly Blacks/African Americans, were denied access to predominantly white institutions [PWIs]; due to “JIM CROW” Laws and other reasons…

Though the face of education has changed…have things “really” changed, that much? Yes and no. The truth of the matter is that, here in America, even in the 21st Century, color does still seem to matter when entering school!

In attending an HBCU, it does not seem as though you are as worried about fighting for opportunities in regards to advancement; especially as it pertains to the color of your skin or the “box” that you may or may not check on the student application; which means…NO AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, is necessary for those of us of color at an HBCU! You are not wondering if you got in due to a governmental/university African American “headcount!” YOU will know at an HBCU that you got in on your own merits!

Thousands of students every year seek and attend HBCUs for their diversity in academics, the social activities/organizations, athletics and the WELL-rounded degreed programs offered. This gives students of ALL races, creeds, colors, nationalities & cultures an excellent college education; in addition to, diverse environments that empower students, bolsters identities and self-esteem.

• HBCUs have been GREAT models for success for many institutions in America and NOT just for the African American community; our families and communities have benefited greatly over the past centuries from their existence.
• HBCU campuses and social organizations are rich in historical histories and traditions — studied and copied by many here in America! For example, HBCUs have been the subject or topic of no fewer than 5 Hollywood movies! [School Daze; Drumline; Stomp the Yard, etc., and we all know where they really get the moves for their Steppin’ movies!] The same is true for the often imitated; but, never truly emulated–drumlines, originating from our very, own HBCU campuses!
• The history of “stepping” started with historically Black Greek fraternities at HBCUs–some over a hundred years ago & has its roots embedded deep in the rhythms of the “Mother Country/The Continent of Africa” while smoothly blending modern cadences and creations of African Americans, here in the United States!
• These activities of rhythm, rhyme and synchronized cadences, through expressions of chanting and dancing–stepping and step shows have been passed down from generation to generation dating back to before the 20th Century, in some instances!
• Being at an HBCU also gives one the feeling of being in an “extended” family or in a new and intimate family setting. Making friends and joining organizations that you will likely network with, for the rest of your life!
• Many of my students say, they feel that, “You are getting to ‘grow’ your own wings; become an adult with the freedom of being ‘away’ at a college campus; while still having the intimate and protective ‘feel’ of an extended family; included among this trusted list are many of the professors, administration/staff, to dorm mates and fellow students!”
• HBCUs are known to be some of the safest campuses of Higher Education in this Country! There have been little known national reports or record[s] of incidences of mass shootings; such as, at Virginia Tech or the unfortunate incident at Columbine High School and others!
• Student-Teacher ratios in HBCUs are often times a smaller ratio. You may find that your chances of getting personal instruction/attention and possibly mentoring is greater at the oft’ times smaller HBCU campuses! Thusly, you may be better positioned to focus and excel in your concentrated area[s] of study.
• Also, contrary to popular belief: Many of the TOP Fortune 500 companies here in America actively and aggressively recruit at HBCUs. Top coaches/scouts, and agents actively recruit at many of our top HBCUs, as well!

So COME ON & CLIMB ABOARD or RE-BOARD this TRAIN called “YOUR LIFE!”

YOU CAN do IT! We are OUT HERE–waiting for Y-O-U! WE NEED YOU on THIS TEAM! PLUS we are here waiting to LEND YOU a HAND on this ALL important JOURNEY of meeting YOUR goals and YOUR DREAMS!

1. You can start by asking questions about the article[s] you have just read or are now reading in this publication! Or by logging onto HBCUCareers.com. Your local or school library can assist in the search, also!
   
   2. There are 100+ HBCUs to choose from. Visit an HBCU website to find out more history and information on each of them or Call to set-up a campus visit at one of their beautiful campuses. Email us! Twitter and/or Facebook us!
   
   Also, just for the record …Here is a small list of prominent and successful African Americans who have graduated from HBCUs:
   
   The Honorable REV. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. [Morehouse College]
   
   W.E.B. Dubois [FISK Univ.]
   
   Dr. Hazel O’Leary [FISK Univ]
   
   Ossie Davis [Howard Univ.]
   
   Lionel Richie [Tuskegee Univ.]
   
   Oprah Winfrey [Tennessee State Univ.]
   
   Tom Joyner [Tuskegee Univ.]
   
   Leslie E. “L.A.” Banks [Temple U.]
   
   Dr. T.O. Moore [HOWARD Univ.]