I was told by my high school guidance counselor in Philadelphia that Florida A&M was the black Harvard. I was shown pictures of the famous marching band, students competing in case studies and hundreds of young black students suited up ready for business; I said to myself, that’s right up my alley. But when I arrived on Aug. 15, 2003 and unloaded my bags on the red dirt hills surrounding Paddyfoote Complex, well… enough said.
Despite ups and downs, twist and turns, flips and swirls I have experienced on the Rattler Roller Ride, I would have had it no other way. FAMU has truly brought out the best in me. Tallahassee has brought out the best in me, especially the survivor hidden deep within.
After my first semester on campus, I ran into financial woes, which almost sent me into a psychotic episode going from one long pointless line to the other in the Foote-Hilyer Administration building. The end result, I had to take a break from school, which caused me to discover the true person within.
I met so many good people and got involved in a number of community projects. I started a nonprofit performing arts institute for low-income families, Rakad’ Institute of the Arts.
When you need help, you should start by helping others first. This was proven effective because some of my close friends started the “FAMU Here We Come” fundraising campaign, which raised $7,000.
When I re-enrolled in January 2007, I started writing again for the news section of The Famuan; I eventually became managing editor. ultimately I shifted professional gears and switched my major to accounting. I then became president of the FAMU Chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants.
FAMU has provided some great once in a lifetime opportunities, especially working in programs in the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication and the School of Business and Industry. For two years in a row, I hosted the Homecoming Show, which aired on FAMU TV-20, the “Friday Morning Worship & Praise Party” and “SGA Talks” on WANM 90.5. I participated in national case studies, traveled extensively and met a host of celebrities, politicians and successful alumni.
After completing two internships, I learned life could become lonely once you begin a career; the same family feeling established on ‘the Hill’ is no longer the same. Appreciate the friends you have.
FAMU prepared me for the future. I am proud of my university and am extremely proud to have graduated from “the college of love and charity.” If there is one thing I must leave it is this, in all things, keep the faith; God in all of His wisdom never starts anything he hasn’t already finished. He who is faithful to start the good work is also faithful to complete it.
This seven-year journey ended and I will cross the stage May 1, 2010.