The Long Walk: Howard University

Howard University’s Long Walk continues to hold much prestige today. The history of the University, its students, its legacy, and the impact it has had on the surrounding community cannot be disputed. As a student at Howard, my experience has been nothing shy of interesting. Coming to Howard, I expected to have the typical HBCU experience, decorated with exciting lectures, cultural experiences, and meeting like-minded individuals. While these elements played a large part in my time at Howard, so did disappointment, learning hard lessons, and getting to know myself more than I knew was possible.

Me, sitting in my dorm room freshman year, on move - in day. I was full of excitement, fears, and dreams.

As my time at Howard comes to a close, I have been reflecting on the lessons I have learned at this university. While watching The Long Walk documentary, I couldn’t help but to get a little emotional. I have struggled at Howard, and, to be honest, I have not had the experience I hoped I would have. Much of this is due to my inability to be involved on campus. The Long Walk describes the goals that some of Howard’s earliest students were able to achieve. I can’t help but realize that I was not able to achieve some of the goals that I set for myself upon my arrival on Howard's campus.

It’s even more sad to know that many of my peers had a similar experience that I did. At the same token, it’s relieving to know that some of my peers were able to make their mark on Howard’s campus as they had wished. Despite all of the disappointments, I am proud to say that I can see the finish line. I have shifted my focus to the impact I hope to make on the community outside of Howard, and that has served me well. I will graduate with a personal brand that I built from the ground up, a blog, a YouTube channel, great friendships, and a newfound sense of peace and accomplishment, all things that I can call my own. I know that I'm leaving this place stronger, more self-aware, and ready to take on the world.

Me, at the beginning of my final semester at Howard, counting down the days until graduation.

Ultimately, I am looking forward to bigger and better things. I hope that future students are able to follow in the footsteps that those before them have set, and I pray that Howard continues to improve in order to ensure that more of its students are able to have a fulfilling HBCU experience.