Entry 1 (Simone Chastang)

Entering Howard University I just assumed that it would consist of all the college stereotypes that you see on television and in the media about college; dorm parties, drinking, and staying up all night, in which Howard proved me right. Yet later on once I began living on campus I engaged myself with other students and found out that that was not most of my peer’s purpose.

 Going into Freshman Seminar I assumed it would be really boring from what my upper class men friends told me, but they were wrong. I really think that taking this class will help us as young adults grow mentally and intellectually. The subjects and aspects that we are going to be taught will help us in the long run. I am really looking forward to taking this class and growing in all around life situations. The topic that really caught my attention was the fact that we are going to learn about historical awareness and cultural diversity because by us being African but of the American community , many of us have really forgotten where we are originally from, critically. I believe that this class will help me reach my academic goals because being in this class will help us realize that being a successful black person, in America, is not easy. Therefore, being surrounded by talented people would make us want to strive for more so we can be powerful in our own doings, therefore making people proud to see our growth. This class will keep me focused on wanting to do my best in all my classes so that I can be successful.

Having my expectations met at Howard is not my focus, but my focus is to never give up if I ever see failure in my path. I’m willing to make every doubt I have had about Howard, or college in general, turn into a positive outcome.  

Breona Galvin: Group 29: First Blog

Howard University
courtesy of howard.edu

Howard University for me has been a true representation of "the college experience." I have experienced more emotion in one week of college than I have in the four years of high school. The transition from moving into a foreign place alone was all the more reason for a inexperienced freshman like myself to experience multiple emotions; sometimes conflicting with one another. For example: the thought of being independent and free excited me, but on the contrary it scared me as well. One can only imagine the amount of questions my mind was overwhelmed with. During highschool many times did I state, "I can't wait to go to college, graduation date can't come soon enough," but as I packed my clothes, went last minute school shopping, decorated for my going away party, and waved farewell to all I had known my whole life, my words suddenly changed. I suddenly was no longer excited about leaving. The thought of moving away scared me more than excited me. There I was, this proud graduate ready to take on the world morphing in the backseat of the truck on my way to Howard, into this scared timid freshman once again. Despite my overwhelming doubt my freshman week ended up being amazing. From the lavish parties to meeting new interesting people it was safe to say I was once again comforted. Freshman week is a good transitional week for incoming students. I couldn't possibly imagine going straight into the school week without it. After freshman week was completed reality once again set in. The fun memories that were made during that week slowly faded and were replaced with concerns. No longer was the music of driftnet cities being played, but instead we heard the voices of our Professor's some shocking us with distinct accents. We were handed 10 page syllabuses reminding us of how hard their class was going to be. We were handed our future listed by dates and assignments due on those particular days. Experiencing the first two weeks in their differences showed me exactly how college would be. A mixture of fun and hard work. It was exactly what I expected out of Howard University. Social opportunities as well as learning opportunities.
The class Freshman Seminar specifically, was the class I was the most unsure about. Upon arriving I believed that class would be some type of class designed for freshman to help with the transition. I believed that the criteria would consist of lessons varying from time management to studying skills. After entering the class I realize there's a lot more to it. The class is more structured to show freshman ancestry history and Howard's history. After gathering a little more information on the class I expect to learn how to work in functional groups, how to understand and connect to the community through the knowledge that would be taught, how to properly research open ended questions , and how to become computer literate. The lecture that I'm most interested in is lecture 4: Practices of Freedom & Justice: The Black Diaspora. This topic appeals to me because as a career choice I want to practice freedom and justice as a lawyer and judge. Not only do I want to experience it but my goal is to incorporate in others lives as well, especially minorities. I want to contribute to the Black Diaspora. The progression of my culture is extremely important to me. It not only affects my ancestors and history, but MY children and future as well. I believe that the class Freshman Seminar in general and its goals will help me as a student because it will teach me research skills, group skills, and computer skills.
I look forward to many more weeks at Howard and learning more about what exactly Freshman Seminar is and has to offer!

My First Week At Howard University

I made it to the Mecca, Howard University. My first week was so amazing. It was a little chaotic making sure that all my classes were correct and that I was validated but other than that I truly could not had asked for anything else. Now that I have completed my first week of school, I feel extremely confident and ready to live up to my greatest expectations. The classes that I selected where more than I even expected for them to be. They all were all challenging but still interesting - making me think about society and life. The class that I expected to be boring was my freshman Seminar class because I heard so many different stories about it being a study hall where you are constantly talking about rules and study skills, but I was so wrong. Now that I have seen the syllabus for Freshman Seminar, I know it will be a lot more interesting then what I expected. One thing that I am expecting from Freshman Seminar is for it to be a class to tell me more about college through a different lens and keep me positive during my freshman year. The lecture that I am looking forward to the most is……. I do not know which lecture I am looking forward too. I guess I will be able to say which lecture I enjoyed the most in the near future. My expectations for life at Howard University have truly been meet.

A Glimpse of What Is To Come

       So there I was expecting the worse, but praying for the best. As I drove down Georgia avenue for the first time in search of Howard University, I realized I was in an urban area. I had never visited Howard; the hill is what scared me the most. There were several students in Howard attire, but I was most shocked to see a Caucasian student. Little did I know about the history of the prestigious university; Howard University was found by Oliver O. Howard, a white, Union General in the American Civil War. (History of Howard University) 

I never knew Howard University was diverse.

Volunteers for Move-In Day

      Move-In Day was the most hyped day thus far. I did not engage in many of the freshman festivities; there were too many parties on the yard. Howard administration is a gigantic headache. There were too many times I thought about annulling my admission commitment; financial aid continuously misplaced my forms.

HU Campus Pals

         My first thoughts about Freshman Seminar were horrible; I had to sit in the back. I could not keep up with the instructor, so I was confused on what assignments were due. Thanks to the wonderful Blackboard, I now understand the content that the instructor went over. Many students have stated that the class is pointless, but I disagree. I expect to be engaged in the learning of African history and becoming a global activist. The “Omoluabi”: Self Actualization and Communal Responsibility lecture attracts my attention; it will be interesting. I am looking forward to visiting the African burial ground. I feel most comfortable about “The Eloquence of the Scribes”: Initiation, Expectations, and Mastery Continuing the Legacy of Howard University; the moment I decided to attend the university, I attributed to the legacy. Freshman Seminar will push my critical thinking abilities, in which will assist me in the study of biological sciences. 

        The first week of classes took me by surprise. The role has switched; teachers are hear to help, but you have to teach yourself. There was an earthquake and hurricane warning all in the same week. My General Chemistry lecture was canceled due to the earthquake. How happy was I? Biology is very intriguing; I just happened to be a Biology major. Howard University has exceeded my expectations from the social life to the challenging courses. I was most amazed at the brotherhood and sisterhood; the Omega and AKA are phenomenal. Howard has not let me down; we are a legacy renewed.