The first time I sat in front of a computer to write for The Famuan, I was 18 years old. I’m sure if I were to read the articles now, I’d think those words came from a long lost friend.
I’ve done a lot of growing since the fall of 1998.
In a sense this is my goodbye to you all. Because this is the last time I will sit at my computer and attempt to reach and affect you through my words.
These words are bittersweet. I’ve been counting down to graduation since TOPS.
Now, it is a quickly approaching reality.
Yet, I long for one more moment with you. One more chance to move you-one more chance for you to inspire me.
There are so many things that make FAMU home, and so many reasons why I will long for our time spent together.
I will always remember the look freshmen have in their eyes. Somehow the young ones always look like they’re going through a transition.
No matter how they dress, how they speak, or how they carry themselves, the eyes always give them away.
I will miss walking through the Set on late afternoons and passing by couples affectionately touching and kissing.
Your public displays of love always make me smile and giggle. You make me feel as though I were 11 years old.
I will always treasure the brothers who have it rough, but make it anyway.
The brothers who wear their hair locked, twisted, braided, or in an Afro because they refuse to conform.
I will especially treasure my brothers who wear the golds in their mouths and have minds as sharp as diamonds.
You shatter stereotypes every single day of your existence.
My sisters. You all are a motley bunch.
For all of your varying personalities, values and forms of self-expression, I will miss you as well. You have taught me that womanhood is complex.
You have challenged my ideas about who we are.
I now know, contrary to popular belief, we are not all the same.
Sisters, whatever people may say, love yourselves and nourish your souls.
Don’t rush to judge one another. Heredity is not a condition of sisterhood.
It was men and women like you who convinced me to attend this fine institution.
You all have changed my world. I am honored to say
I am one of you-a Famuan.
I pray that I have left a piece of me with you because I will take you with me in my journey through life.
Augustine Rho, 23, is a senior broadcast journalism student from Ft. Lauderdale. She is the Opinions Editor. She can be reached at Rhoblaze@aol.com.