Like many students, I thought Florida A&M University was the cream of the crop of Historically Black College and Universities.
Finally graduating from FAMU’s School of Journalism & Graphic Communication as my third and final undergraduate destination, I can say that it was a hard path to follow.
In Fall 2003, I started at Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Va., where I marched for the Spartan “Legion,” and became involved in school activities. But I learned at an HBCU, you earn the grades you put out.
Coming from a first-generation Haitian American household my education was a priority so I could be successful and help support my family. With no funds to continue at NSU, I moved back to New York to attend Nassau Community College.
Being placed as a freshman (again) pushed back my educational goals and discouraged me from finishing. Paying for school since, 2004 I took my education seriously. Staying home, I would end up like most, pregnant, uneducated or a sales associate at the mall.
By August 2006, I graduated with an A.A. degree in Communication Arts, with the intentions of coming to FAMU to finish.
During my freshman year at NSU I got my first and last “F.” I was overwhelmed with activities on campus and didn’t grasp the concept of time management. I partied.
While staying on track at FAMU, I’ve kept my eyes on the prize, my diploma. I think multi-tasking is a trait that I’ve perfected here.
While attending this institution, I’ve held several leadership positions such as the Assistant Copy Desk Chief for the FAMUAN, Financial Secretary for the National Council of Negro Women, Vice-President of the Catholic Student Organization and Vice President of the Alpha Epsilon Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
I made honor roll my first year at FAMU and kept my grades above a 3.0. I challenge all students to make a difference through your grades and know that there is more to college than a fashion show or who is running in the next school election.
I will never forget Soul Train hanging out and persuading students to buy snacks on the go between classes, attending convocations or strolling on Set Fridays with my sorority – all great memories that I will hold onto.
These memories would not have happened anywhere else. But it was a struggle to conquer these past two years. Who can compare FAMU to other HBCU’s?
Thank you FAMU for helping me grow and goodbye, for now.
Beatrice Isabel Dubois is a senior public relations student from Brooklyn, N.Y. She can be reached at Bidubois@yahoo.com.