All about Howard University culture and what you need to know to succeed.
Howard University is the mecca for all things Black: black excellence, black creativity, and black innovation. As I embark on my first month at Howard University, there are some things I wish I knew last year. Even in a virtual environment, being around such amazing and diverse people came with its struggles, too. From worrying about academics to imposter syndrome, there were some things that I wish I could have told myself to ease some of my anxiety about being in a new environment.
Enter “The Bison Life”–a new segment on Makenna’s Meditation. Aimed at helping baby and current bison, The Bison Life details all the information you need to succeed at the Mecca. Like I’ve said before, I’m not holding back, so expect to know all the good and the bad.
So, what can you expect? What is Howard really like? Below are tips I wish I had known about the life of a Howard student.
Be open-minded. Listen and learn.
Howard University is filled with different people from different backgrounds. With such a diverse crowd, you’re bound to encounter people from all walks of life—whether they grew up in affluent neighborhoods or in single-bedroom houses. There are different people from different locations, and you have to be open-minded about their experiences and what they’ve gone through.
Some kids don’t have great relationships with their parents. And some do. Some kids grew up in impoverished homes. And some didn’t. Some kids don’t have the same resources as others. And some have everything they need and more.
The point is be open-minded about your peers. Listen to their stories. Broaden your perspective. Be careful what you say and how you say things to people (because let’s be honest… elitism and classism at HBCUS is a real thing). Don’t make people feel ostracized cause they didn’t have or didn’t know what you have or know.
College is a learning experience in and outside of the classroom.
There’s Safety in Numbers
I would be lying if I told you Howard was in the safest neighborhood in DC; it’s not. If you go to Howard, then you know we would get several Crime Alert emails all throughout the year. For me, it was an adjustment going from small-town Arkansas to a big city like DC.
As a Black woman, I’ve found that there’s safety in numbers. Whether you’re going out to the café or to the McDonald’s across the street, you need someone who’s going with you. At parties, whoever you come with, leave with. My friends and I use Life360 to share our location with each other.
Be safe and always travel with a group.
Network, network, network
Howard has so many talented students and alumni that it’s easy to stumble across people you could connect with. You’ll meet amazing people wherever you go on campus. Keep your resume on you–even if it’s on your phone–and make sure to update your LinkedIn and Handshake profiles every time you get a new job, internship, or volunteer opportunity.
If you haven’t done those things, I highly encourage you to. Go to those networking events. Meet with your professors. Apply for those internships. Do all that.
You never know who’s looking for new HU talent.
Mark your territory
I mean this literally and figuratively. Howard has a rich legacy behind it, and continuing that legacy starts with us. When I say mark your territory, I mean let people know that you’re here. Be loud about who you are and what you’ve come to do. Being part of an organization or even starting your own is a great way to leave your mark. By the time you graduate, you want to have left a lasting impact that future generations can see and feel.
On the other hand, when I say mark your territory, I also mean it literally. Theft is still a thing at Howard, so make sure that you label, engrave, and mark whatever valuables you have. Investing in a safe is also a good investment.
I got an engraving pen from my hometown hardware store, but the DC Police Department does engraving for free. Either way, make sure to mark your territory literally and figurately.
Now is the time to be inspired, not intimidated
Entering Howard University, I had never been in an environment where I had seen so many talented and accomplished Black people. It seemed like everyone was lightyears ahead of me, and it didn’t take long for imposter syndrome to set in.
I was super intimidated, but after a while and a few conversations with some friends and family, I realized that seeing such inspiring and intelligent people should give me a reason to be inspired not intimidated by them. Howard is the Mecca, so there’s room for all of us.
Look at the people around you as inspiration.
Now is a time of learning and growing; don’t be afraid to embrace that change.
Want to enroll at Howard University? Get started here.
Can’t wait to see you Baby Bison!
