Mystic Michelle: Which came first: The addiction or Mental Illness...

Mystic Michelle: Which came first: The addiction or Mental Illness...: Moving Closer to the Root Issues After engaging for 20 years with the mental health industry, 12-step programs, drug/alcohol rehabs, f...

Self Reflection

The Freshman Seminar course has actually informed me on several topics that I was unformed with. I've learned about African history all the way to Egyptian scribe writing and so forth. This has been a tremendous experience for me because this added to the foundation of the legacy not only for Howard but also for African Americans as well. I thought it was very interesting and an excellent for each lecture to come from different perspectives such: history, science, and religion. I felt because the professors attacked the subject of legacy from a variety of fields of study that it kept me, as well my peers, interested in what was needed to be said during that 50 minute session. One of the most exciting experiences in Freshman Seminar for was the African Burial Ground trip. As I stated before I've never heard the establishment an African Burial Ground in the United States until this class. I thought that the trip was fun and filled new facts and information about life for Africans and our traditions. Some traditions, I've learned has been passed on to the present. Another interesting and impressive part of Freshman Seminar was our group presentations. Wow, I was amazed at the different topics chosen for discussion and of so much research that was dedicated towards each presentation many topics such as child soldiers, cloning, and images of black marriage was very intriguing because I've only heard the surface of these topics prior to these groups’ presentations. Overall this has been an enriching experience intellectually and socially. This course helped build the foundation of research and legacy. Due to the enrichment of this course I will never forget the importance of legacy and research. Even though I'm not a freshman, as a sophomore I've learned plenty that could be beneficial to my future studies as well as presentations. Thank you staff of this year’s Freshman Seminar for utilizing so much time and research trying to emphasize our legacy and culture. I think that you guys have been successful. I'm appreciative of this experience and will cherish it. Thank you.

-Ramona Williams

A Self Reflection

We were asked to do a self-reflection of the entire Freshman Seminar course thus far. Reflecting on the course allows us to evaluate what we learned from the class that we did not know prior to attending Howard, and what new experiences and life lessons we can now attribute to this class. Overall, my experience in freshman seminar was a very enriching as I learned a great deal about my people. Attending an all black school and taking several African-American history classes, I assumed that I knew everything there was to know about African American culture. However this class taught me more. Not only did we learn about African-Americans, but blacks all around the world of all cultures. We learned about African and Carribean cultures practiced by blacks across the globe and I enjoyed this since I previously knew only about my culture in America. We discussed the roots of our history, traced back to ancient Africa. We even took a trip to an African Burial Ground museum in NYC to learn more about the life of slaves in New York, and how they were buried within the grounds. I enjoyed this part of the class the most because not only had I never visited New York, but to know that I was standing on the very grounds were my ancestors were buried was very moving indeed. This course also helped me learn about the history of Howard and the story behind the names of various buildings around campus. I thought this information was very pertinent because as students here, it is imperative that we know not only the history of our culture, but our school as well. I learned about the African genome, the music and language of ancient African culure, and Ancient Egyptians, jus to name a few. Each session was filled with enriching information that I think helped me understand my culture better. Most of all, I think this course inspired me. It was inspiring to learn about the many illustrious black leaders and innovators of my culture. This made me feel like I could do anything and being a black woman is not a hindrance in society like many may think, but indeed a benefit. This class made me feel proud to be black and made me feel as though my skin color was a source of power in this world. I thank all the TAs and presenters that contributed to my experience and Freshman Seminar was a wonderful class to take, I will certainly never forget it!!! =)

Homosexual Suicide

Another group whose whose presentation I found interesting was the group who discussed homesexuality and suicide. The group introduced the presentation with a member voicing a speech in the words of Billy, a victim of homosexual harrassment who took his life as a result. He explained the story of Billy and how he was harrassed by his community and peers at school, and how he couldnt come to understand why everyone hated him just because he was different. This story almost brought tears to my eyes as I imagined the little boy enduring so much homophobia to the extent that would cause him to take his own life. The group then discussed the percentage of suicidal rates. Without a doubt, members of the LGBT community were more found to be prone to committ suicide than any other group. I found these results shocking. They also showed how based on student surveys, more people were accepting of lesbians than gay males. They also discussed how more people are found to frown upon homosexuals who committ suicide than those who kill themselves due to stress, depression, grief, etc. Moreover, hate crimes where someone is victimized because of their sexuality is often given a lesser sentence. I found all of this information to be absolutely disgusting. To think that people are treated as second class citizens, all on the basis of their sexuality really bothered me. This presentation really opened up my eyes to the hate thats still in this world and the progress we need to make as a society to ensure that everyone has equal rights and opportunities, and no one feels so excluded that they opt to take their own life. A permanent fix to a temporary issue, how shameful.

Child Soldiers

One of the group presentations that stood out the most to me was the presentation on child soldiers. This group immediately grabbed my attention by showing the class a video introducing what a child soldier was, and showing real footage of the faces behind the violent acts committed by child soldier. A child soldier is a child taken away from their home and family and forced to join a militant group for various purposes including lookouts, cooks, slaves, sexual objects, army men, etc. Child soldiers are most frequent in Africa. These children are often brainwashed into believing that they are serving a purpose for the greater good, or sometimes are scared into believing that if they try to run away or go against orders, their familys will be killed or they themselves. Most child soldiers are young boys. To protect their children from being captured by the militia, many families would hide their children in huts and small villages to ensure their safety. The group also provided a first hand account from a rescued child soldier, who described the ordeal as traumatizing and demoralizing. The group then began a discussion of what we can do to help stop this crisis, like donating to funds such as UNICEF and child-soldiers.org. They also gave a list of celebrity names who frequently donate to try and help stop the crisis. These people include celebrities such as actors Leonardo Di Caprio, George Clooney, and Nicholas Cage. Overall, I thought the presentation by the group was excellent and it really touched my heart. In the future, I definitely plan to help educate others about this child soldier crisis and i will certainly donate to organizations dedicated to improving this problem.

A Teachers Perspective: Ms. Ayu

For our group presentations, one of the requirements was to have a faculty interview about our question of choice. Our question was ‘How do Student Activities and Student Groups impact social relations at Howard?’ to answer this question, I interviewed my psychology teacher Ms. Ayu who is a 5^th year graduate student here at Howard. I thought that her input would offer a unique way of viewing student life since she is both a student and a teacher. In the interview, Ms. Ayu exclaimed the importance of getting involved on campus and how it really does make or break your experience. She explained that getting involved allows you to build relationships with your fellow student body, and a chance to get to them while doing something you’re passionate about. It can give you a sense of being and a sense of belonging to something. Ms. Ayu also talked about how Greek Life is something that more people should look to be a part of. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and believes that becoming a member of her organization made her collegiate worthwhile.  She was able to do community service on and off campus also while gaining a bond with girls who had similar interest as her. In all Ms. Ayu expressed that student involvement on campus is extremely important to having memorable college years and is something that more people should start to take advantage of. The more involved you are on campus, the stronger bonds you will build with your peers, along with a stronger pride you will have for your college experience.

Safisha Seifullah

Self Reflection

As Freshmen Seminar starts to draw to a close, we have all been asked to do a “self-reflection” so that we can recap on our experiences this semester. Recapping on our experiences allows us to see how we have changed since the start of the semester and what we have learned from the class. I would have to say that my experience in Freshmen Seminar was a good one. I was able to learn a lot about black people, culture, Howard, our professors, their beliefs, and values. I was able to grow as a black person in the world by gaining the knowledge of my history. We learned about ancient Egyptians, and writing. We learned of music and how it has changed and shaped black people through the generations. We learned of Howard, and the history behind this school and the great leaders who came from this school. Each session was beneficial and intriguing. I believe because of the course I am more knowledgeable of my past and what my future can possibly hold. I understand even more so now that I am in control of my future, and that I must make wise decisions each day in order to produce favorable outcomes. As I continue through my college career I struggle with right and wrong, like everyone else. The important thing for me to remember is that though it is my future to create, it is the future of my people that is at stake. From our group presentations I learned a lot as well. I was able to hear about different issues facing today’s world, from the decline in black marriages to the war born children in Africa. Each of these issues impact our lives in different ways each day. This class has overall been a truly engaging experience and I am grateful for what I have learned.          

Safisha Seifullah