PIN IT!I attended a baby shower in celebration of my nephew a couple of weeks ago! Imagine my excitement when I stumbled across these cute onesies. I had told myself I was only getting the little one essentials, NOT clothing, but trust me this is ESSENTIAL!
I don’t hide my pride in my alma mater–in fact most people probably get tired of me talking about UGA. Every football season is incredibly emotional, because of course for me, cheering on my team is bigger than the sport itself. I’m celebrating my degree and reflecting on the circumstances I overcame (and enjoyed) to get it.
I am anticipating the future legacy of UGA grads. One of the biggest things I noticed during undergrad was the lack of Black alumni coming back (not including probate or step-shows for a frat/sorority). I can’t even lie, I was a little bitter about their absence. While sitting in on the latest workshop or panel, I would wonder, where are they? Are they successful? Do they have any advice on navigating certain situations unique to being a minority?
I’ve asked some older (think 40+) alumni I’ve crossed paths with since then and a few don’t hesitate to tell me they’re “never going back!” It was an awful experience, they would never recommend it to their children and just happy they got the hell out of there. I also heard this from a few of my classmates.
I don’t recall ever celebrating Homecoming at UGA. In fact, that was the time I usually visited my favorite HBCUs–hey Ft. Valley, Albany State and Morehouse! Now I am so proud that us alumni support in droves each year! We have fun, but you’d be surprised how much networking/business happens too.
Call me an eternal optimist, but I feel that the more I share my experience with others, especially children, I can begin to create a legacy. Beyond getting a few extra admission points, establishing a tradition of higher learning for my family is important to me. I will never forget during a meeting with the Minority Affairs department, one of the leaders essentially said that it’s impossible to increase diversity, if we don’t begin creating legacies.
PIN IT! Me at a very chilly 2011 UGA Homecoming.
I see this happening when we go back for Homecoming and support other activities that hopefully inspire the next generation of alumni that ” go back.” I believe that the changes with technology (ala Facebook) have definitely helped in connecting the past with the present and the future. But more importantly as we climb to higher heights in life, it’s critical that we let go of how something may have happened to us (yes it was wrong and perhaps painful), do it the right way and guide someone else through their experience. I promise you taking my oldest nephew and “little sister” to see the campus created some great conversations about their future.
Volunteer to speak to your high school or student groups. Mentor a recent grad. We and they will be better for it.
I’m tired of seeing such dire statistics related to African-Americans not only attending college, but making it to graduation (less than half). I’m living in expectancy of the day that obtaining a college degree isn’t a big deal–it’s just what you do.
My nephews (or children) may not attend UGA and I won’t get mad, but you will never be able to say I didn’t try. What are you doing to help create a legacy for our young people?
Glory, Glory to Old Georgia - Lakeshia Poole
[…] to go back to not only reminisce but to also allow my family members to get a taste of my college experience in Athens. I brought along my nephew and younger cousin as support and I think they had more fun […]