Welcome To College

Hi and Goodbye Tumblr,

I realize that today is going to be my last blog for freshman seminar. So what can I talk about? First thing is, it is finally coming to an end. My freshman year has been good, but also bad in other ways. I cannot wait for the summer, but I do appreciate all that Xavier has given and taught me. I realize that I am growing up, becoming more independent, and handling certain obstacles as they approach me. Unfortunately, I have five papers due within these last two weeks. I am about to be so drained especially since finals are on the way as well. What was I thinking going to college? Well, I know….to better myself, my career choice, and my life. College is no joke, but you have to deal with it in order to go places!

Sometimes I wonder if my heart is in Xavier, but it is growing on me. To be honest, Xavier was not my first choice of college to attend, but I am here. My first choice was actually Howard University. This is the college that I truly wanted to go to. My father told me whatever college I receive a full scholarship from is the college I can go to. I actually received a full scholarship from both Xavier and Howard. But, my dad wanted me to go to Xavier because it was close. Don’t get me wrong I appreciate Xavier and I like it, I just wish I was able to go to the college that I first picked. I asked my mom the other day why did they make me go somewhere that I did not want to go. She couldn’t give me an answer, shouldn’t I have a choice? I wanted to experience the full college experience like the other million people in the country. I wanted to be out of town, living in a dorm, and being independent. But, I am unable to do that when I am living at home. Like I said, I am not saying Xavier isn’t a good college and I hate it, but what I am saying is I just wish I was able to choose what I think was best for me. I guess I just have to stick it out in order to know what is best for me.

Its funny how classes actually can be fused together in terms of content. I like both my African American studies class and my English class because of their content. My African American studies class is of course about the African American experience from their perspective. I am learning about different things about my own African American community. The funny thing is, my English class is based on the African American perspective as well. The novels that we are reading in class are all based on the African American experience. For example, the first novel (A Raising in the Sun) was based on an African American family and their struggles dealing with race in Southside Chicago. The second novel (Passing) was based on African Americans who pass for white to reap the benefits of the white society. Lastly, the third novel (Benito Cereno) was based on slave revolts. These three examples show how both classes are fused together in a sense. I am able to use what I learn in one class to help me in another. I am glad my classes are set like this because I am able to understand it better since I am getting the same content with two different perspectives.

This past week, I had to write an essay on a novel my English class just recently read. The novel, Passing, was written by Nella Larsen during the 1920s in Harlem. many people argue that the novel is about sexuality, but I truly believe the novel is about race. Here is why: Larsen presents two characters in the novel, Clare Kendry and Irene Redfield. Both characters are black who are passing for white because they are light-skinned African Americans. I think Nella Larsen’s novel is more about race because she is trying to present a deeper issue. I think this deeper issue is that race is a social concept and an institution. See, during those times race was a prejudice in American society. Even though racial issues are still present today, it was more apparent during those times. This is why I think Nella Larsen wrote this novel to focus on race so it can be a reflection of her time. She was trying to present the issues that were going on in her society through literature so that the issue can finally be addressed. Race is a big issue in American culture because of its history. This is why i think the inferior community value equality so much because they were denied. So, to add to the title of this blog in terms of the novel. I think “My black is beautiful” was heavily debated throughout the novel because these two characters were not comfortable in their own skin. And, this led to “My black is lies” because these two characters pretended to be something that they were not.

Why is it that people focus on the wrong things in American society? People are more interested in who was best and worst dressed at the Academy awards than about the increase in poverty rates. Sometimes I wonder why athletes and entertainers get paid so much more money than teachers or professors. Why is it that those who actually are the sole purpose of education circulating in the world, get paid the least. What is the world coming to? You hear about the next celebrity trashing a party more on the news than about a teen that has recently been shot. The one thing that is truly amazing to me is how the news is focused more on Tiger Woods personal life (which is his own business) than something serious in the community. When is America going to get a reality check? Those who are in government who are able to change things in society are so corrupted. They are more worried about filling up their pockets with money than diminishing the issues in the world. And, the Academy awards has been in great debate with the media about why they didn’t put Farrah Fauset in their show when they were commemorating those who had died in the past year. But, think about all the people that die everyday. Does the media have a one hour special on the average citizen. In additon, look at Chris Brown and Rihanna. Why was their domestic violence situation in the media for an entire year when there are plenty of individuals getting abused everyday. People take necessary precautions for those who are considered “important.” Think about it, look at the immediate response to Rihanna when Chris Brown abused her. Have you ever thought about how long it take for an average citizen to receive aid from the police? I just really shake my head when I think about what people value and what people do not value.

Hello again,

This weekend I completed my service hours for freshman seminar by volunteering at a domestic violence prevention center. This center is very informational and I learned a lot. You know, you never notice when something isn’t right until you’re told about it. At the center, I learned about the “man box” and how vulnerable women can really be. It is really in the biological make-up of each human being. Men are the way they are; they have this violent nature because of how society is perceived to be. For example, what are two things a boy learns when he is young: 1. you can’t be sensitive (don’t cry) 2. you better handle your business. If a boy pushes another boy, they are not going to say “man you hurt my feelings.” Boys are definitely going to try to be the man they have been trying to be their entire lives. Women are more sensitive and fragile because that is what we are taught when growing up. You have to wear high heels and dresses. You have to be flattering and cute. You have to look presentable and always appear as vulnerable. Basically, gender roles are defined by society. This is why there is so much violence in the world because those genders who take their roles too seriously are either the perpetrator or the victim.

Hello again,

I have always been at the top of my class. I have always been the over achiever. Maybe these two elements of me is the reason why I am so stressed out over school. Basically, I feel like I am on the verge of a breakdown because I realize that college is definitely no joke. Today, I was about to drop a class because I am literally burned out from all of this work. But, after having a long conversation with my professor, she talked with me and made me realize that sometimes it is okay to fall, just as long as you get back up. I am not in any real danger that I could not fix or bounce back from. I am just stressed out because I want to maintain my GPA that I am totally satisfied with. I now realize that Xavier is here to really help you, so everyone should use them as an aid. College is not like high school. It is definitely not easy to stay on the “honor roll” as people can so easily achieve in high school. But, I guess stress comes with that “over achiever” status in order to get the grade that you truly desire!

     New Orleans is known for three things: the food, bourbon street, and MARDI GRAS! This past Tuesday was Fat Tuesday, as known to native New Orleanians. This is Mardi Gras day. On this day, everyone goes downtown to catch the parades, eat New Orleans good food, walk on bourbon street and canal, and just have fun with their family and friends. Unfortunately, this has to be the dirtiest day in New Orleans because trash is everywhere. But, that is the price you have to pay when you are just having too much fun! This Mardi Gras season has been great! New Orleans had its first Saints parade, congratulating those boys that brought us a superbowl victory. I am so glad I was able to see all of my Saints :)! In addition, I went to Zulu ball with one of my best friends this past Friday. It was both our first times. The Zulu ball was fun, but we both realize that it is catered to the “older generation.” This parade season was fun and I hope it is even better last year.

      In addition to all of the fun, school is very stressful. It is very unfortunate that I am sick and I have a test on Friday. I hope I am able to pass. It is hard maintaining my GPA, but I have to do what I have to do. College is no joke…all of the fun and games are over. Midterms are next week and it’s just a bigger burden on my shoulders. I really hope I am able to pass with the grades I desire. Although, Xavier is stressful, this university is definitely bettering me. I love college, I just hate the work!  

Hello again,

I am in utter shock, true amazement that our boys, the Saints, not only made it to the Superbowl XXXXIV, but came out victorious! We won the superbowl and the city of New Orleans is turning upside down. The universal excuse for any mistake nowadays is “Who Dat…We Dat!” This team has truly united the city, black or white, male or female. They have given us a reason to push harder to get back on our feet again. What better way to kick of the Mardi Gras season with a Saints parade. It seemed like the entire city of New Orleans was there. Although the streets were crowded rather packed to capacity, the parade was momentous. With that being said, the parade season has started and for all you foreigners to the city, this is one of the biggest times of the year for the city of New Orleans. We value this season so much because it not only stimulates the economy of the city, it shows the true spirit of New Orleans and what the city really represents. Other events this past week has just been with school. I’ve had a paper and a test today and I am still tired from the celebration of the Saints victory. On a positive note, school is going on the Mardi Gras holiday break so I encourage everyone to go out and have fun and be safe!

When I signed up for my African American studies class, I was not expecting to be this interested in it. I have learned a lot so far even though I have only been in the class for about three weeks. This class is focusing on the African American perspective on society. At this moment, we are looking deep into slavery and how it affected millions of Africans who were transported to the Americas. One thing that was very interesting to me that my professor made me aware of is that reportedly 4,400,000 people lived in the United States during the slavery period. However, 4 million of those people were African slaves. This number is mind boggling because it made me understand the true depth of slavery. You know…a lot of people believe slavery was in the South and only in the South. But have people ever took into consideration how New York City was built. It was built by African slaves. Yes, the North eventually despised slavery and was against it, but this is the area that slaves first populated. Just imagine not knowing where you are going and being forced to imitate a foreign culture. The obstacles African slaves were forced to overcome in order to keep their sanity, is the same obstacles we as African Americans face today, but with a modern twist. Our ancestors implemented that survival mentality that most African Americans have. This class has been an eye opener and I really enjoy it! Lastly, I want to give one final announcement: Who Dat…We Dat! Go Saints!!!!