There are over 100 historically black colleges in the U.S. All of them are different, but students who go to an HBCU are a family. We go to a college where we are the majority, not the minority. HBCUs are unique, and there is no other experience like it. Students who attend an HBCU all go through the same things, and people who don't attend an HBCU will never truly understand the experience. Here are just a couple of things that you probably went through while attending a HBCU.
1. The Financial Aid Office.
Why is it that everyone who works in the financial aid office seems as if they don't know what they're doing. They never know where your scholarship forms are, somehow your refund check went missing, and they can't find out when your loan should come through. You've most likely shed a few tears dealing with the financial aid office, but hopefully you didn't let them discourage you too much. If you were lucky, you found at least one person who had your best interest in mind, but if not I hope you learned to keep track of all your paper work, because they sure don't.
2. Networking skills
HBCU students all over the nation are a family. You've probably mastered your networking skills by now, because so many HBCU grads are CEOs of huge companies. Networking is the key to success, and it comes easy when you attend an HBCU.
3. HBCUs Seem To Have The Most Beautiful People on Earth.
During my first semester at Hampton University, I learned that a pair of sweat pants and a t-shirt were not going to cut it. When you attend an HBCU you set your standards high. A HBCU student always dresses to impress, it's not that were bougie, we just love to present ourselves as if we are the best, because we are.
4. There is no Homecoming Like a HBCU Homecoming.
I went to my first homecoming this year, and let's just say it was quite the experience. Homecoming at a HBCU is like a huge cookout, and seeing all the alumni is like seeing your aunts, and uncles that you have not seen in years. HBCU students and alumni come to slay during homecoming, everyone pulls out their freshest outfit, and is ready to have a good time.
5. The Band Never Ceases to Amaze You
At my high school nobody really joined the band, it was considered kinda corny. There is absolutely nothing, I mean nothing corny about the band, especially a HBCU band. You loved attending all of the sports, because the band always had you hype, and off of your feet.
6. The Choir
An HBCU choir will have you snot-nose crying, ready to walk through the pearly gates of heaven. The choir(s) at a HBCU are accustomed to going to competitions, and winning. Most choirs hold many awards because they can sing. No, no ,no they can sang!
7. You're Constantly Surrounded by Black Excellence.
HBCU students and grads set the standard. If you attend an HBCU you are expected to get a top internship, or get the job that you've always wanted. Your fellow classmates are always going to achieve greatness. HBCU students and graduates, do no fail.
8. Swag Surfing
Swag surfing anywhere besides an HBCU is pointless. Period. Point. Blank.
12-2 on Friday🙌🏾 #ilovemyhbcu #hamptonu pic.twitter.com/BkF8CjE5BI
— TTMAC (@tylermcc__) January">https://twitter.com/tylermcc__/status/693911220060... 31, 2016
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9. The Parties are always a turn-up.
You're first party at a HBCU was probably a tad bit overwhelming, but you came to realize that there are no other parties like it.
10. Your Freshman Dorm was the Worst.
Just because the school is a historically black college, doesn't mean that the dorm has to be historic as well. Chances are that your freshman dorm was older than your great grandparents. The bathrooms were always going out of order, the microwave never worked, and the bed was super uncomfortable. On the bright side, the people you met in your freshman dorm turned into family.
11. The Divine Nine
12.Realizing the HBCUs are more diverse than you thought.
You've probably had classes with people from Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean.
13. HBCUs Support Other Colleges.
Even though HBCUs get a lot of hate, we constantly support other colleges. Especially when it has to do with the black race.
14.Power and Self-Awareness
After attending an HBCU, you have a better understanding of yourself. You feel more in touch with your roots, and you have a sense of power, because for the first time you are the majority. You aren't the only black person in class, or the cafeteria. You leave an HBCU knowing that you can conquer anything.
HBCUs will always be essential to the black community. HBCUs produce some of the top doctors, lawyers, actors, and singers. Even Oprah went to a HBCU. HBCUs keep the black community thriving.
