Roots and Routes

September brings that familiar mix of energy and chaos on campus; new faces, new routines, and a fresh wave of ambition. For me, it’s more than just the start of a semester; it’s a chance to figure out where I stand, how I want to grow, and what kind of impact I want to make in my community. As I get comfortable in my first semester of sophomore year I want to start by saying it’s a blessing that I’m able to go to this school. Many people don’t have the opportunity to embrace such excellence at Howard University, so with that I’m honored to be im my position. I arrived on campus in mid August, immediately I was met with welcoming student staff that helped make the process smoother. This semester I wanted to try something different, something unique that will alter my educational career here. This is where my blog comes in. I feel as though it’s healthy and all around more beneficiary of me to write and produce content while in school. Reflecting not only on me on campus and going to class, but outside campus, persona struggles, political headlines, and pop culture madness. My first three weeks have been rather steady though, not as crazy as my freshman year. Because of this I was able to marinate with my campus a little better this time around, I made friends easier and found my way around my dormitory way easier. If you go to Howard, you might see me in one of the campus organizations, but you know I can’t spoil the surprise (stay tuned).

Stepping into this month means balancing the rhythm of my own with the pulse of the community I’m part of. On campus, that looks like figuring out where I fit in the swirl of new classes, familiar faces, and the constant pressure to keep pushing forward. Off campus, it’s about staying grounded in the reality of where I come from, remembering the voices and struggles that shaped me before I ever stepped into a classroom. What I’ve been realizing is that the two aren’t separate; my personal journey and my community’s story are linked. The conversations I have with classmates about our futures, the organizations I see advocating for change, and even the quiet moments walking across the Yard all remind me that growth isn’t just individual. It’s collective.

This summer, I was accepted into the Whitestone Fellowship cohort, where I will deepen my knowledge, expand my professional network, and further develop my skills in policy development and analysis. I am eager to learn and broaden my skills in law and policy creation, and gain insight from sitting elected U.S. officials. This is only the start of my professional law and political career. I will also be participating in “The Great Lock-In of Autumn, I’ve always been the type to stay on top of my work but I wanted to give myself the extra challenge. Besides October and November, September is my favorite month. I’m not gonna lie and give some philosophical flushed out reason why it’s literally just because of the nice weather and positive reaction my skin has to fall air. With that being said I don’t want to waste a peak month on my usual activities. This September, I’m choosing to embrace life a little better than how I usually do. Take it slow and steady, I’m taking four classes this semester which is less than I usually do. I want to read more and be more active and care more about what I put in my body. I want to use this as a reminder to stay consistent, the hard work will pay off. I’m choosing me now. I feel I’ve been overly connected to other people and their wants, needs, and feelings leaving mines to wither with time. With this drop I’m planning a (slight) rebrand, it’ll be great chat I promise. I want to put myself to the ultimate test. But I can’t do it without you guys (literally right after I basically said forget y’all I’m focusing on me) you know what they say, “It takes a village to raise a child.”

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