Bruin Ambassador Argumentative Essay

Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) are experiencing low retention rates with first generation college students. The students are not graduating within a four to six year enrollment period, and or are not returning after their freshmen year. As the American workforce looks to colleges and universities to fulfill the workforce pipeline with educated diverse workers, HBCUs are in the spotlight to produce qualified minority graduates. Moreover, HBCU’s are looking to refine their methods of inclusion and buy-in, this will in-turn manifest a higher level of retention amongst first generation college students.

When I visited Florida State’s campus, I automatically felt welcomed and met students with varying backgrounds. Therefore, my college experience at Florida State University will continue to build my exposure to diverse cultures, and make me feel a part of a close knit community that brings us all together around its education standards, local community involvement, and its sports programs. As a member of the FSU community, I will contribute to its diversity, become an engaged member of the micro-society and find ways to volunteer my time to local programs, such as animal care and compliance within the FSU Office of Research. I embody Florida State University’s motto, “Vires, Artes, Mores”. I continue to leverage my strengths, sharpen my skills and build upon my reputation and

Another major predicament that plays a large role in the amount of African Americans that do not receive a higher education is once they get to college, they do not have a typical or enjoyable experience once there. In today’s society, it is hard to imagine that there is still racism and segregation in schools and colleges today but the reality is, it still does very much exist. This is especially true when black students attend predominantly white universities. Even though most colleges promote themselves by talking about how diverse their

The number of diverse students entering and graduating from post-secondary institutions is increasing at rapid rates (Education Trust, 2015; Georgetown University Center, 2012). Between the years 2003 and 2013, 77% of public institutions improved graduation rates for underrepresented groups, including African-American, Hispanic, and Native American students (Education Trust, 2015). Despite this increase, there continues to be a graduation gap between underrepresented minority students and White students. Nationally, 42% percent of Black students that enter college will graduate while 62% of White students will graduate (The Journal of Blacks in Higher Education, 2005). There is a similar graduation gap for college students who are the first in their family to attend college, or first-generation students. Sixty percent of first generation students that enter college will attend college for six years without receiving a bachelor’s degree (Smith, 2012). Historically underrepresented students and first generation students face unique challenges and hardships that can make graduation difficult (Hunter, Laursen & Seymour, 2007; Jett, Curry, & Vernon-Jackson, 2016; Schwartz, 2012). High impact practices such as the Ronal McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program (McNair Program) are designed to increase historically disadvantages and first generation student learning and retention in college. An importance aspect of high impact programs such as the McNair

The lack of engagement of Black alumni at PWIs may be caused by the campus environment that Black alumni experienced while attending as students. Prior research has shown that alumni who have had positive undergraduate experiences and strong feelings about their alma mater are more likely to donate and/ or participate in alumni events. Gaier (2005) notes that students have a higher rate of satisfaction when cultivating positive relationships with faculty and are more inclined to give back to their institution in the form of time and donations as alumni. Clotfelter (2003) conducted a study that shows that alumni satisfaction is linked to the particular types of experiences that alumni had while on campus as students.

It was only a year ago when I was faced with making a very important decision that would affect me for the rest of my life. It was time for me to choose an institution of higher learning to continue my studies that would eventually lead me to my career. My decision wasn’t simply which university or college to choose, but as a young black student, whether to choose a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) or a Predominately White Institution (PWI). This would take me on an insightful journey and I would make my decision after discussing the pros and cons of both institutions and through interactions with students, faculty and staff. Before too long

Currently, I work as the Coordinator of Multicultural Recruitment at Messiah College. I oversee the recruitment of students from Harrisburg, Philadelphia, New York City, Baltimore, and Washington DC. My positon also serves as the director of the Lloyd and Lois Martin Multicultural Scholarship and Amigo Scholarship. These scholarships were started to help Messiah recruit and retain students of color. The Lloyd and Lois Martin Multicultural Scholarship awards four Full-Tuition scholarships and six $20,000 scholarships. The Amigo Mentoring Scholarship awards forty $16,000 scholarships. The Martin & Amigo

The Hispanic/Latino community has been known to be underrepresented on college campuses, both at the community college and four-year university level. Factors such as low-income households, poor or harsh living conditions, under-educated parents, cultural and family commitments, and unfamiliarity with the college process, all serve as unfortunate barriers that keep Hispanic/Latino students from reaching the goal of attaining college degrees. Although these barriers keep many students from succeeding, many others overcome these obstacles and continue on their paths to creating a better future for themselves. They choose to look past the expectations that society has for them and break out of the stereotypical mold. However, Hispanic/Latino students face, yet, another challenge upon successfully making it on to a college campus... the challenge of graduating.

However, the struggle for success is particularly small for many Black students. There are many aspects that come along with attending an HBCU. Many are falsely portrayed throughout media, but students either current or graduated from an HBCU can attest through their different experiences. African American students have gained knowledge, awareness, self-identity and much more. Many graduates that attended HBCU’s continue to support HBCU’s because of the experiences that the university has taught them in everyday life and also in their career. HBCU’s tend to produce African American students that enter the adult world with an understanding of who they are. Being confident about their place in society and eager to influence their peers and the world

When Christopher was eight years old, he didn’t know that he would be attacked and be scarred for life in less than a day. Christopher arrived at his friend's house. His friend told him to hold a stick and say fetch to the husky. Before Christopher could even throw the stick the dog viciously attacked him. His friend ran to get help. After that Chris had to have 1000 Stitches. Chris had very bad nightmares about the dog attacking him. That dog scarred him for a very long time. To this day he still has nightmares about that dog. There was more to come after this event.

These combined factors greatly undermine the social, economic, and political potential of minorities in America. I am developing myself professionally and through academic studies to develop comprehensive plans addressing school improvements, enforcing civil rights, and equitable access to resources and higher education for all people. Through HGSE I will expand my network of professionals that understand the achievement gaps and collaborate to not only ask the daring questions but be agents of change. I plan to become a leader whose future work is never displaced from the community I serve. After graduation my true desire lies to straddle both the hands-on forefront of the classroom and the transformative policy and administrative lens. My ideal position enables me to only to hear the voices and see the needs of the community I impact but also take the theories into practice to ensure that all students are prepared for a 21st century global society. Though my role is multifaceted; from a role model, artist, and educator, being a leader that demonstrates a commitment to equity and excellence comes

Throughout my life as a child and teenager, I was told by my parents that they worked really hard to get to the safe town and community that we lived in. Growing up in Pacific Grove, California gave me lots opportunities that I didn’t even know I obtained. Unless it had happened to me personally, I didn’t really understand the full picture of what others had to go through. Having dyslexia, the only subject I felt I really excelled in was art. After high school, I still had no idea what I wanted to do for a career or even a major. Monterey Peninsula College has boosted my confidence by showing me that I can be and do much more. Two years ago I would never have guessed that I would be applying to the University of Washington.

Beneath the history of HBCU’s, the table of excellence is what keeps the history and legacy alive. Numerous campuses have great mentors for the scholars to learn from. Some fellow graduates from the same seminary come back to mentor the scholar about the “real world” after college experience immediate bond. Alumni’s have also created a network with a plethora of opportunities and life-long companions. It is a gift that continues to give. A group named “Black Lives Matter” supports African Americans and enlarge black supremacy. Some think that African Americans need to have strong leaders and motivation. HBCU’s have nurturing environment that plays a vital role in personal growth, academic and development, and cultivating a deep rooted connect

Chris Greicius was like any other seven year old with a dream; his dream was to be a police officer. However Chris was diagnosed with Leukemia, and was going to die. His dream to “catch the bad guys” (Make-A-Wish® America) to make the world safer motivated him through his journey. When Chris’s wish came true and has a police officer for the day, they knew they could make a difference. Then on May 3rd Chris lost his fight against Leukemia, but he was not forgotten. Instead he started up one of the best organizations to support today, Make A Wish. That summer of Chris’s passing, a group of working-class DPS officers, friends and family gathered, which marks the beginning of Make-A-Wish” (Real Make a Wish website). “By the following spring the

As a testament to the next discussion point of opportunities, especially within the realm of college admission, I have experienced firsthand the opportunities presented by affirmative action. As a low-income, first-generation college student, Virginia Tech had offered me a full scholarship based solely on merit and financial need. As a “minority” according to Virginia Tech, I had an