Attending an Historically Black College or University (HBCU) offers a unique perspective that I would not be able to attain attending a non-HBCU. While the goal of every university is to educate students, an HBCU provides experiences that celebrate Black history and culture. In addition, an HBCU is known for building renowned leaders that foster vast networks and opportunities for growth. In the fall, I will be attending North Carolina Agricultural and Technical (A&T) State University, majoring in Visual Arts Design (Media Design). I chose to attend North Carolina A&T so that I can be surrounded in an environment that looks like me, nurtures me as an individual and empowers me through the motto of “Aggie Pride.” “Aggie Pride” means Achieving Great Goals in Everything, Producing Renowned Individuals Dedicated to Excellence. Black excellence is seen within the motto of “Aggie Pride,” and it is something I look forward to following as well. While at North Carolina A&T, I will master my art skills, immerse myself in its rich culture and traditions, like GHOE or the greatest homecoming on earth. GHOE at North Carolina A&T is not just about the step shows, lively tailgating, and football game; rather it is a time when current students, alumni, and the Greensboro community, gather as a family to reconnect, support the university, and make a positive impact in the community through service and supporting local businesses. In addition to celebrating the culture and history of North Carolina A&T through Aggie Pride, I will be able to actively engage in rigorous academic studies and extracurricular activities on campus. Attending North Carolina A&T will provide me with the artistic resources I need and further enhance my leadership skills through art related clubs, like Art Circle and the yearbook. Being a part of these extracurricular activities, as well as many others on campus, will allow me to leave an artistic influence on campus, by creating pieces of work that embody the motto of Aggie Pride and inspire others to embrace the Aggie lifestyle. While I would still be able to do these things at a non-HBCU, attending an HBCU provides a greater ability to feel like I belong and not in a state of constant competition with non-minority students. Furthermore, an HBCU focuses on preparing students for post graduate success by providing opportunities to be competitive and achieve success. Attending an HBCU such as North Carolina A&T will create openings that will allow me to obtain internships and full-time employment after graduation due to its vast alumni and industry connections. I will be prepared not only academically but will be supported as an individual to ultimately work as an animator for a major animation company, like Walt Disney Animation Studios. As an animator, I will strive to create works of art that highlight Black excellence, especially in an HBCU. Coupling my dreams and aspirations with everything gained at an HBCU, I will leave a positive and artistic legacy—one that embodies Aggie Pride, honors my alma mater, and inspires future generations to pursue their passions. If I attended a non-HBCU, I would not be immersed in my own culture on a daily basis nor would I have the same opportunities and experiences afforded by attending an HBCU. Therefore, attending an HBCU is the best option for me because it would best support me and all my endeavors.

My very first and favorite concert was on October 1, 2022. My parents surprised me and my aunt with tickets to see Panic! At The Disco at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. This concert was during their “VIVA LAS VENGEANCE” tour, which was also their last tour before the official end of Panic! At The Disco. During COVID, this band kept me afloat, providing me with a rush of adrenaline whenever I was feeling low. So, when I heard that I was going to see them, I was so excited. When the time came for Panic! At The Disco to come out for their performance, the buildup was insane. Everything was so surreal. People were cheering and screaming. When the intro for the first song started, I realized that everything was really happening; I was there. The opening song was “Say Amen (Saturday Night),” and it was the best song to open to because it got everybody hyped. To be honest, the whole set list was amazing because it was played and sung with intensity and heartfelt intentions. The lights, the atmosphere, and the people singing along, including myself, increased the overall feeling of being there. As the concert went on, they performed older songs from other albums. When Panic! At The Disco sang “Hey Look Ma, I Made It,” I started crying from my excitement. Everything hit me, and the fact that I had made it to a concert truly sunk in. Already overwhelmed with emotions, I knew that with the way I was feeling, the rest of the night would be amazing. The setlist continued with songs like “Don’t Threaten Me with a Good Time,” which was very appropriate for the night. Since this was my first concert, I had no idea what to expect. I thought that Panic! At The Disco would play a selection of certain songs and a few off the new album; but that was not the case. I was surprised when all the songs from their newest album, "Viva Las Vengeance," were performed. I had played the album non-stop, so when they did each song during the show, I was more than ecstatic. Once they finished the album, they continued with older songs. During “Girls/Girls/Boys,” the entire venue continued the ongoing tradition of making the pride flag with colored paper hearts and our cellphone flashlights. Being able to be a part of that and see it with my own eyes was an experience I will not forget. As the concert was ending, the magic of the entire night enveloped me. It was amazing to sing along to “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” which is a classic from Panic! At The Disco’s first album. As the night came to an end and “High Hopes” was performed, confetti rained down on us. It was a truly mesmerizing sight to see. I made sure to collect some to keep as a souvenir of my first concert, in addition to a paper heart and shirt my aunt bought me. On the way home, I could not stop talking about how magical the whole night was. Till this day, thinking about the Panic! At The Disco concert brings me joy. I still get the same intense feeling watching the videos I recorded that night.