Dearest HU

I started to think as to why I should even write this. I guess it is because Howard despite, its flaws (I mean nothing is utopic) taught me a lot about the world, people and myself and there were some positives about my experience there. I learned for the final time how things can be up one moment and down the next. I met many interesting people and professors who had a profound impact on my life. For example, I will never forget Arian, my sis, who was directed by God to bring me back to HIS house; Reka, who was the first person I met at Howard in the financial aid line. One cannot forget Chev, who I had a few classes with, including Spanish, where the teacher said that since he studied romance languages that he'd never been the same. I'll leave your mind to ponder on that one. I have to also thank Chev for giving me the name "Dj Old Skool," a name that reverberates amongst many of my fellow peers from HU. Then there's Amir, who was one of the few people at Howard who was genuine. That is rare in this world. I got to know Lauren through Reka. Our relationship emerged over sophomore and junior year. I will never forget Lauren driving up to Virginia with me and she was one of the few people who regularly listened to my radio show. I always think of her when I hear "Candy Rain," by Soul For Real.
As for John, he was one of the few people who I believe I was able to encourage during his time at Howard and John was one of the first to continue calling me Lyle after the lady in the health clinic mispronounced my name. Dom, I met during Campus Pal week. I will never forget how people called him Little Demetrius. David, was one of those people who I felt was cool. I will remember him for being the one who always hung out with Chev, Claudia and I; (i.e. trips to Ihop). As for Claudia, her and I bonded mainly during Junior year and I will try to keep in touch with her as well as some others mentioned. Carlton, was always the one who kept me in the know regarding frat stuff and he is from STL, my hometown. Naeesa was someone I met through my cousin. He knew her from high school. Our relationship has been muddy since I told her that I liked her. For that I learned not to put my cards on the table too early. Kia, was another friend of my cousin's. She and I had Pre-calc together, and both kindly received horrific grades from the old geezer. Those were fun times in pre-calc. Shani, was one of those people I know who liked almost the same types of music that I did. She was one of the few who did not try to change the song on my Ipod. I will remember her and I taking random trips to Target in Wheaton. I never really got to know Alexis and Steve, but they did attend my birthday dinner, which was an experience too. I wish all of you the best in your future endeavors and wherever the road of life leads you. Even if any of us have parted ways, do not forget me - the one & only DJ Old Skool.

As for WHBC, I was taught never to put all my energy into something because you never know when the rug may be pulled out from under you.

Dearest Howard,

I will miss you. You taught me a lot. I will recommend you to all of my Black friends. We all need a good Black experience and Howard is definitely the creme de la creme of HBCUS. I will never forget registration, which is a highlight of the so-called HU experience. But all in all, I do not regret you for one second.

Sincerely,

KCJ