Dynamic Bison Research project

The Dynamic Bison gave an excellent presentation on the low graduation rate for African American males in America. The statistics were both disappointing and disheartening. According to their stats only forty-seven percent of black males graduate from high school and fifty-one percent drop out. They said that the reason behind this lack of interest in education lies in the social upbringing of African American males in this country. They said that the lack of parental involvement is a major reason for black males disinterest in their own education. For example, if a young black Male's parents are constantly worried about his academic progress he is more likely to take and interest in his education. They also said that the environment a black male grows up in is a major influence on his educational aspirations and goals. Their Information on the black males of a local crime ridden D.C. neighborhood supported their theory because most of the black males in that area dropped out of high school.

Just Greatness Research Project

Just Greatness gave a very interesting presentation on World Hunger. During their presentation they gave assessments from both the economic and political perspectives. During the Economic assessment they touched on some astonishing facts about world hunger. Some of the facts include: there is a large supply of food, the supply is equal to demand, and the cost of supplying food is said to be greater than revenue. Basically what they were saying was that there is enough food for everyone in the world, but the cost of providing everyone with the food would be to high. In the political assessment they explained the need for developing countries to establish stable governments, so they can provide enough resources for their people to survive. They said that developed countries like the United States have less people suffering from starvation because they have stable governments that set up organizations to handle such problems. There presentation was very informative and helped to clarify the causes of starvation in many poverty stricken countries.

Divine Divas Research Project

I was delighted by Divine Divas presentation. Their presentation was based on human trafficking. I learned a great deal on human trafficking. Human Trafficking is a criminal activity in which people are recruited, harbored, transported, bought, or kidnapped to serve an exploitative purpose, such as sexual slavery, forced labor, or child soldiery.; a modern day form of slavery. Traffickers usually go after those that are vulnerable such as homeless people, runaway teens, displaced homemakers, refugees, and drug addicts. Before Divine Diva's presentation, I did not really pay much attention to human trafficking. Human trafficking seems to be a re-occuring issue in the US.

I.W.O.N.O Heart Disease Summary

This week I was enlightened by, Intelligent Women Overcoming New Obstacles, research project. Their research topic was on heart disease, and why it is so prevalent in the black community. Throughout their whole research paper they discussed the different types of heart diseases. Some of those types were stroke, Myocardial Infarction, Atherosclerosis, Congestive Heart Failure, and Coronary Artery Disease. I.W.O.N.O., interviewed Dr. David A. White for more information on heart diseases. According to their presentation, Dr. White indicated that heart disease was more prevalent in the African- American community because we tend to have a diet that is high in saturated fats. I really enjoyed I.W.O.N.O.'s presentation. It was very informational being that my father had to undergo a cardiovascular procedure, do to his unhealthy eating habits.

My Self- Reflection

I must say when I attended the first Freshman Seminar lecture I did not really know what this semester was going to be about. I remember going home to my family for the Labor Day weekend telling them about this class that I am required to take but I was not quite sure what it was about. Throughout the weekly lectures I gained a great deal of knowledge from the faculty at Howard University. I think this Freshman Seminar class should be required for all of the students in Howard University. Attending my Freshman Seminar lectures I was able to learn a lot about the history of Howard University. I also enjoyed working on my research project with my group, Howard's Finest. One of my favorite components in the research project was interviewing my English instructor, Professor Elam. I learned a lot about her through the interview. Overall I really did enjoy my Freshman Seminar lectures.

Interview With Patricia Elam

A couple weeks ago I had the opportunity to interview my English professor. So far, Professor Elam is one my favorite professors at Howard University. She is very interesting and creative. Her style of dress in one that I admire. Being able to interview her for Howard's Finest research project was very intriguing. I was able to learn more about her outside of the classroom. Before conducting the interview, I already anticipated Professor Elam's responses. I asked her a couple of questions regarding her thoughts on Uniform in Public Schools , and whether or not she concurs with it. I was not astonished when i asked her how she felt about uniforms in public schools. Her response to my question was, “ I’m against it…I believe kids should have the opportunity to express themselves." I was very excited after my interview with Professor Elam, not only did we discuss the issue but we got to know one another better, we even touched on one of our favorite interest...SHOPPING!!!