| My cafeteria was
better than "The Pit." My dorm life experiences surpassed
"Gilbert Hall," and the sense of familiarity and unity
was far more evident than what was captured on camera on "Hillman
campus." The '80's favorite sitcom "A Different World"
was just one of the many inspirations that motivated me to attend
a historically black college. While very similar, no television
show compares to the actual experience.
I would like to thank all those who have contributed to my
journey to excellence. I made Johnson
C. Smith University in Charlotte, North Carolina my home
away from home, my Hillman. Smith offered me the opportunity
to travel to D.C., Connecticut, and even New York City! At JCSU,
I met memorable civil right's activists such as Angela Davis
and Cornel West. I also shook hands and conversed with the first
Black female Secretary of State, Dr. Condoleezza Rice.
While not quite the feminist like Freddie Brook's character,
I remained an active and positive contributor in the Queen City
by participating in various community service projects. I played
an integral role in the Student Government Association as well
as editor-in-chief of my school newspaper. And pledging the
first and finest community service organization of the lovely
ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated emphasized
the importance of time management and leadership skills.
Even though extra-curricular activities are essential to the
development of one's moral and ethical character, academics
are imperative to one's success. I graduated from JCSU Summa
Cum Laude with a bachelor in Communication Arts ranked number
5 out of 256 smithites.
Now I begin a new series in my "different world."
Beginning in the fall of 2006, I will enter the one year masters
program of Journalism and Public Affairs at American University
in Washington, D.C. with aspirations of becoming a news editor
for a major television news station. With the help of a National
Presbyterian Scholarship, I have been able to share these memories
and experiences with man. It is my prayer that all who know
of this program will continue to support its efforts to aid
others in hopes of finding their "different world."
Shani A. Provost
May 2006 Johnson C. Smith University Graduate |
