For our final assignment, we were given the following: creating a timeline
For this, we used the website knight lab, where we could easily upload all data into a google sheet, which would then be converted into a timeline. For this particular one, I chose to create a timeline on my journey through Howard thus far, implementing some of my most notable moments/achievements from my two years. This includes organizations I’ve joined (allowing for me to continue to spread my brand) and a few more lighthearted things such as meeting friends, pep rallies, and some memorable assignments from the year.
In creating this timeline, I was given the opportunity to sit back and reflect upon my freshman and sophomore year. Although I was still focused on getting my name out and joining organizations to add to my resume (and increase my portfolio), I was mainly fixated on creating and building upon my relationship with my friends, and getting used to college life. Thankfully, none of my classes at the time were difficult, which allowed for the opportunity for me to really just focus on my transition into a new world. Although this wasn’t the first time I had gone to a predominantly black institution, I had spent the last three years of high school at a PWI, and being at an HBCU was really a liberating time.
Sophomore year, things changed drastically. Friendships fell apart and classes definitely got harder, but what I noticed is that I was had shifted my focus from friends to classes and establishing a better portfolio. This was the year I became editor of an organization I’d previously been a part of, joined The Hilltop, and got my first ever internship. This was also the time that my classes got significantly harder, and for the first time since arriving upon Howard I truly felt myself being challenged as journalist (and not just in this class). Admittedly, at the time I didn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel, and a lot of assignments came across as just overbearing and difficult. However, looking back I’ve realized that everything I’ve been taught is only meant to prepare me for the industry I’m about to enter.
The only disappointing part of this entire ordeal is that I could not give the timeline a proper ending. The appearance of COVID-19 cut everything short, including my sophomore year. However, I’m hopeful for the future and know that after this passes, I’ll be able to continue to succeed and work hard at my goals in the future!
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