A Note to Self: Reflection of Appreciation

Dear Ariana,

This was one of your first times as Howard. The tour guide said, "She already has the shirt...she's READY." Ready you were, to apply and attend the school of your dreams but one small problem...how were you gonna get there?

Howard was your dreaming for so long and when they waitlisted you...you thought the dream was over. The dream of attending the number one HBCU for journalism, the dream of being surrounded by the best of the best, the dream of Howard. You knew Howard would prepare you in more ways than you could possibly imagine and that you would do anything to accomplish that dream. Once you received that acceptance (almost 3 months later), the next time had to be completed, being successful and graduating from Howard.

Freshman year, you hit the ground running being in organizations like the Freshman Leadership Academy, WHBC, HUABJ, and working with Mr. & Miss CHSOC. Even when people told you "you're doing too much," you knew that you were on your way to achieving your goals and dreams. Sophomore year, you still were doing too much to some, but wanted to get more into journalism so decided to be on the board for HUABJ and get more involved in SOC by joining the student council. You did something out of your comfort zone and ran for Miss SOC where you came in 2nd place, in your first-ever pageant, WOW. And then the unthinkable happened...COVID-19. The rest of sophomore was spent online and at home but you decided what you wanted out of a career in journalism. Junior year while still online you dived headfirst into finding your way in journalism by having not one but three internships during that year. You also contained the activities you love like HUABJ and even started a new role in UGSA. Junior year was definitely your best career year with having a big summer internship with Showtime Networks and IRTS and T. Howard fellowships.

Now that you're a senior you are right where you want to be, President of HUABJ and Vice Coordinator of UGSA, interning with your DREAM company E! News. You are surrounded by people who are there for you and want you to succeed. I am so proud of the woman you are and I hope you are proud too. You have pushed past any and every anxiety and obstacle life has thrown at you. Howard University and the School of Communications catapulted you right where you wanted to be personally and professionally. By completing the Capstone course you are one step closer to achieving that dream that 18-year-old Ariana wanted. I know that you will continue to serve for excellence in everything you do and can't wait to see what we do in the future. Know that I love you and will be with you every step of the way.

Love Always,

Ariana