Self Reflection, Self Worth by Michelle Harris

     To be completely honest, when I was first told that I had to take this class in order to graduate, I was very upset.  For one, I am a senior and I just felt out of place.  Also, I thought that I knew everything about the school that I needed to know.  Now I see how wrong I was.  After being in this class, I not only reflect on how I look at myself, but how I look at myself as a young African American woman.  This class has allowed me to actually realize how far we have come as a people.  I am so much more grateful for my ancestors, because they have paved such a remarkable pathway of opportunity for us in this day and age.  I am also more appreciative of my privilege to attend Howard University.  I didn't know as much about the history of this school before this class, but now that I know what I know now, I use this knowledge as a source of inspiration to excel and take advantage of the many opportunities my ancestors worked so hard for us as African Americans to have.  I have also learned that the world may try to break you down, but your spirit cannot be broken.  The African Burial Ground is living proof of that.  Those slaves died fighting for a cause, and although alot did not make it, their spirits carried them farther than life on earth ever could. This class has given me an opportunity to feel more closer to my African origins, and I am proud of who I am and where I come from.  I think that it is sad however, that alot of young people especially in my generation are more concerned with the ignorance that goes on today more than they are with themselves.  We are beautiful people.  We are humble, unique, and different and we should embrace that, rather than allow society to mold us into insecure beings who are ashamed of who we are.  We are worth so much more than we give ourselves credit for.  So all in all, I am thankful for the experience of this class and the knowledge of our deep rooted history.