The Power of the Internet

In my advanced computer applications a few days ago, we watched a video about the vast impact new technologies and the internet has on the world and how quickly the world is changing, faster than at any time before.

The video presented some really great (and mind-blowing) facts about the exponential changes going on in the world right now. For example, (Did You Know that) the most in-demand jobs of 2010 didn't even exist in 2004, and while it took the television 13 years to broaden its user base to 50 million people, it only took Facebook 2 years to do it? The way that information and technology is growing is astounding.

Schools are now preparing students for jobs that don't even exist yet and preparing them to solve problems that aren't problems yet. Half the curriculum that a college student who majors in some sort of technologically-geared field learns will be outdated by his third year in college.

The world is moving and changing at such a fast pace now due to technology, like the internet, that the world has to prepare for obstacles and opportunities that have not even presented themselves yet.

The internet has changed the world so dramatically just within the last five or six years and has dramatically changed the way we find news, communicate, work and even wage war! The changes show no signs of stopping, and the changes will only come faster as time passes and technology grows.

Is the Real HU for Me?

For the past few weeks, I have been trying to chart my path for the future, especially as it pertains to college. It seems a bit early, since college decisions do not come until probably March or April. However, I have gotten one acceptance letter so far that has spurred my thoughts and made my decision much harder: Howard University.

Howard University is unique and appealing to me for many reasons:

1. It is the only HBCU I have applied to.
2. Its rich legacy and inspirational alumni (including Justice Thurgood Marshall, the namesake of my high school) makes my attendance and my experience that much more fulfilling.
3. The students I have met so far that will be apart of the Class of 2015 are intelligent, friendly and open-minded, and also would be very good friends and classmates.
4. Current students are very excited about the arrival of new students and about sharing the legacy and experiences of Howard University.
5. I have been offered full tuition and fees

Howard University is ready and waiting for new students like me to contribute to the rich history that the institution has.

So "What's the problem?", you ask.

I have talked to many people about some of the reservations I have about Howard University, including the outdated facilities, the sometimes frustrating and under-performing administration (with financial aid, housing, etc. Read the article.) and the freshman housing experience (a.k.a. Drew Hall- Read this article, even though this is a little outdated, I have heard some of the same sentiments recently). Though there are signs that these issues might be slowly being corrected, these also might be an unwanted burden that could take away from the whole experience.

Update (1/30/11- 4:50pm): Howard University Administration approves a plan for an academic and infrastructural renewal for Howard University- Read here.

Also, what if I am accepted to somewhere like Harvard University (which I have applied to), that would give me the credibility and notoriety in my future, but not necessarily the unique and unforgettable experiences I know I will get from the first second on Howard's campus?

So, I need your opinions! Is the Real HU for MB? Comment NOW!