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I have talked to many people about some of the reservations I have about Howard University, including the outdated facilities, the sometimes frustrating and under-performing administration (with financial aid, housing, etc.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 and the freshman housing experience (a.k.a. Drew Hall- Read this article, even though this is a little outdated, I have heard some of the same sentiments recently).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!

"Oh, the Weather Outside..."

"...Is Frightful"!

Seems like this snow came out of nowhere, and looks like it will be our biggest snow of the year so far. Here in Congress Heights in Southeast, it is "showing no signs of stopping"! Here's the rundown:

Good Side: Classes are cancelled at my school tomorrow, and some well-deserved rest (and a day full of blogging) is in order.

Bad Side: In the middle of writing this blog (8:13PM), our power went out (the whole block). This, just as other family members were anticipating coming over our house because THEIR power is out! The power returned at 8:36 and at 8:38, back in the dark again! And now, hopefully permanently, power is restored. Outrageous (Thanks, Pepco)!

Of course, I cannot finish this blog without a dash of politics: This first big snow may be the first test for Mayor Gray and even though it will not even come close to the "Fenty Era" storms of December 2009 and February 2010, it will still show what the Mayor can do when it comes to cleaning up from the weather and getting the city running again.

So, give me some news: Comment on this blog and tell me what's going on in your neighborhood. Power outages, snowy streets? Let me know!

And also, send photos of your snow from your neighborhood, so we can post them here on the Batch' Blog. Send them through email to markusbatchelor@gmail.com!

In your comment, put your name and neighborhood and tell us about what you're experiencing!

Update (1/27/11- 7:49am)- Mike Debonis from the Washington Post: "Frustrated by snow response, Twitter unloads on Gray" Check it out! Metrobus systems in DC, Maryland and Virginia have already gone on an emergency schedule, DCPS has closed and the DC Government is closed, but a plow did come down my street just before I took this photo (even though I live on a main street and that doesn't mean much for the "side-streeters" around the city).

Update (1/27/11- 11:56am)- Though it might have taken you a little longer to get home last night, don't feel bad: the President had the same issue. Also, was your power out yesterday or today? Well, still don't feel bad- the city's chief executive was in the dark Wednesday night too.

Update (1/27/11- 6:42pm)- DCPS has just announced there will be a two-hour delay tomorrow.