by M.

Created on: December 11, 2008

The number of African- Americans entering college can improve with the love of self and when "it takes a village" is re-implemented within the community. I am the mother of four children, three boys and one girl. My oldest child is in his second year at Wake Forest University, in Winston-Salem, NC. I am proud, very proud of him. I have not completed college but it is definitely one of my goals to continue my education and receive my degree. I was a single mother for thirteen years of his life. After realizing I would not receive any help from his father (a college graduate), I wiped my tears, refused welfare, got a job and kept it moving.

Not going to college was not a option for him, nor any of my children. My family states that I am an overprotecive mother. I had three goals for my children: 1. they were not going to call someone else Mommy. 2. they would learn self-respect, no negativity or low self-esteem allowed. 3. You deserve the best, work for it. I am not saying my way of raising mine are the best but I know that positive reinforcement is a strong factor. Life is hard but life can be what you make it. Everyday is not going to be rays of sunshine. Love ones pass, people will harm you and try to kill your spirit but you do not let life circumstances dictate your future.

There are programs within this great nation of ours for every child to go to college. Inform yourself as a parent to get involved in your child's education. There is not one reason why our children should not be going to college. College goals began at home, wanting a better life than what your parents are living begin at home. Family values are the core of this country's foundation. My definition of family values - we need each other to enrich our lives, encourage me, I will encourage you.

African Americans are referred to as the minority. I so hate this word, minority. Minority meaning less than. When an African American student is completing an college application this word should not exist. There is nothing minor about college, not the classes, not your peers and definitely not the funds. I am so grateful to the Great I am, that my son is experiencing the college life. He struggles, he is always hungry and yes he complains when he calls and I remind him.....Look where you are, remember you have a purpose. Do not take your eyes of the prize, do not be a statistic.

When we stop this generation of right now, this cycle of selfishness, the number of African Americans enrolling in college will improve. Great minds are a terrible thing to waste. Give more of yourself for others by donating your time, and or money and start mentoring. We are our greatest asset, no matter the race.

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