First-Year Impressions: College Life with Alumnus Omar at Howard University

A person wearing a gray flat cap, plaid shirt, and green bead necklace stands in front of a blue background with a yellow border. — *Omar D.*

Omar D., a recent graduate of Validus Preparatory Academy (a CollegeBound Initiative partner school), is adapting to college life at Howard University. Student Leadership Network spoke with him recently about his first impressions of college life. He offered advice to current high school students who may be considering college away from home. Let’s dive in!

What are some factors that led to your decision to attend Howard University?

I actually applied to the Gates Scholarship first before my college applications. I went to Ms. Hillary Hernandez, the director of college counseling at my high school, Validus Prep, for help with the application. I submitted Gates before my college apps, so when I got several college acceptances, I was still waiting to hear back. The Gates Scholarship helped with financial considerations, and I ultimately decided on Howard University, where I plan to major in English.

Two young men in white shirts pose for a selfie indoors under bright ceiling lights on Howard University campus — *Omar, on the right, with his friend Tyler on campus*

What is one part of college that you are enjoying right now?

A part of college I’m enjoying right now is definitely the people. I’ve never seen so many people from the Northeast, Midwest, West, South, and overseas all in one place.

What does it feel like to go to college away from home?

While I’m still learning about Washington, D.C. and Howard as I continue my semester, I can explain a few things. This is the view I get from my dorm room, which is a room for three people. I live in the farthest dorm from classes, so every day is a long walk. But it’s a great view since, as you walk to one of the cafeterias, you can see the lake, or if you’re walking to classes, you can see the football field and teams practicing. The city in D.C. still feels similar to New York, where, even if I’m lost, I can always find new things in the area.

A view outside a dorm window shows a calm sunset over a lake with pink clouds reflecting on the water, buildings in the background.

View from Omar’s dorm room window

The Washington Monument stands tall at sunset, surrounded by trees and an open grassy area with people walking.

Walking by the Washington Monument

People sit in stadium bleachers on a sunny day, watching a ceremony taking place on a football field at Howard University — *Freshmen Welcoming Ceremony at Howard University’s Greene Stadium*

Do you have any advice for high school students considering dorming or HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) as they apply to college?

If a high school student is thinking about an HBCU, I’d say go for the education and stay for the environment that will allow you to grow for the better and network with such bright individuals.