Hear from a Student at Howard University on Connecting Students Through Communities
Online forums, discussion boards, and mentoring initiatives flourish at Howard University, connecting students with accessibility needs and fostering a sense of community. First, I'd want to call attention to the Howard University Chapter of Her Campus, an online publication and on-campus group of female students committed to female empowerment. The majority of articles, if not all of them, promote mutual support for women, whether it is for our own female colleagues and their successes or for renowned females in general and complimenting them on their accolades.
In addition, the Howard University Chapter of the Black Women in Pre-law Society offers a secure environment for black females who want to pursue careers in law to encourage and support one another. Notwithstanding the fact that there are only 2% of black women working in the legal profession, this group offers the admissions materials, mentorship, and advice from accomplished lawyers that are necessary to successfully traverse the difficult law school application process.
Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Center, which hosts weekly virtual meetings open to college students/early adults who suffer from depression, anxiety, and related disorders, is another support group that is accessible to college students who are not just Howard University students but to anybody with an online access. It is free, open to everybody, and there is no requirement that people participate. With the motto "Learn from people who have been there," there is also WISDO, an app where you can join specified themed communities to talk about anything from coronavirus anxiety and loneliness to racism and LGBTQ+ issues. In addition to interacting with others, WISDO also lets you set goals and mentor people who are going through experiences you have previously dealt with. Another organization that aids students in navigating the collegiate environment is UStrive, which matches them with helpful mentors of their choice. Additionally, there are programs like The TMCF| Walmart Foundation First-Generation Scholars Mentorship Programs, which pair first-generation college students with peers who are currently enrolled in one of the 47 member historically Black colleges and universities.