University Imprint Leaves Lifelong Lesson In My Heart

Recently, I had an opportunity to see an image which took me back in time. To a time when I was new to the campus of the University of Washington, in Seattle. I didn't know what to expect. However, I felt that whatever happened on that campus would be life changing, and prepare me for the next steps in my journey. Little did I know one professor would leave such an imprint, that when I saw his picture many years later I would still feel the emotional mark he left with me long ago.

Walking on to the campus of the University of Washington placed me in a foreign environment initially. Leaving a small, private school, of 500 students and stepping on to the grounds of a campus with approximately 30,000 students -few being African American felt uncomfortable. How was I going to navigate all that was happening around me was the question I faced. I knew I had time to figure it out, but wondered if in the end it would all be too much. I had to try. As I entered the room of an Afro American studies class led by Dr. Albert Black, I suddenly felt as if I should turn around and run.

There I stood in a classroom almost the size of my previous school. Feeling terrified, I claimed a seat and waited. Soon, I laid eyes on the man who would be my instructor for the next quarter. A middle aged, African American male with a confident stance, and bellowing voice that immediately made me feel intimated. He introduced himself as Professor Black. We learned the various topics which would be covered in the course, and I tried to mentally prepare myself for what was to come. We were encouraged to ask questions any time we did not understand, but when I witnessed someone doing just that I was unsure if I would ever feel comfortable. " You must enunciate," I heard Professor Black state loudly. The student froze as the professor held his hand to his right ear. " I need to be able to hear you across this room. The class needs to be able to hear you, and if you cannot make us hear you no one is going to pay you any attention. Say it again." The student started again, voice trembling, but the longer they spoke the more confident their tone sounded.

During one lecture Professor Black presented us with some hard hitting information that left me speechless. "I care about you all, but there are alot of people that don't. So, you better make sure you care about yourself. On graduation day I will not see half of you, because you did not make it. You did not apply yourself and work at getting an education. It is up to you. Either way the university already has your money." I sat there speechless, and in that moment I became determined to be one that would make it.

I soon learned that no one was going to hide from Professor Black in this class. Everyone was going to be given the opportunity to find their voice, because he was going to call on you if you did not participate, or offer an opinion at some point. During the times when I spoke up, I immediately knew despite my soft toned voice, I needed to make sure I took the time to "enunciate." When I looked at Professor Black he would smile and give the thumbs up when all was good. If I continued talking I would immediately note he had relocated to another spot. Initially I did not know what to make of it, but I soon realized he wanted to ensure he could hear you no matter what spot he stood at. Soon, something began to happen that I was unaware of. My confidence in speaking before my classmates blossomed. Never being one to shy away from an opportunity, I wanted to accept Professor Black's challenge. I would make sure I made it to graduation day.

The course went by with enthusiasm growing by the day. This professor had a way of reaching his students, enlightening them, and guiding them towards grasping their true strengths. I know he did that for me. As I sat many years later reviewing an image of an elderly gentleman being taught Zumba by one of his former students, who was a friend, I was intrigued. When I realized it was my former professor I surprisingly felt emotional. Words can never express the appreciation I felt for his words, support, and guidance. Teaching is not for everyone, but for some it is a gift.

Many of the skills Professor Black shared with his students, I have been able to pass on to my own children. As I glanced down at his image one more time I was taken back to the afternoon many years ago when I headed towards the stage to receive my degree, and looked over to my professor smiling proudly at his students who learned what it truly means to enunciate.