Assistant Editor's Log: Achieving Excellence in the Spring Semester

By Auburn Mann

            As we step into this new semester in the infancy of 2011, let us put forth and continue to move with our best feet forward. With 2010 in the rearview, it's time to advance our academic careers to the next level. Everyone should be aiming to achieve excellence, and not only within the limits of the classroom, but in other areas, including our professional social and even spiritual existence. Failure is not an option, neither is mediocrity. This is Bowie State University, which just happens to be one of the oldest HBCU's in the country. It has been preparing young men and women for life since 1865, and this generation must continue to fulfill their piece in the ever progressing chain.

            As President Barack Obama recently declared in the State of the Union Address, "Our destiny remains our choice." These words are parallel to the core values held here at Bowie State, especially as far as accountability and excellence. Everyone at this institution is accountable to strive for excellence. We owe it to all those who came before us who struggled, slaved and sacrificed in order to pave a way for us to possess such an opportunity we hold as we matriculate through Bowie. For those of you who found yourself in a favorable position by the conclusion of last semester, meeting your academic aspirations with high results grade wise, landing a long pursued internship or career opportunity or by simply achieving a personal triumph, bravo, and continue to keep it up. For those of you who feel you've fell short in some way, shape or form last year, it's time to step up your game, and make 2011 a year of all around excellence.

            This semester also begins near the designated month for commemorating black history in America. This is suitable timing to set and embark on such a resolution, with the wealth of inspiration to reflect on. From the strength and endurance of the enslaved West Africans to the courage of the slavery abolitionist to the brilliance and creativity of the Harlem Renaissance to the widespread  activism and determination of the civil rights era to the overwhelming and intricate diversity among Black America today. All of these scenes from history and the present, which are woven together by a collective sense of hope, stand as great examples of the stock that we descend from.  

            Even on a closer level, as you already may have learned that former Bowie State running back Isaac Redman who after barely one season of  making the roster of NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers, has already contributed in pivotal games that have resulted in the team taking the AFC title and of course qualifying for a spot in this year's Super Bowl. Redman took full advantage of the opportunities he had at Bowie State and diligently trained and prepared himself through steady hard work and discipline, which culminated in him becoming the school's all time leading rusher. After this, Redman further honed his athletic skills and talents for a post collegiate career. He signed onto the Steelers' practice roster as a free agent in 2009, only to be cut a few times, yet he persevered, and was eventually brought back and finally onto the active roster by the end of the 2009-2010 season, now he is making history for himself and his alma mater. 

            This simply goes to demonstrate that the future is what we make of it. To optimize it we must fulfill our responsibilities within the present. This means doing all that is within our power to obtain the highest grade we are capable of earning. This in itself will entail completing all assignments, spending an adequate quantity of time studying for examinations and attending class. Time should be used wisely, so even when inclement weather occurs, you should exercise your best efforts to utilize any time off efficiently, because unless the power is eliminated, you are still expected to have your assignments finished. It would also not be such a terrible idea to complete any future assignments and get ahead.  So with all this being said, let us as a university family strive to make this a productive and meaningful spring semester.