may 2023 george washington university
SENIOR EDITION NEWSLETTER
table of contents 3. editors note by: Kiera Sona
looking back at it... by: Madison Spencer
4. senior spotlights by Alfred Taylor
5. taking a trip to hell by Tatyana Bryant
thanks to our contributors: Kiera Sona
editor, art directon
Suad Mohamed
editor
Hope Rwaga
editor
Telease Bowen
editorial direction
Madison Spencer
writer
Alfred Taylor
writer
Tatyana Bryant
writer
editor's note by: Kiera Sona
For the last year ACE has been such an important part of my life. It truly gave me the opportunity to combine my passions, art and community, and an outlet to create whatever ideas I had. I was challenged to find new ways to try and connect the Black community through art and creativity, and I also got to stretch in my artistic and leadership skills. This experience has been such a highlight of my college experience. I’m honored to have had the opportunity to be the editor-in-chief and hopeful in passing down this position and organization to the next group of people also passionate about engaging the Black community at GW through creativity and mutual love. Enjoy this final reflection on the school year and celebration of our graduating class, but stay tuned for the future of ACE—surely much, much more to come. Take Care,
Kiera Sona .
looking back at it... by: Madison Spencer
As the Spring semester comes to a close, so too are the class of 2023’s four years at GW! Black GW’s senior class is full of dynamic, talented, and brilliant characters. On behalf of all the classes at GW, congratulations! Graduation is an enormous achievement, and we hope you feel celebrated and loved this graduating season. To show our appreciation, ACE asked seniors to reflect on their time here by sharing some of their favorite memories! ACE asked seniors to tell us what events they will continue to rave about long into the future! Most seemed to agree The Finale takes the spotlight in this area, a coveted celebration of black excellence. When reminiscing about the best advice from a professor, one student emphasized the importance of viewing their college experience as exploration. Particularly resonant was the suggestion that students use their classes to engage with their passions and explore future career paths. Seniors then left some advice of their own for the rising classes. A common theme was urging students to take advantage of all the opportunities and resources GWU affords them. It’s also paramount to remember that finding a time-management mechanism suited to individual needs can be crucial to success. The class of 2023 leaves its mark on GW having shared with this ever-growing community their gifts, wisdom, and inspiration. We hope you look fondly at your college experience as you are off to bigger and better ventures. You’ve all come incredibly far, overcoming many obstacles, and undoubtedly deserve your success. Congratulations class of 2023!
by: Alfred Taylor
o p s t ligh r o i n ts e s se s t nio h g i r s p o tl
As the only class on campus that experienced the pre and post-covid college experience, the class of 2023 occupies an exceptional status at GW. I asked four seniors in our community to reflect on their college experiences.
Gianna Cook
Miguel Gomez
“I would say I’ve had very memorable experiences at GW. I was here at a time where we were going though a major transition. I was here in 2019 before we went home and was able to experience what life was like pre-covid, with just being in Thurston before its renovations, and getting immersed in the black community in a way that was so exciting and so invigorating. As for myself, I’ve changed tremendously since freshman year. I was excited to be involved and wanted to do any and everything. I tried to make sure I was making the most of my experience. On a personal note I was discovering myself and trying to find Gianna’s voice. Now four years later, being able to finish having been president of the BSU for 2 years, I was able to have so many opportunities. I’ve grown stronger as a person in my ideals, convictions, and morals. Learning from the people around me, growing from friendships and maintaining a lot of these relationships since freshman year has been really transformative. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“I feel like I’ve definitely evolved as a person. The person that I was freshman year was very impressionable and really down for whatever. Over time I cleared a focus for my passions, and interests. Everything that has taken place these last four years has been beneficial to my growth. I would say I’ve become a better version of myself. It’s been a long four years. I had a great time. I’ve met some great people and I’ve had some unfathomable experiences. I know that the places I will be in the future will be a result of the experiences and the people that I’ve met.”
Emilie Thomas
Caleb Simpson
“My experiences at GW have not been the typical college experience, but nobody has the same experience. We didn't have the luxury of attending the school in person for four years, but when I was able to be on campus and be with friends, I enjoyed it. I feel like the friends and people you meet in college really make or break the college experience, and for me it's been a positive one. If you go to college and leave the same person, then I don't think you did it right because college is meant for growth as a person. I think I've changed for the better and definitely been able to be more assertive in the things that I want and things that I strive for, as well as being more confident in myself and knowing my abilities. I would like to thank the people that I’ve grown with. Shoutout to my friends. You all have helped by the change for the better since freshman year. “
“Outside of the most obvious changes for me, my mentality and my approach to life has changed. I don't think anyone prepares you for how much you can change and experience in the four years in college. Even though I did have a serious existential period, when I came out of it, I was definitely more present and it released the burdens and expectations I think many people place on us, especially going to a school like GW where there’s high academic prestige. People expect a certain level of success, but you get to define your success based on how you want your life to be. And so, I think changing my outlook has been the biggest change.”
taking a trip to hell by: Tatyana Bryant Being born Black is a game of balance. Sometimes, without support, we risk tipping over and falling straight down to hell. I’ve dreamt of a Major accomplishment ever since my parents told me to. My mother gazes upon me with caring eyes, chanting fantasies of law school. My father stares soullessly, imprinting his vision of pursuing medicine. His thoughtless look matures into disgust when I reveal that I haven’t chosen a major yet. Today is Freshman orientation at George Washington University. The Summer heat sends sweat gushing down, behind my ears, drenching my grey t-shirt. As my body chatters from fear and excitement, I count on my right hand the Black students dotting this sea of white– 6.5%. Where there is no balance in diversity, we seek balance in each other. A few of us look away, enchanted by paler cliques, but I nod to those who understand our connection. High school fantasies have manifested into reality. I spend Thursday night drinking with the roommates I had been so anxious to meet. The glass of sour red wine I’m sipping on mutates into a bottle of tequila. The liquor cloaks my shy tendencies with violent glee. Worries that clung to my younger brain, fade away. My barriers, broken down by happiness, welcome devastation. Hell unleashes a plague that floods my dream with death. The globe is engulfed by a dark phantasmagorical cloud, and we all fall into the hungry flames. After months of quarantine, I start my second year. Silence awakens me. I unwillingly pull my laptop ajar and commute to the zoom room. Maskless faces and thoughtless expressions peer into me. They all see me as a projection of light on a screen. The personality I had carefully curated has abandoned me. Covid-19 clings onto its spotlight, gradually eroding the speed of time. In my third year I’m allowed to venture outside. My feet slap the pavement excitedly. As I enter this Funger classroom, the buzzing conversations from 2019 are replaced by dull silence. The dozens of glazed over eyes appear identical, all resenting their losses, and eager to return to normalcy. Recognizing my faceless friend two seats down, stabilizes the hopelessness that impales my heart. My Senior year is the first time I approach class with excitement. The grueling, ceaseless years have now passed and are coming to a crescendo. My friends are the pillars that have protected me from giving in. I can look forward to the job I start this Summer, and the person I am becoming. I scale the steps of the National Mall without falling over. My feet break cracks into the concrete. I have achieved balance.
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