Character defines me

Each week of Freshman Seminar brings me closer to my African American roots, unlocking history of the African culture that I didn’t know existed. This week we spoke further on Dr.Carr’s concept of Learning and Knowledge. DR, G’s lecture explored three concepts of: character, religion and education; all, which is, connected to Africans and their contribution to where we are today.

The story of Iwa and Orunmila, discussed character and its importance in ones life. Orunmila was the god of wisdom and Iwa was his wife. Orumila treated Iwa badly leading to Iwa leaving Orunmila. In the story Iwa represented character. The story of Iwa and Orunmila was that even the wisest man could lose his character. Without character a person is nothing because character defines who you are. Dr. G’s thoughts on character and how it defines whom someone is really got to me. I never thought about character as such an important part of a person’s life. Character is what leads to happiness as well as represents the amount of wealth you have. In addition, I realized that I should try to have a good character and try to build my character to remain happy and keep my “wealth”.

When he spoke of Africans and how they contributed to the existence of religion, I was amazed because I never knew that. I never knew Africans discovered the classics before the Greeks. Also, that African gods and goddesses predicted the existence of Greek philosophers. In the United States African were perceived as uneducated mean while, we are the root of all creation. One of the most influential goddesses of religion was Ma’at, her principles influenced the Ten Commandments.

Finally, Dr. G discussed education and how its important to educated correctly. A good education helps us become successful and influential figures in society. If you’re miseducated you’re going to be misguided in society. This made me proud that I would be educated correctly at Howard University. This means I will be bound to success if I use my knowledge positively.