| Below are questions that Author Robin has answered in the past. If you have a question for Robin, see the "Ask Robin" page of this website! |
| Archived Questions |
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Dear Robin: I am a single mother of a 16 year old son. I never attended college but have
often envied those who were able to attend a Black college. I really want my son to attend a
HBCU but he really wants to start his own business and we have heard discouraging thoughts
on graduates of HBCUs being prepared as entrepreneurs. I see you and your husband have
started your own business. Are the two of you an exception to what we have heard? - Shayla J.
Dear Shayla, I wish that I was standing face to face with you so that you could see how
enthusiastically I say, ‘NO! We are not the exception’. Most professors at HBCUs encourage
students to think beyond Corporate America. You are taught that you can do whatever it is
that you look to do…there is no such thing as a closed door. If it is closed, you learn how to
knock it down or go around it. My alma mater taught us to "find a way or make one"! By
choosing a Historically Black College or University, your son will be exposed to so many
graduates that are successful in their endeavors (rather that be working for someone or for
themselves) that he will find the strength for greatness in himself! Your son will be
empowered…it is up to him to make his dreams come true.- Much luv, Robin!
________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Robin:I want my daughter to go to college. I understand how important an education is,
however I really don't want her to go outside of our home state. My daughter is also a little
nervous about being away from home. What are your thoughts? Should she go to school
locally, or out of town?- Rochelle, a concerned parent
Dear Rochelle, Trust me, I understand that the thought of sending your baby girl out of town
to go to school is a scary thought. My mother had the same concerns that you have. Also, I
know that your daughter may be a little uneasy as well. However, I believe that college is a
great time for young adults to learn how to take care of themselves and to be prepared for life
on their own. You have to let her go at some point and college is a great way to start the
process. I like to think of college as training wheels for real life. Allow your daughter to leave
the nest. You'll ultimately be doing her a favor.- Much luv, Robin!
________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Robin,
I have decided to attend a HBCU and I am so excited. My only concern is if I should stay on or
off campus. What are your thoughts?
- Leslie
Dear Leslie,
In my personal opinion, you should definitely give the campus life a try. My suggestion in the
book is that you at least stay on campus for a full year. Even if you choose to move into an
apartment after that time, you will have memories (and friends) to last a life time. I actually
think you should hang in there with campus life as long as you can because you have the rest
of your life to be an adult (and to pay adult bills). Relish the life of a student...it's a great time
in your life. - Enjoy school, Robin!
often envied those who were able to attend a Black college. I really want my son to attend a
HBCU but he really wants to start his own business and we have heard discouraging thoughts
on graduates of HBCUs being prepared as entrepreneurs. I see you and your husband have
started your own business. Are the two of you an exception to what we have heard? - Shayla J.
Dear Shayla, I wish that I was standing face to face with you so that you could see how
enthusiastically I say, ‘NO! We are not the exception’. Most professors at HBCUs encourage
students to think beyond Corporate America. You are taught that you can do whatever it is
that you look to do…there is no such thing as a closed door. If it is closed, you learn how to
knock it down or go around it. My alma mater taught us to "find a way or make one"! By
choosing a Historically Black College or University, your son will be exposed to so many
graduates that are successful in their endeavors (rather that be working for someone or for
themselves) that he will find the strength for greatness in himself! Your son will be
empowered…it is up to him to make his dreams come true.- Much luv, Robin!
________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Robin:I want my daughter to go to college. I understand how important an education is,
however I really don't want her to go outside of our home state. My daughter is also a little
nervous about being away from home. What are your thoughts? Should she go to school
locally, or out of town?- Rochelle, a concerned parent
Dear Rochelle, Trust me, I understand that the thought of sending your baby girl out of town
to go to school is a scary thought. My mother had the same concerns that you have. Also, I
know that your daughter may be a little uneasy as well. However, I believe that college is a
great time for young adults to learn how to take care of themselves and to be prepared for life
on their own. You have to let her go at some point and college is a great way to start the
process. I like to think of college as training wheels for real life. Allow your daughter to leave
the nest. You'll ultimately be doing her a favor.- Much luv, Robin!
________________________________________________________________________________
Dear Robin,
I have decided to attend a HBCU and I am so excited. My only concern is if I should stay on or
off campus. What are your thoughts?
- Leslie
Dear Leslie,
In my personal opinion, you should definitely give the campus life a try. My suggestion in the
book is that you at least stay on campus for a full year. Even if you choose to move into an
apartment after that time, you will have memories (and friends) to last a life time. I actually
think you should hang in there with campus life as long as you can because you have the rest
of your life to be an adult (and to pay adult bills). Relish the life of a student...it's a great time
in your life. - Enjoy school, Robin!