The holiday season is here, and it’s that time when students are wrapping up finals and heading home for a much-needed break. People in the professional world are ready to slam their laptops shut and hit reset until the new year. Others are reflecting on the year past and setting intentions for the months ahead. But whether you’re rushing home to unwind or closing your work laptop for the last time this year, one thing’s for sure – it’s the season of giving.

The holiday season is here, and it’s that time when students are wrapping up finals and heading home for a much-needed break. People in the professional world are ready to slam their laptops shut and hit reset until the new year. Others are reflecting on the year past and setting intentions for the months ahead. But whether you’re rushing home to unwind or closing your work laptop for the last time this year, one thing’s for sure – it’s the season of giving.

Now is the perfect time to reflect on how we can give back and spread holiday cheer. Whether through community service, donating to a cause, or just showing support, there are so many avenues to make a difference and make others feel special this holiday season.

Now is the perfect time to reflect on how we can give back and spread holiday cheer. Whether through community service, donating to a cause, or just showing support, there are so many avenues to make a difference and make others feel special this holiday season.

Supporting HBCUs is a meaningful way to give back, especially now more than ever. HBCUs offer so much more than just education, but create a strong sense of community and culture lasting a lifetime. As alumni, staying connected is key. And offering advice, donating, or simply showing up for students who are following in our footsteps makes such a huge impact. 

Supporting HBCUs is a meaningful way to give back, especially now more than ever. HBCUs offer so much more than just education, but create a strong sense of community and culture lasting a lifetime. As alumni, staying connected is key. And offering advice, donating, or simply showing up for students who are following in our footsteps makes such a huge impact. 

This holiday season, many HBCUs are hosting events that not only bring holiday spirit but also give alumni an opportunity to support their schools, students, or local communities. 

This holiday season, many HBCUs are hosting events that not only bring holiday spirit but also give alumni an opportunity to support their schools, students, or local communities. 

Take a look at this short list we’ve compiled to show love and get you involved with the HBCU community during this holiday season: 

Take a look at this short list we’ve compiled to show love and get you involved with the HBCU community during this holiday season: 

• Morgan State University’s Annual Christmas Concert 

  Date and Time: Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 4:00 PM

  Location: Baltimore, Maryland

  Ticket Information found

  here

• Morgan State University’s Annual Christmas Concert 

  Date and Time: Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 4:00 PM

  Location: Baltimore, Maryland

  Ticket Information found

  here

The Morgan State University Choir’s Annual Christmas Concert is a cherished holiday tradition with rich history. For years, the choir, led by Dr. Eric Conway has brought light to the Baltimore community with their powerful performances. This concert features beautiful Christmas music coupled with an orchestra, making it a special affair for all who attend. It’s the perfect space to enjoy an afternoon of holiday spirit while supporting the HBCU choir’s long standing legacy of musical excellence.

The Morgan State University Choir’s Annual Christmas Concert is a cherished holiday tradition with rich history. For years, the choir, led by Dr. Eric Conway has brought light to the Baltimore community with their powerful performances. This concert features beautiful Christmas music coupled with an orchestra, making it a special affair for all who attend. It’s the perfect space to enjoy an afternoon of holiday spirit while supporting the HBCU choir’s long standing legacy of musical excellence.

• HBCU Band of the Year Competition

  Date and Time: Friday, December 13, 2024, at 7:00 PM

  Location: Atlanta, Georgia

  Ticket Information found

  here

• HBCU Band of the Year Competition

  Date and Time: Friday, December 13, 2024, at 7:00 PM

  Location: Atlanta, Georgia

  Ticket Information found

  here

The ESPN Band of the Year competition celebrates the top marching bands from HBCUs, recognizing their talent, tradition, and cultural impact. Each year, the finalists are chosen for their outstanding performances and energy. This year, bands from schools like Alabama State, Jackson State, and Norfolk State are among the finalists, showcasing their unique style and incredible energy. Supporting this event is a great way to celebrate and uplift the HBCU community. 

The ESPN Band of the Year competition celebrates the top marching bands from HBCUs, recognizing their talent, tradition, and cultural impact. Each year, the finalists are chosen for their outstanding performances and energy. This year, bands from schools like Alabama State, Jackson State, and Norfolk State are among the finalists, showcasing their unique style and incredible energy. Supporting this event is a great way to celebrate and uplift the HBCU community. 

• Caring For Young Minds Annual HBCU Christmas Fundraiser

  Date and Time:  Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 6:00 PM

  Location: Baltimore, Maryland 

  Ticket information found here.

• Caring For Young Minds Annual HBCU Christmas Fundraiser

  Date and Time:  Saturday, December 14, 2024, at 6:00 PM

  Location: Baltimore, Maryland 

  Ticket information found here.

Caring For Young Minds’ annual fundraiser raises money to support HBCU tours, giving students the chance to explore educational opportunities. The event features a silent auction, holiday entertainment, and motivational guest speakers. By attending, you’ll help fund college tours that can make a lasting impact on students’ futures.

Caring For Young Minds’ annual fundraiser raises money to support HBCU tours, giving students the chance to explore educational opportunities. The event features a silent auction, holiday entertainment, and motivational guest speakers. By attending, you’ll help fund college tours that can make a lasting impact on students’ futures.

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• 2024 UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball

• 2024 UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball

Date & Time: Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 7:00 PM

Date & Time: Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 7:00 PM

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Location: Atlanta, Georgia

Ticket information found here.

Ticket information found here.

The Atlanta UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball celebrates UNCF’s 80th Anniversary, highlighting its mission to support students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This glamorous fundraising event brings together celebrities, leaders, alumni, and supporters to raise funds for scholarships and promote the importance of higher education. Your attendance helps provide opportunities for the next generation of students to succeed in college and beyond.

The Atlanta UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball celebrates UNCF’s 80th Anniversary, highlighting its mission to support students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. This glamorous fundraising event brings together celebrities, leaders, alumni, and supporters to raise funds for scholarships and promote the importance of higher education. Your attendance helps provide opportunities for the next generation of students to succeed in college and beyond.

Heading home for the holidays is a time that many students anticipate. It’s a chance to finally take a lengthy break from the college responsibilities, reconnect with loved ones, and enjoy a real, homemade meal. However, navigating life at home can be a little tricky. From adjusting to a slower workload to dealing with shifting family dynamics, it can feel a little weird coming home after being gone for so long. Finding ways to balance these changes will help you make the most of your holiday break. 

Don’t Overcommit

Don’t Overcommit

Now that you’re home for the break, it’s easy to get pulled into many different things. You probably miss hanging out with old friends, your family might want you to run tedious errands that they don’t feel like doing themselves, or you might be constantly checking in on your friends from school. However, there’s only 24 hours in a day, so being pulled in multiple directions at one time can be overwhelming . Don’t overextend yourself to where you are overpromising and under delivering. It’s ok to say no! While the break is designed for you to catch up with your people, it’s also a time to relax and recoup from the previous semester.

Now that you’re home for the break, it’s easy to get pulled into many different things. You probably miss hanging out with old friends, your family might want you to run tedious errands that they don’t feel like doing themselves, or you might be constantly checking in on your friends from school. However, there’s only 24 hours in a day, so being pulled in multiple directions at one time can be overwhelming . Don’t overextend yourself to where you are overpromising and under delivering. It’s ok to say no! While the break is designed for you to catch up with your people, it’s also a time to relax and recoup from the previous semester.

Spend Time with Friends AND Family 

Spend Time with Friends AND Family 

One of the best parts about coming home is hanging out and reconnecting with friends. It’s so easy to be with them all day while your parents are at work and have it carry on to a night of fun. But don’t forget to make time for your family too! They miss you just as much as your friends, and it’s important to always show gratitude and love to your main support system. Even if it’s sacrificing a night out for a movie night-in with your family; I promise that the effort will go a long way, and your family will feel special that you took the time out of your “busy, young-adult schedule” to be with them. 

One of the best parts about coming home is hanging out and reconnecting with friends. It’s so easy to be with them all day while your parents are at work and have it carry on to a night of fun. But don’t forget to make time for your family too! They miss you just as much as your friends, and it’s important to always show gratitude and love to your main support system. Even if it’s sacrificing a night out for a movie night-in with your family; I promise that the effort will go a long way, and your family will feel special that you took the time out of your “busy, young-adult schedule” to be with them. 

Find Time for Yourself 

Find Time for Yourself 

In the same breath, make sure you are also making time for yourself during the break. We all know that college is nonstop, especially if you’re heavily involved on campus. Enjoy the quiet moments that come from being at home. Sleep-in, binge-watch your favorite show, or even just spend a day doing absolutely nothing. While it’s important to show love to your support system, don’t forget to check in with yourself too. College can be a bit draining, so really appreciate the moments where you can turn your brain off and settle down. 

In the same breath, make sure you are also making time for yourself during the break. We all know that college is nonstop, especially if you’re heavily involved on campus. Enjoy the quiet moments that come from being at home. Sleep-in, binge-watch your favorite show, or even just spend a day doing absolutely nothing. While it’s important to show love to your support system, don’t forget to check in with yourself too. College can be a bit draining, so really appreciate the moments where you can turn your brain off and settle down. 

Set Boundaries with Love 

Set Boundaries with Love 

Being away at school gives you a newfound sense of independence. You start to adjust to really living life on your own time and terms, and the thought of abiding by a different set of rules can almost feel childish in a way. It’s important to communicate your feelings and boundaries to your family and friends who haven’t been able to experience the new you. A lot of families struggle with accepting the fact that school really evolves you as a person, so don’t be afraid to remind them nicely and respectfully that you are maturing into a young adult and your personal space is important to you. 

Being away at school gives you a newfound sense of independence. You start to adjust to really living life on your own time and terms, and the thought of abiding by a different set of rules can almost feel childish in a way. It’s important to communicate your feelings and boundaries to your family and friends who haven’t been able to experience the new you. A lot of families struggle with accepting the fact that school really evolves you as a person, so don’t be afraid to remind them nicely and respectfully that you are maturing into a young adult and your personal space is important to you. 

Plan Ahead

Plan Ahead

With the break being so lengthy, it’s important to also use this downtime to plan your next steps for the upcoming semester. Have you registered for all the right classes for next semester? Are you financially enrolled? Do you have your new, everyday school routine planned out? These are just a few things to ask yourself when you’re thinking about what next semester is going to look like. To help, make a checklist of action items for yourself for you to refer back to as the start of the semester starts to approach!

With the break being so lengthy, it’s important to also use this downtime to plan your next steps for the upcoming semester. Have you registered for all the right classes for next semester? Are you financially enrolled? Do you have your new, everyday school routine planned out? These are just a few things to ask yourself when you’re thinking about what next semester is going to look like. To help, make a checklist of action items for yourself for you to refer back to as the start of the semester starts to approach!

While it might not be smooth sailing the whole time, enjoy the little moments that remind you of what makes home really feel like home. Use the break to your advantage because before you know it, you’ll be back on campus grinding even harder than you did the previous semester. You’ve earned your break, but it’s what you do with it that counts!

While it might not be smooth sailing the whole time, enjoy the little moments that remind you of what makes home really feel like home. Use the break to your advantage because before you know it, you’ll be back on campus grinding even harder than you did the previous semester. You’ve earned your break, but it’s what you do with it that counts!

I think all current HBCU students and alum will agree when I say that the HBCU experience is truly unmatched. From the unforgettable campus events, memorable late-night study sessions with your friends, and even off-campus adventures, four years at an HBCU can truly fly by when you’re having fun. But what many don’t realize is the network of connections that stem from attending our colleges and universities. HBCUs offer endless opportunities to connect with people who not only look like you, but equally understand your journey. These connections can lead to career opportunities, mentorships, and even lifelong friendships. Building your network while in college is so crucial to life after college; it can literally catapult you into your career field of choice if done right. But the burning question for some is: Where should I start? 

Utilizing Your Career Center & Professors 

Utilizing Your Career Center & Professors 

I know this is probably said a lot, but your school’s career center really has dope opportunities that many don’t think to take advantage of. From job and internship opportunities to career advice, the career center can help ease your transition from college student to working professional. Take advantage of having access to your professors too! Many of the people that are teaching you are still actively doing other things in their career fields and have no problem taking you under their wing if they see that you are focused and working hard. If you know that they can speak to your character and development really well, don’t be afraid to ask them for a letter of recommendation for the future!

I know this is probably said a lot, but your school’s career center really has dope opportunities that many don’t think to take advantage of. From job and internship opportunities to career advice, the career center can help ease your transition from college student to working professional. Take advantage of having access to your professors too! Many of the people that are teaching you are still actively doing other things in their career fields and have no problem taking you under their wing if they see that you are focused and working hard. If you know that they can speak to your character and development really well, don’t be afraid to ask them for a letter of recommendation for the future!

Homecoming

Homecoming

Believe it or not, Homecoming is really the time to meet as many people as you can. Yes, you want to have fun and make memories, but don’t forget that so many successful alumni come back to have fun too! If you see someone you recognize, don’t be afraid to go up to them and briefly introduce yourself. Personally, I’ve met so many cool alumni just by starting a conversation in a food truck line! Don’t be afraid to follow up with them too. Reach out to them after Homecoming and keep that connection going1 You want to stay memorable in a world where professionals are always coming and going. 

Believe it or not, Homecoming is really the time to meet as many people as you can. Yes, you want to have fun and make memories, but don’t forget that so many successful alumni come back to have fun too! If you see someone you recognize, don’t be afraid to go up to them and briefly introduce yourself. Personally, I’ve met so many cool alumni just by starting a conversation in a food truck line! Don’t be afraid to follow up with them too. Reach out to them after Homecoming and keep that connection going1 You want to stay memorable in a world where professionals are always coming and going. 

Social Media 

Social Media 

This is a no-brainer, but social media really is your best friend when it comes to making HBCU connections. Not only can you keep up with all the amazing things everyone is doing, but you can also reach out to people both formally and informally. Whether it be via Linkedin or Instagram, I guarantee you can always find a current student or alum aspiring and chasing the same dreams that you have. It also helps when you want to connect with other HBCU grads from other schools! I’ve connected with so many cool people just from following and interacting with them on social media, and we never fail to send each other opportunities that become available. Having a “bring others with you” mindset is key to having longevity in your career and connections.

This is a no-brainer, but social media really is your best friend when it comes to making HBCU connections. Not only can you keep up with all the amazing things everyone is doing, but you can also reach out to people both formally and informally. Whether it be via Linkedin or Instagram, I guarantee you can always find a current student or alum aspiring and chasing the same dreams that you have. It also helps when you want to connect with other HBCU grads from other schools! I’ve connected with so many cool people just from following and interacting with them on social media, and we never fail to send each other opportunities that become available. Having a “bring others with you” mindset is key to having longevity in your career and connections.

Engage With Your Peers

Engage With Your Peers

I can’t stress how important this is. A lot of times people just want to go to class, do the work, and leave. But what many fail to realize is that the people in your class are going to be the next professionals just like you. Don’t be afraid to converse with your classmates, especially if you all have the same major. Chasing your dreams will feel less like a competition when you have supportive peers that started where you are, are on the same journey as you, and genuinely want to see you win. Join organizations on campus that interest you, so you can meet people with different majors. You might be a Business major, and your friend might be a Political Science major, but you never know when you might need each other down the line! 

I can’t stress how important this is. A lot of times people just want to go to class, do the work, and leave. But what many fail to realize is that the people in your class are going to be the next professionals just like you. Don’t be afraid to converse with your classmates, especially if you all have the same major. Chasing your dreams will feel less like a competition when you have supportive peers that started where you are, are on the same journey as you, and genuinely want to see you win. Join organizations on campus that interest you, so you can meet people with different majors. You might be a Business major, and your friend might be a Political Science major, but you never know when you might need each other down the line! 

HBCU pride is a universal feeling. No matter where you are in the real world, it’s always refreshing to see an HBCU alum in the same professional environment as you. Take advantage of these moments, be a sponge when you are in catapulting settings, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. No person’s role or job is too big or too small, so approach everyone with genuine intent and kindness. After all, your network is your net worth! 

HBCU pride is a universal feeling. No matter where you are in the real world, it’s always refreshing to see an HBCU alum in the same professional environment as you. Take advantage of these moments, be a sponge when you are in catapulting settings, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. No person’s role or job is too big or too small, so approach everyone with genuine intent and kindness. After all, your network is your net worth!