As the incoming freshman class arrives on campus, so does the opportunity to join some of Howard’s many organizations, especially for first-year students.
Howard offers a large number of activities for the student body. Extracurriculars and clubs are a great way, specifically for freshmen, to get acquainted with their peers along with upperclassmen. Organizations such as the Gentlemen of Drew Social Club Inc., Ladies of the Quad Social Club., and the freshmen dorm step teams are some of the organizations targeted to help incoming freshmen gain a community.
Jadelynn Johnson, a rising senior architecture major and president of the Ladies of the Quad Social Club, recalled her own experience as a freshman trying to meet new people and make new friends at Howard.
“Being a student from California, I felt really isolated heading into Howard and wasn’t sure where I would find friends outside of classes… When I found the Ladies of the Quad Social Club and saw their pillars of sisterhood, scholarship and service, I knew that was the organization for me,” she said.
Members say these organizations allow first-year students to immerse themselves in the Howard experience, provide the opportunity to build connections with other students and assist in one’s overall personal growth.
The effects of being a part of organizations like Gentleman of Drew Social Club, Incorporated have benefitted Jahmere Hargraves, a junior business management major. Hargraves attributes his high self-esteem to joining the Gentlemen of Drew Social Club.
“One thing I cherish the most about the [organization] is we hold each other accountable to be better every single day. You see ya brother slacking, pick ‘em up and help him get back on his feet,” Hargraves said.
It is also essential for us to highlight another organization on campus, also responsible for creating a sisterhood among students. This selective organization is not limited to just freshmen. It is open to Howard ladies of all classifications and offers incredible ways to get involved on campus.
Morgan Henderson, a junior honors biology major with a minor in chemistry, became a member of Jewels, Incorporated during her sophomore year at Howard.
“As a sophomore on campus, I had not got a chance to fully explore all of the wonderful organizations that Howard [had] to offer. But at the Taste of Howard event in the Fall of 2022, I saw the presentation from Jewels, and they immediately caught my attention. By further going to events, I could truly see the love my older sisters had for one another and the organization. I’m so grateful I’ve had the opportunity to join this sisterhood,” Henderson said.
The best way to get acquainted with organizations at Howard University is to attend the Taste of Howard event. The event is arranged by the Howard Undergraduate Student Assembly (UGSA), which allows the various Howard organizations to provide insight into what it’s like to be a part of their groups and the requirements to join.
Copy edited by Diamond Hamm
