“Leaving Home: An HBCU Interview” with Melissa Valle


Melissa Valle, Howard University Alum describes her experience at an HBCU campus and recalls the day she left home to attend college.


6 responses to ““Leaving Home: An HBCU Interview” with Melissa Valle”

  1. Ms. Valle’s dad was most likely a classmate of mine, as I am also from the Class of 1967. Her memories of her first day at HU let me know that though many things have changed over the past 44 years, one thing that hasn’t is the essential open, welcoming and overall inspiring atmosphere of the campus life itself. Like Ms. Valle, I regard my experience on campus to have been life-changing, and I don’t regret for one instant my decision to have attended Howard; a sentiment echoed by my wife and two daughters, who are also Howard grads.

  2. Melissa Valle is the reason I decided to attend Howard University. I was in 7th grade and in an Upward Bound Program in Newark,NJ at the New Jersey Insitute of Technology. That summer we had the task of making a website for the program and Ms. Valle was the teacher for the class. She instilled the importance of going to college. She spoke about Howard Universtiy and the experience that is unlike anything else. I never saw anyone have so much pride and happiness when talking about school.

    I fell in love with Howard University that summer from my talks with Ms. Valle. I knew that is where I wanted to go.
    Now I am 23 years old and a proud 2010 graduate of Howard University. I cannot thank Ms. Valle enough for what she did for me. Attending Howard University is truly one of the best life decisions I ever made. The last time I spoke to her through email in 2006. I told her that I had been accepted. We lost touch .
    I would to reconnect with her. If there is anyway you can put us in contact I would really appreciate it . She really helped change my life. Thank you Ms. Valle. HUUUUUUU!

    Melissa Noel

    • Melissaaaaaa!!!! This message literally brought tears to my eyes. I’ve been traveling for months so things have been hectic but I returned today and this popped into my mind. I had to reach out to let you know how very proud I am of you and how much this message meant to me. The idea that I was able to be a positive influence on you and your decision to become a Howardite is a testament to the power of passion. I’m so happy that becoming a Bison was as wonderful for you as it was for me! And Melissa you can feel free to call me Melissa now. 😉

      AlumniRoundUp Brothas, thanks for making this reconnection possible. Please pass on my info to my fellow HU Alum so we can really catch up!

      • Omg! Omg! Omg!!!!!! ok Melissa lol idk feels weird lol! how I am only now seeing this . I am sooooooo late. My apologies. I hope that your travels went well. Thank you so very much that really means a lot to me. You have no idea how much I appreciate everything you did for me. Didnt mean to make you cry but you I believe that you should know how much of an impact you made. I have not received you contact info but I hope to soon.

Leave a Reply to Richard Wesley Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.