Christopher
New member
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2026
- Messages
- 4
I'm graduating from Spelman in May. Computer science major. Dual-degree program with Georgia Tech. I've learned a lot. Here's what I wish someone had told me. 
One: The sisterhood is real — but it's not automatic. People talk about Spelman's sisterhood like it's magic. It's not. It's work. You have to show up. You have to be vulnerable. You have to support people even when it's inconvenient. If you do, you'll have sisters for life. If you don't, you'll feel lonely.
Two: The AUC is a gift. Spelman is small. But Morehouse is across the street. Clark Atlanta is down the block. Between the three schools, there are 10,000 students. I took classes at Morehouse. I went to parties at Clark. I dated someone from the AUC every year. Don't stay in the Spelman bubble. The bubble is comfortable. But the wider AUC is where the magic happens.
Three: The professors are the real deal. I've had professors who went to Harvard, MIT, Stanford. They could teach anywhere. They choose Spelman. Why? Because they want to teach students who are hungry. Show up to office hours. Ask questions. Do the readings. They will open doors for you.
Four: Atlanta is expensive. I didn't budget properly my first year. Rent, food, transportation — it adds up. Have a financial plan before you arrive.
Five: Imposter syndrome is real. I felt like I didn't belong for at least a year. Everyone else seemed so confident. So prepared. So sure of themselves. They weren't. They were pretending. You'll pretend too. That's okay. Fake it until you make it. Eventually, you won't be faking anymore.
Six: The dual-degree program is hard. Really hard. You're essentially doing two degrees in five years. I lost weekends. I lost sleep. I gained skills. Worth it. But know what you're signing up for.
Seven: You'll leave different. Spelman changes you. Not in a cheesy way. In a deep way. You'll be more confident. More compassionate. More aware of your own power. I'm not the same person who arrived four years ago. I'm better.
If you're considering Spelman: do it. Just bring a budget and a willingness to work. You'll be fine.
One: The sisterhood is real — but it's not automatic. People talk about Spelman's sisterhood like it's magic. It's not. It's work. You have to show up. You have to be vulnerable. You have to support people even when it's inconvenient. If you do, you'll have sisters for life. If you don't, you'll feel lonely.
Two: The AUC is a gift. Spelman is small. But Morehouse is across the street. Clark Atlanta is down the block. Between the three schools, there are 10,000 students. I took classes at Morehouse. I went to parties at Clark. I dated someone from the AUC every year. Don't stay in the Spelman bubble. The bubble is comfortable. But the wider AUC is where the magic happens.
Three: The professors are the real deal. I've had professors who went to Harvard, MIT, Stanford. They could teach anywhere. They choose Spelman. Why? Because they want to teach students who are hungry. Show up to office hours. Ask questions. Do the readings. They will open doors for you.
Four: Atlanta is expensive. I didn't budget properly my first year. Rent, food, transportation — it adds up. Have a financial plan before you arrive.
Five: Imposter syndrome is real. I felt like I didn't belong for at least a year. Everyone else seemed so confident. So prepared. So sure of themselves. They weren't. They were pretending. You'll pretend too. That's okay. Fake it until you make it. Eventually, you won't be faking anymore.
Six: The dual-degree program is hard. Really hard. You're essentially doing two degrees in five years. I lost weekends. I lost sleep. I gained skills. Worth it. But know what you're signing up for.
Seven: You'll leave different. Spelman changes you. Not in a cheesy way. In a deep way. You'll be more confident. More compassionate. More aware of your own power. I'm not the same person who arrived four years ago. I'm better.
If you're considering Spelman: do it. Just bring a budget and a willingness to work. You'll be fine.
