Akuete Kpodar
December 6, 2008

Personal Development 5

African-American education has always been underestimated, and downgraded for centuries. Not until recently, have we seen a tremendous improvement and growth in our community, school and universities. One of them is Umoja Program at West Los Angeles College. Like any new program, there are resources, personal commitment and dedication. The expectations of the Umoja Program are the dedication and commitment by both the students and staff.

Umoja is a secondary program, created by two highly educated African-American women that have realize how important is education in our community, especially for the growth of our country.The expectation was set really high because of many reasons. One of the reasons had been the fact that this was implemented by a minority. "The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination." Tommy Lasorda.

The program was based on English and Math which has been one of the main reasons why students fail. The students previously failed because of a lack of resources and proper teaching. The resources provided by Umoja require an investment; not only the time but financial reasons, as well as students and staff commitment

This has been so far one of the more advance and well equip classes for any student to be able to succeed and furthermore be able to graduate. However, the question is are these resources been used properly?

There is no reason for any student not to succeed with this program. The only price the teachers and staff ask the students to pay for success is hard work. I have attended numerous schools with hope to succeed with the minimum amount of help provided. But how come my African-American brothers and sisters don’t appreciate what is offered for their success and future stability. I guess when a kid is spoiled, he ends up not appreciating what is offered.

I believe the staff should be more demanding of the students by giving them fewer resources and more practices with a set schedule. There is already a staff that is committed to student success. All that is needed is psychology review of every student who is ready for improvement and success.

It takes a little courage, and a little self-control. If you want to reach the goal, it takes a great deal of striving, and a firm and stern-set chin. No matter what the battle, if you really want to win, there's no easy path to glory. Life, however we may view it, is not a simple game; but its prizes call for fighting, endurance and determination. Now that this program has been set, all is needed is a restructured base on last semester.