It's been a tremendous week of revelations and remembrance for me. Today, I returned to Hampton University, @_hamptonu my alma mater, to participate in a multimedia panel discussion on the state of media for a Journalism and Communication course. What I didn't know was that it was the classes' final exam. It was a privilege to be a part of this because the students in the class came up with the idea, planned it, and executed it all on their own. They did it with enthusiasm, grace, precision, innovation, creativity and professionalism. It was a success! When I landed in Norfolk this morning, I called my mother and told her that the investment she and my late father made in me to attend Hampton was well worth it. She said: "We definitely got a return on our investment." I'm standing in front of the Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communication where a plaque hangs in the Hall of Fame with my photo engraved on it. Yes, I had to come back here to inspire these young people. You see, Hampton's motto is: The Standard Of Excellence. THIS place helped prepare me to become the man that I am today and is a big part of my success in the media industry. If that is not enough, I am the eighth person in my family to attend Hampton including my father and brother Erik -- it's part of my legacy. So today, I was truly at home, my Home By The Sea. I am most grateful to be reminded of who I am, what I'm made of, and where I came from. Thank you Hampton for yet another valuable lesson.
