Chemistry (Originally posted on 10/11/2010)

 Hello friends, how are you? I hope you experienced a fun productive weekend. Before I begin, I want to shout out a few good people: the frat brothers (Alpha Phi Alpha) from my home chapter, my good friends and sorority sisters Mikki, Crystal, and Imani, kids who listen to their parents, and my home girl Amanda. “Braceface”, you’re a bad girl.

This weekend, I visited my alma mater, Cheyney University, the oldest historically black college in the nation, for Homecoming Weekend. The trip was filled with good friends and great times, but also opportunity to do a research project on the event. Yes, I get my investigation on. So here are my top three observations about homecoming, black college style:

1.       Older People Like to Wear Velour in 80⁰ Weather.

In an amazing turn of events, the 50+ male demographic opted not to wear linen (their signature cloth) and selected velour from various early 2000s designers, including Sean John, Rocawear, Phat Farm, and yes, FUBU. Not to stray too far from their style, they still use Bluetooth Headsets at an all-time high.

2.       People are Drawn to Power (or nice cars)

Though I pride myself on already doing it big, this weekend I was introduced to a higher status of celebrity. With the help of Pick 6 popularity and my “mistress”, a 1986 Alfa Romeo Spider Graduate, I posted a Kardashian-esque stat-line: 6 new haters, 3 converted haters (Back then, they didn’t want me; now I’m hot, they all on me), 2 extra soft hugs (that girl was softer than cotton), a girl grabbed my butt, and I got stopped by the cops. Yes, young people have fine taste too, jerk.  Now that I have reached this status, I plan to release a single produced by Kanye West, and date Nicki Minaj. My back-up is Amber Rose.

3.       There are Few Things More Fun than Homecoming.

The memories, the band, and the horrible football team combine to create one of the most aesthetically beautiful environments known to man.

On to the main “thang”; Homecoming allowed me to catch up with my frat brother and his girlfriend, who share one of the most dynamic relationships I’ve ever seen. While I’m not envious of my bro, I’m definitely inspired to recreate the bliss he and his boo-ski (also a good friend of mine) share. On the low, I’m pretty sure I introduced them, but that’s neither here nor there. Any who, the two have dated for almost 2 years, but their bond possesses important attributes that put them on the path for a long successful tenure: Chemistry, Aspirations, Respect, and Love.

1.       Chemistry. They work very well together. It’s so important to compliment your partner, and vice versa. A relationship can be viewed as a team, and team chemistry is a key component of any team’s success.

2.       Aspirations. My good friends both desire to accomplish great things. Let your goals steer your decision-making in a positive direction. Secondly, support your partner in their quest for greatness, through your words AND your actions.

3.       Respect. Just a little bit. One of the most important features of any relationship, respect is similar to intensity in sports: even when you’re not at your best, respect can pull you through. Respect keeps you from embarrassing, disrespecting, and cheating yourself and your partner.

4.       Love. The two really love each other. You recognize it immediately after meeting them. They are happy around each other; they stick up for each other, and show public affection in a classy manner.  Seeing it in action really reminds you what love should be. It’s not a sickness; it’s not what you blame for hurting someone. Love is that immense, incredulous, indescribable feeling which arrives on sight or sound of that special person.

It’s always good to see that “young love”, as Chris Brown used to say, and I hope that many more people experience that feeling. I’m out. Whop bop a loo bop.