I have reached a crossroads in my life. Silently, I have been evaluating and examining how I have lived my life over the past 18 years and now it is time for me to make some adjustments.

My name is Jon-Michael Washington. I was born on July 2, 1990 in Columbia, Maryland to two excellent individuals–Stan and Robin Washington. I have lived in quite a few places that stretch from the Maryland suburbs of Washington, DC to the city of Atlanta and its suburbs. My father has given me the foundation and guideline for becoming a well-respected and successful man. That plan, that is unique to myself, has allowed me, over the last 18 years, to develop into the young man that I am today. The main component of that plan is rooted in the Christian religion. My father did not have a hard time with me in this area, but other areas proved to be a challenge. Since leaving for college I have had to use every component of that plan. And today I am proud to say that its usage has led me to this defining moment in my life.

Recently, I was told that I was unable to “take things in small doses.” I was told that I tend to, “go on and on about something, find an issue, and explode.” I have to admit that I have a tendency to over analyze a given situation. This is done because I am one who searches for answers. I ask questions and make inferences based on rational examination. We all do this. If someone tells us something that we do not completely agree with, then thoughts of what our interpretation of the truth could be begin to develop in the depths of our minds. I say all this to highlight my own thought process. When someone gives me any type of information–from the smallest request to the biggest favor– I begin to fill in the blanks. Why is this person requesting my help? What is the catch? Asking myself these two, simple questions allowes me to correctly and adequately assist whoever requests my help. So, it’s simple. Someone asks me for something in particular. I begin to examine. Then I proceed to execute. Simple… or so I thought.

Upon entering college I noticed a major flaw in my thought process. People do not give the necessary information to answer: Why is this person requesting my help? and What is the catch? They tend to throw information at you and “leave you hanging” on the details. Howard University students are subjected to this problem every time they enter the Administration building. But let’s translate this concept over to “the real world.”

What if the world was like the Howard University Administration building? Well, over the past 5 months, or so, I have noticed that it’s much closer to that harsh reality than many people think. I added to my New Year’s Resolution this year: In order to reduce disappointment I chose to lower my level of expectation of people. Unfortunately, this decision came after I was extremely disappointed by the actions taken by three specific people (I will not distribute names and I will not elaborate on what these people did, so do not ask). The bottom line is comprised of two components: communication is key and rudeness will no longer be tolerated! (No “ifs” “ands” or “buts” about it)

I am a communicator. I call. I text. I talk. So, lack of communication baffles me. It completely confuses me. Recently, I was also told that, “things have to be BIG,” with me. That is to say that situations have to have more emphasis than necessary. That is not true in any way, shape or form. If you are a person that has a problem with communicating your thoughts and opinions, then you and I will clash! I find that I do not have time to deal with people that can not communicate effectively. If someone has something that they need to share with me, do not take a week to do it, then turn around, a month later, and allude to me having a problem with communication! That simply does not make sense. Also, if one is involved in a situation and they can conceivably find a solution, do not hesitate to speak up. Many people fear that their action or interference will lead to more conflict. But what they fail to realize is that inaction can cause more damage than one thinks. So, take it from me, an experienced communicator, communication is your friend!

Now, “rudeness.” I will no longer tolerate it. This translates back to that simple creed, “Treat people the way you want to be treated.” Since I expect to be treated with respect and dignity, I will treat others the same way. So, if I communicate in a manner that is respectful and courteous, then 1. I expect to be acknowledged and 2. I expect to be acknowledged with respect and courtesy. Ignoring someone is IMMATURE! If a man can not handle his own issues with civility and a sense of purpose, then, simply, he is NOT a man. He is still a boy. There are no exceptions. With that thought in mind I pride myself in dealing with the issues that I face head-on.

You may be asking yourself, “Why did Jon-Michael write this?”

I wrote this in response to my surroundings here at, what some people now refer to as, “Howard High School.” I am not here to say that I am better than the University or the people who attend the University. I simply feel that it’s time for all of us to step up our game. (That includes me) People put an emphasis, all the time, on Barack Obama and what he has achieved. Now, it’s our turn! Let’s move forward, instead of remaining stagnant.

“Still waters attract disease”

So, let’s advance ourselves, our world, and our university, together!

Thanks!