A Little Wander Into “Foreign Territory” My Weekend at Coppin State’s Homecoming

This past weekend, I stepped a bit outside of my usual world and found myself at Coppin State University for their Homecoming celebration. Now, if you know me, you know my academic home is Morgan State University where I earned my undergraduate degree and where I’m currently pursuing my MSW. So yes, crossing over to the other side of Baltimore felt a little like entering foreign territory.

But in the best, most refreshing way.

I went because one of my colleagues from my program she’s in the DSW track invited me to come and celebrate with her. She’s a proud alum of Coppin, and lately I’ve been intentional about building community among fellow social workers outside of just coursework, readings, and the expected academic grind. So when she extended the invite, I said yes without hesitation.

And honestly? I’m so glad I did.

The weather on February 21st was that perfect surprise that sometimes pops up in the middle of winter mid-50s, just warm enough to make you want to step out, move around, and remember you have a life beyond boots, coats, and staying bundled up indoors. It felt like the city itself was telling all of us to come out and breathe a little.

Once I arrived on campus, the energy hit immediately. By a mix of alumni and a few students I didn’t know, but the vibe was still welcoming. Even though I wasn’t on my home turf, I found myself bumping into familiar faces people I hadn’t seen in a while, people connected through mutual circles, a few Morgan alumni and student people whose presence reminded me that Baltimore’s community is big but still beautifully intertwined.

I also met new faces people who were open, warm, and fully committed to showing love to anyone celebrating with them. The hospitality? Top-tier. I felt safe, comfortable, and genuinely cared for the entire time. There’s something special about a crowd that collectively wants everyone to have a good experience, and that’s exactly what Coppin delivered.

What stood out most is how free I felt. No titles, no assignments waiting for me, no pressure. Just me present, open, enjoying myself. And even though I joked all day about being “in foreign territory,” the truth is that it didn’t feel foreign for long. My colleague made sure I was good, people treated me like one of their own, and the overall atmosphere was nothing short of positive.

If I had the chance to go again? Absolutely. I wouldn’t even think twice.

This weekend reminded me how important it is not just as a student, not just as a social worker, but as a person to step into new spaces, meet new people, reconnect with old circles, and just live a little.

Homecoming at Coppin State was a wonderful reminder of that.

Please know I got home a little after 9pm I bathed and eaten and was KO before 10pm arrived. my Saturday was well spent.

WATCH CLIPS HERE : https://youtu.be/Q5AxVTqD4SE