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DTLR: HBCU Welcome Back Tour 

Bowie State Edition 

By: Mardline Prevot 


Via instagram. 



The first week of a new semester always feels like a kickoff, a fresh start. But this last one for me, my final semester as an undergrad at Bowie State, felt different. It was a whirlwind of reflection and anticipation, a blend of what was and what's to come.

My day started with a mission: securing a limited-edition DTLR GTA V T-shirt for my collection. It sounds trivial, but it was a small win, a moment of joy before diving into the chaos. The same goes for the "Trois Mousquetaires"—my team on a mission to get our concept, "Bowie State’s Got Talent," pitched to the Office of New Student Experiences. As an entrepreneur at heart, I’m good at the hustle but still learning to be more outspoken. This whole experience is a game, and I'm learning to keep my helmet on and play until the final whistle.

Between meetings, I was late to my theater course—a new journey for me. I'm acting, something I've always wanted to explore. I'm a self-proclaimed Ayisyen ki pa binè (Haitian non-binary person) who loves to blend different artistic genres, a kind of old-soul Gen Z-er navigating the creative and visual communication industries on campus.

The event itself was a sensory overload in the best way. I checked out a black-owned brand called "Goodson," practiced my driving skills on a simulation, and had a blast in the DTLR 360 photobooth, all with Kyle on the Mic as the soundtrack. But the most significant moment was reconnecting with my BSU Haitian Mantant (auntie figure). I told her about an upcoming concert my uncle is hosting with the Haitian artist, Kreyol La. She encouraged me to apply for an automotive internship for my class, which was a huge reality check. She also reminded me about the importance of getting permission to use logos—a vital lesson for my senior thesis project, "Ayiti Nou La: Racine Tribute." I was relieved, though, because it's a project I'm passionate about.

As I took it all in, I felt a wave of pride wash over me. I'm a first-generation college student, and I made it. I’ve grown so much, learning to step up and own my identity as a non-binary person. My theater course, in a way, is a metaphor for this journey—I'm creating a new character for myself, a shepherd guiding others toward my unique perspective.

My reflections on this day have led me to a quiet resolve: I won't let the negativity of others dictate my journey. It's a lesson in forgiveness, not for them, but for myself. My memories of seeing plays at the Public Playhouse as a kid have come full circle. It's a reminder that my theater background, once a dusty vault, is now a living part of my identity. I’m proud to be a Black and queer person in America, and this new chapter is a tribute to my past and a bold step into my future.



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