Every Time I See APA: My Brother's HBCU Greek Nine Echoes in Memory (Interm of affiliation) No desire in using materials all respect organization "matter of family bond". 

By: Mardline Prevot

The morning started with a stark disappointment: no coffee left in the Dining Hall. A minor tragedy, to be sure, but one that instantly altered the trajectory of my day. Instead of the familiar, comforting bitterness, I found myself pouring a glass of Dole apple juice.

The first sip was a jolt—not of caffeine, but of pure nostalgia. The sweet, crisp flavor was an instant, unexpected portal straight back to middle school. Suddenly, I wasn't an adult facing a full day; I was eleven years old, sitting at a cafeteria table, trading snacks and trying to navigate the complex social dynamics of pre-teen life. It's funny how a simple, everyday flavor can unlock such vivid, untouched memories.

Seeing Beyond the Surface

As I sat there, sipping my unexpected time machine, my thoughts drifted to a fascinating concept I've been considering lately—that of aura versus simple aesthetic.

My friend, Pre Mardi, was admiring women not for the fleeting appeal of their looks but for the warm aura they emanated. He spoke of avoiding that "spike key energy" that's often deceiving. It's the kind of energy that might be visually stunning, but ultimately sharp, volatile, or insincere.

As a designer, I know how deceptive a color palette can be. You can wrap something in the most beautiful, vibrant hues, but if the foundation is flawed, the design fails. Similarly, a person can present a perfectly curated image, yet their true energy—their aura—tells a different, more genuine story. That authenticity is what truly draws us in, a warmth that transcends the superficial.

The Power of the Deshret Red

This juxtaposition of surface and substance led me to visualize a powerful, elemental color: the Red of Deshret.

In ancient Kemet, or Egypt, Deshret was the name for the Red Land (the arid, desert regions), and its color was also associated with Lower Egypt. This isn't just any red; it's a deep, potent hue—the color of earth, of power, and often, of necessary conflict or the forces of chaos (Isfet) that must be overcome to maintain order (Ma'at).

I started visualizing this color as the creative plate of a warrior spirit. Not a spirit of needless aggression, but one that possesses the fortitude, resilience, and unyielding will to fight for what is right, to overcome obstacles, and to protect their purpose. This red isn't a deceiving spike key; it's a grounding, powerful force.

It’s the color of unadulterated passion, the visual embodiment of that warm, authentic aura that says: I know who I am, and I stand strong.

So, what began as a simple, slightly disappointing morning without coffee became a deep dive into memory, authentic energy, and the powerful, grounding palette of an ancient warrior.

Sometimes, the simplest things—like a glass of apple juice—can lead to the most profound thoughts.