We're all integral to the development of the institution. We have to maintain a family atmosphere of mutual support and shared sacrifice so everyone in the family will continue to grow. Parham sees several diversity challenges the university needs to confront. All the personal attention and mentorship made a big difference in my development as a student. Today, I try to help students in the same way with as much direct contact as possible.
Late teens have issues about autonomy, identity, relationships, academic challenges.
What we have seen in the last decade is an increase in the amount of stress that students are coming to campus with. That's a national trend. Much of Parham's off-campus time is taken up by his involvement in organizations such as the Association of Black Psychologists and the 100 Black Men of Orange County. Although Parham is proud of his achievements, he maintains a strict distinction between what he does and who he is. And probably most important, I strive to be the manifestation of what the creator and the ancestors intended for me to be, by walking in the path of truth and righteousness.