Anonymous, Class of 2022

When I was a freshman, I had a hard time adjusting to the culture of my PWI. Throughout my childhood, I attended very diverse schools so going to a PWI was a complete culture shock that I was not prepared for. I was usually the only Black student in my classroom and it seemed like everywhere I looked, there wasn’t anyone that looked like me. I definitely experienced Imposter’s syndrome and was ready to transfer schools. After attending some NAACP meetings, I was able to meet other Black students who felt the same way as me. They told me that I am exactly where I am supposed to be. It was very refreshing to know that I wasn’t the only student feeling this way. It was also affirming to know that I actually wasn’t the only Black student on campus either. There are many programs, organizations, and resources specifically for students of color. You will find your group and you will feel like you belong because you do. Baylor is less than 6% Black and at least 60% White/Caucasian. Our Multicultural Affairs office has a subset called the Black Student Coalition that consists of dozens of Black organizations such as the Black Student Union, the African Student Association, and the NAACP. These organizations are one of the only ways you will see other Black students on campus. The events that these organizations put on allow Black students to have an unofficial safe space to be ourselves. Baylor typically honors the different heritage and history months; makes all students complete diversity “training”; put on Neighbor Nights, an event to help you get to know people that do not look like you; and other similar events. Baylor does a good job at allowing students of color to share and express their culture. However, events and organizations led by students of color generally don’t receive as much recognition and publicity as those from our White peers. I also think that Baylor tends to be performative, as in many of our White counterparts will come to our events for a short enough time to get pictures and to say they came. In terms of other marginalized groups, Baylor has currently been under fire for not allowing an LGBTQ+ organization to be chartered. Instead, Baylor came up with their own version of the organization that aligns with “Christian values and beliefs” (but nobody wants their version). There was also an issue in which Baylor had ended shutting for those who are disabled and/or need accommodation. After receiving negative feedback, Baylor brought the shuttling back. As it pertains to women, Baylor has many organizations that are directed towards women in different fields as well as the well-being of women in general. I do not feel represented at Baylor. There are very few staff and faculty that look like me. I am typically the only Black girl or person of color in my classroom. Baylor prides itself on being very diverse but when you look in our classrooms, diversity is not what you see. Baylor has a long way to go. Do not let what they say about PWIs scare you away. Unfortunately, as a Black person in the United States, you will always be faced with adversity and may be the only person in the room that looks like you. Though there aren’t many of us, there are other Black students at PWIs that know exactly how you feel and want the same things that you want. Going to college, in general, is a huge step–You will succeed no matter what college you go to. If we want more representation in our country, we have to be willing to take that first step. Change can start with you. Just always remember that, though you may not feel entirely comfortable, you are deserving of attending ANY college that you desire and succeeding in ANY field that you desire. You got this!