Rachael Smith, Class of 2022

I don’t feel represented here. I would say Umich is definitely cliquey between races. There are resources, but I don’t really interact much because I’m a graduate student and they’re targeted toward undergrads. They try to have programs and stuff for people of color, but I’m not a person of color – I’m black. There’s a difference. People of color are racist against black people. I wish their programs weren’t so performative. Every program has a bunch of white people on the board and it’s like… okay. Once the Rackham graduate school put on their annual fall ball and the theme was, “party like the 1820s.” What was happening in the 1820s besides slavery? My advice for prospective students… You’re not going to feel included. You’re going to feel alone. Don’t let that discourage you.