Souleman Toure, Class of 2023

I chose Bowdoin because I enjoyed my time when I visited. I felt like people really embraced me as a prospective student, and I thought if I received this comfort, and I wasn’t yet admitted it would only get better once I got in. That was the main thing that led me to Bowdoin. People were very generous with their time and gave me honest feedback about Bowdoin and the college process in general. I would choose Bowdoin again. I have met people that I will be friends with for life. It has been challenging in many ways, but overall, I think my time here has brought me a lot of joy. I appreciate the experience I have had at Bowdoin, and I think the community is a special one. Personally, I interact with lots of different groups on campus so the feeling of cliqueyness is not one I really resonate with. This answer can look different for different people. I can say there are groups that are maybe more homogenous and that people find similarities and identify with people who look like them. But I don’t believe that is a thing unique to Bowdoin. I think people mingle and move around spaces/people often at Bowdoin. We are not perfect, but I feel like the majority are open to meeting/engaging with people that look very different outside themselves. We have Black Men’s forum, there is a female version as well I believe. There are Students of Color in Computing and those are some that I know from memory. We have Africa Alliance and Soca/Caribbean Club which are not exclusive to Black students but are spaces where you will find a lot of Black students. There have been potlucks, fashion shows, “African weddings”, Lunches and Meet and Greets, and hangout/social events. These spaces are not always something I go to every week but when I do show up I am always welcome. In the last month, there has been a BSU x LASO Jersey Party, Black scholars night (weekly study together), Guest speaker Mr. Pious Ali, and a talk about Billie Holiday’s legacy. I think the administration listens a lot and tries to work with students of color. They are really open about feedback, but a response can be hard sometimes for them. I know there are things in place on campus to try and help black/POC students in a more proactive way. This weekend there is a POC retreat/getaway for the weekend. They try and provide resources as best they can and it’s again not perfect. But there is good intention and effort and more can always be done for sure, but the black/POC experience is not uniform. So, trying to do something for all students of color assumes a lot and might end up hurting some. It’s hard to say if I feel represented. I don’t know what goes on at other institutions, but I think Black voices at Bowdoin over my time here have grown. I think people are listening more and trying to understand better and make it an inviting space for all members of the community. We are a small portion, but sometimes less is more you feel me?