class of 2022

Rachael Smith, Class of 2022

Editorial Team — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 04:17:19 +0000

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.

Nate Byrd, Class of 2022

Editorial Team — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 04:08:59 +0000

I chose BYU because I was heavily influenced to attend by my family, friends, and church. I do not feel represented here. BYU is very segregated between races. There is a Multicultural Student Office, but their resources are minimal and there is nothing specific for Black students. There is a Black Student Union, but we support each other . The school is not involved in supporting us. BYU is absolutely not supportive of students of color with other marginalized identities. There are individual faculty members who are supportive if you know where to find them, but University policy has a dress code and a ban on LGBTQ+ dating. I would love it if there was a space where Black Students could gather together. I would also love to see a system put in place to report and address racism and discrimination on campus. If you do decide to come here, find the Black Student Union and make that your community. There is a lot of pressure here to assimilate, so if you find your community quickly it will save you a lot of discomfort and trauma. Good luck!

Kiyomi Bowen (Kiyo), Class of 2022

Editorial Team — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 04:23:58 +0000

At the start of my freshmen year(2019) I found it was odd that there was no Black Student Union. I chose this college because I liked its diversity rating, small campus, and how the school is around 30 minutes away from home. I thought that BSU’s were already established things at most colleges. We had an active multicultural club, but I found it odd that there wasn’t an active BSU chapter. Throughout the years I have been attending Albertus, our diversity rating has been pretty good. Currently, in our undergrad program, 53% of students are black, and when I enrolled it was around the same. During my freshman year, I struggled with this is question “Does Albertus really want a BSU?” When I looked around it seemed that everyone was fine with how things were, limited resources for Black American students (not international) first-generation, and local or urban students. Going to a PWI it’s very important to know how to code-switch and if you aren’t aware, passively that can affect your studies/opportunities. In the summer of 2020, George Floyd’s murder had happened and the rise of that made me say “Who cares if Albertus wants a BSU”. I wanted there to be a safe space at Albertus for black students regardless of being black is in trend or not. Since then, the Black Student Union at Albertus has been active. We have a growing membership weekly and our programs are getting better over time. Not only are we shifting the culture of our school through this club. But, we are able to provide a more tailored opportunity for black students at Albertus. I think black students should hear my story and know to go with their instincts and stand up for what they believe in. Honestly being a full-time student, working and running an organization is a lot of work. There have been numerous times when I wanted to quit or I’ve broken down and cried. But, I really wouldn’t change anything. I see the bigger picture and I encourage other students to stay resilient with what ever their calling is. I swear it will pay off. Other than the Black Student Union there are no resources available specifically for black students. We are pushing to activate an NAACP chapter to help increase our resources. Albertus should help the BSU, be more inclusive, hire black professors, increase resources for first-generation students, etc because I do not feel represented here.

Anonymous, Class of 2022

Editorial Team — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 04:21:51 +0000

As a student of color on this campus, my journey has been nothing short of adventurous for many reasons. I feel somewhat represented at UWGB. As much as I would rather not admit it, I am an influential student on campus, constantly busy, used for token promotional stuff, looked up to by underclassmen; and honestly it’s a privilege and a curse. I have the power to effect change on this campus (started as a PWI and is slowly opening to more diverse classes of students), but one small mistake and I could change the course of everything good I’ve tried to achieve. It’s a hard wire to walk, but we’re supposed to be strong right? I chose UWGB because it was a good distance from home where I could have the independence to grow as an individual without the influences of generational trauma. I would come here if I had to choose all over again because I can keep pushing for change. I also met some amazing people that I wouldn’t trade for the world. UWGB isn’t blatantly segregated, but there are the places you know you should go and shouldn’t go alone or even in a group. The MESA (multi ethic student affairs) office is the main resource and support. I’ve been in and out of there for homework, to relax, meet people, attend events, meetings with student orgs, meetings with advisors, and much, much more. The jobs and offices on campus support everyone, it’s just the people you have to be wary of. When racist students show their true colors, there should be harsher punishments. A slap on the wrist only allows them to go behind closed doors and continue their ways. Always remember your voice has power, especially in an under represented school that is on its way to try and change. Don’t be afraid to use it.

Kynnedy J. Moore, Class of 2022

Editorial Team — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 04:16:12 +0000

We have a Black Student Union as well as an African-Caribbean Student Association and D-9 fraternities and sororities. Although there’s a handful of us we stick together and do whatever we can to make sure we have the best experience while attending the school. Witchita State is cliquey between different races. I believe they have a scholarship for some living in certain areas I would not say the school necessarily supports us in the way they advertise. They love to make sure black students are marketed but never cared for upon enrolling in the school. The school puts a lot of emphasis on Diversity and Inclusion. I wish they would actually listen to those attempting to voice their needs and wants. We pay a lot of money to attend the school but we cannot get any of the requests we have even listened to and are forced to rally and protest in order to gain any attention at all. I feel represented not by the school but by the other students who feel misrepresented as well. My advice: Do not allow the community surrounding you to cause you to lose focus on who you are, whose you are, and what your purpose in life is. Regardless of what college, peers, family, or life, in general, throws your way, keep being the beautiful/handsome and strong-minded you that you are. Don’t let anyone take that from you regardless of their title or status. There’s only one you and the world deserves you in it.

Aisha Jallow, Class of 2022

Editorial Team — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 22:21:53 +0000

There is definitely a lack of resources when it comes to the counseling center there is a lack of therapists in general but also a lack of Black therapists and Black women specifically, especially when trying to talk about struggles relating to racial issues and racism. Although Black affinity housing is needed, it is not the best housing that AU could have given us. They did renovations, but the bathrooms and some main areas were not renovated as they said they would. There should be more support for affinity to host events. Last year they said we couldn’t order food for our events which really hurt our events like the Caribbean affinity group because that is how we gather people. It hurt our turnout. While the rule was supposed to stop the spread of COVID (the dining hall was still serving buffet style, and people were still eating together), it kind of only hurt the affinity groups with an appreciation for family-style meals even the Asian American student organization. It became more expensive to get them done pre-packaged style. I do feel represented at AU, I came into AU already in organizations. I barely left high school, but I was in African student organization which I am the president of today. And I had a lot of strong Black female figures to look up to and go to for advice and I really admired these girls for creating a Black community for AU. I was fortunate to be on the E board so I was able to meet with these juniors and seniors, but a lot of people may not have those same opportunities. Oftentimes when you come to a PWI, people think it will be hard to find the Black community, but college is what you make it and you are not the only person looking for people to be around. Go to events. You don’t have to be Caribbean to go to Caribbean events you don’t have to be African to go to African events, etc. Don’t be discouraged when ur entire floor is 99 percent non-Black, the 2 Black girls on my floor became 2 of my closest friends. Just keep going to events. The ASO pageant is open to everybody you don’t have to be African to come. We don’t have a big African community but we are open for anybody to learn about it.

Alexia Brown, Class of 2022

Editorial Team — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 06:27:37 +0000

I feel represented at OU. It is mostly only segregated among sorority life. There are resources for Black students (Events for D9, GroupMe dedicated to black students with resources/events, office of diversity and inclusion, scholarships for black female students) but I haven’t made use of any of them. I do wish there was better diversity in mental health counseling. Prospective students should be enthusiastic about talking with other black students in classes/dorms. It’s how you make the most connections.

Anonymous, Class of 2022

Editorial Team — Sat, 22 Jan 2022 19:41:20 +0000

It is separated between different races/ethnicities. The only resource I have is the Black student union and the Avery research center. They could do more by offering more resources and hiring more minorities at the college that truly support and represent minorities. They are somewhat supportive of students of color and other marginalized groups. I do not feel represented.

Jayla Young, Class of 2022

Editorial Team — Sat, 22 Jan 2022 19:37:08 +0000

South is somewhat cliquey, but there are people who have mixed friend groups. There are no resources specifically for black students but through the Office of Multicultural student affairs, there are plenty of resources. I feel somewhat represented. I wish there was mentorship with black professors. I would like to say South is supportive of students of color but unfortunately, there have been quite a few racist events. By hiring our new president Jo Bonner, this school does not care about students of color or other marginalized groups. My advice is: Don’t give up. No matter how hard it is, keep pushing.

Babalola Omofoyewa, Class of 2022

Editorial Team — Sat, 22 Jan 2022 19:06:52 +0000

I appreciate the fact that the school recognizes and supports international students. Black students should remember to reach for the stars! Stand up for yourself, believe in your strength and colour. No one can make you feel less of yourself without you giving them the permission.