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3 Things I Learned Being Black at a Predominately White Institution

"It was incredibly overwhelming to see only a handful of people who looked like me."

Kayla Whittington

Feb 28, 2019

Longwood

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3 Things I Learned Being Black at a Predominately White Institution

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Growing up, I always expected myself to go to an HBCU (Historically Black College/University). I loved the community they encouraged and, due to how important I deem activism, it always seemed like the perfect fit for me. As I grew older, I began to solidify what path I wanted my life to take and the schools that had what I was looking for, and most importantly, where the financial aid was offered. This eventually lead me to settle down at Longwood University where only 10% of the student body is black. Struggling with my initial discomfort led me to have some takeaways that I will carry throughout the rest of my enrollment.

1. Seek out a minority organization.

When I arrived at campus, it was incredibly overwhelming to see only a handful of people who looked like me. After doing research and interacting on campus, I attended a Black Student Association meeting, and it helped me become aware of the racial climate on campus and what I could do to better it. It helped me to meet other minority students and educate myself on other minority organizations on campus that catered to the impact I wished to leave on campus.

2. You don't have to be the spokesperson for your race.

Being, on many occasions, the only person of color in my classroom created an expectation to be the smartest and most "woke" black representation possible; but, that was an unfair standard to set for myself. I am allowed to simply be a student just as my peers are without having to prove my blackness or fit the standard of the perfect "black student." I am not obligated to inform others on why saying the "N-word" will never be okay or why and what cultural appropriation means to me. There are so many examples in history, the media, or daily lives that should make it evident to everyone what is acceptable behavior towards people of all races and cultures.

3. There will be culturally insensitive people wherever you go. You cannot allow their ignorance and intolerance to change who you are or who you become.

Whether I decided to attend a PWI or an HBCU, those who will judge you and make assumptions on your integrity and character will continue to heckle in an attempt to derail your personal growth; but I know the blood, sweat, and tears as well as the odds I overcame to sit in the classrooms I had dreamed of since I was young. I will continue to grow and prosper and defy even more odds, despite their intolerance.

Granted, I have only been a student for a semester and a half, so my list will likely grow over time as I interact with more people and organizations. While coming to Longwood as a black student was initially jarring, I love it here; most of the people are wonderful and they have the major that I have dreamed of since I was a child. Demographics are an important aspect to consider when deciding what school you'll attend, but sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone can have wonderful effects.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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3 Things I Learned Being Black at a Predominately White Institution

"It was incredibly overwhelming to see only a handful of people who looked like me."

1. Seek out a minority organization.

2. You don't have to be the spokesperson for your race.

3. There will be culturally insensitive people wherever you go. You cannot allow their ignorance and intolerance to change who you are or who you become.

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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