This is a response to Female Empowerment On Campus

Let’s face it - college life is tough. From balancing your different responsibilities and relationships on and off campus to finding your place in the supposed best years of your life, feeling confident and empowered can be difficult. But think - when did you start feeling like your campus was home? Better yet, who made campus feel like home for you?

I think of the organizations I joined during my first semester on campus. I had joined at least six organizations as I was trying to find the best fit and was shy, usually listening more than talking in organization meetings. Granted, this was during the pandemic’s peak so making personal connections with other students outside of my residence hall was difficult. But watching upperclassmen excitedly talk about upcoming events and plans for growth encouraged me to feel the same passion for college life. Having online and socially distanced meetings with people that found their passion in college, whether it was college ministry, leading students in the Honors College, or informing students about business components, made me realize as a freshman that I would find my way as well.

Getting advice from people who were actively involved in something they were passionate about and how they began their college journey led me to the people I have met and the opportunities I have been able to seek out since freshman year. From finding my core friend group to completing my study abroad experience, I have felt empowered by the leaders in my various organizations and programs to try my best and truly thrive in my college experience.

If you’re an upperclassman on your college campus, why shouldyou empower those who have recently entered college? Halfway through my recent fall semester, my advisor for one of the organizations that I’m most involved in on Miami’s campus asked me about the legacy I wanted to leave on the organization. As the Director of Public Relations, I thought of creating a consistently high level of social media engagement and an easy-to-navigate digital marketing framework for future members. My advisor considered this for a moment but emphasized the importance of leaving a legacy on relationships and passing the baton as well. Forming a relationship with and teaching a new member about the basics of this position not only makes me feel supported, but also that I’m passing what I’ve learned down to future leaders that will replace me after I graduate.

I realized that I needed to do what I had the privilege to experience during my first year - to continue the path that had been laid by students, especially the women and first-generation students, before me. Whether that be participating in weekly informational sessions about my programs with high school seniors from diverse or low-income backgrounds like my own or being a positive influence in my residence hall as an RA, bringing up others has been one of the best parts of my college experience.

To start empowering younger students across campus, especially those that come from a similar background as you, I suggest reaching out, showing appreciation, and being a positive resource and influence. Going out to coffee or lunch with a freshman may make their day, as this shows that they’re appreciated in the new club or community they’re joining. Making a point to greet them at the beginning of a meeting shows that they’re valued and cared about.

Similar to what the original author noted in their article, encouraging love, positivity, and confidence in others has helped my self-love and acceptance of who I am. Not only are you continuing to pave the way for those that come after you on your college campus, but you’re also paving the way for your future self’s passion and confidence after your college experience.