Being the “mixed” girl is always an awkward situation. You are never really sure of which side to identify with, and you do not understand why you cannot simply be both. I grew up with a Puerto Rican father and a white mother. My features sway more towards the white side, so I always felt that’s where I was supposed to be. I grew up not knowing if I was supposed to hang out with the preppy white girls or the minimal amount of Hispanic and/or Latino people that traveled the halls. I could barely understand Spanish, my dad says he would try to teach me when I was younger, but I just laughed in his face because I thought he was making up his own language. Every time I encounter a Spanish person, they assume I am white and treat me as such. Being the mixed kid is not easy. You constantly have this internal struggle of trying to figure out what you are while simultaneously trying to figure out who you are. I am Puerto Rican, Irish and German and from now on, I will identify as such. I am tired of only being half of myself to fit in with people who never really accepted me in the first place. I am tired of constantly being asked “So what are you?” and “Wait you don’t look *insert race here*.”. I am me. For the longest time I denied the fact of who I am. I know the negative connotations that come with being a person of color in this society. I was afraid of what people might think of me. I will no longer stop being who I am to save myself from the judgement of those around me too ignorant to understand. I challenge all my mixed girl to love themselves. Do not feel like you have to choose a side. Race and ethnicity are not games of tug-of-war, please do not feel as such. You can identify as more than one race without feeling the need to sway more towards one side when it comes to fashion and culture and everything in between. You can dance around to Miley Cyrus while eating your tostones. I am tired of mixed girls being too afraid to be themselves because of what others might think. So all my mixed girls say it with me, I AM BOTH.
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1. It's just the basics.
I think we all know this but just to remind everyone, deodorant goes such a long way! If you are an athlete who does not like the white residue some deodorants leave then try using a spray deodorant. Either way do not walk into any type of practice, game, whatever without putting on deodorant.
2. Just an easy tip.
Assorted tea bags arranged on a white surface.
Photo by K8 on UnsplashHere's an easy tip for stinky shoes. Try putting tea bags into your shoes to keep them smelling fresh and to remove odors. This also works with putting tea bags into your gym bags to keep bad smells away.
3. As a college student, I get it.
I get it, we are in college, some are away from home, not a lot of responsibility. One thing that should ALWAYS be a responsibility is clean clothes. If you know you are all out of practice clothes, your practice jersey smells terrible, etc.. GO WASH IT!
Nobody wants to work with someone who smells musty and nasty the whole time. And you definitely don't want to be the person is who looked at as the nasty one on the team. It's simple, just plan ahead and wash your clothes.
4. Time to be real.
man running in forestPhoto by Shashank Shekhar on UnsplashTime to be real, we all sweat. Some sweat more than others. We all sweat by our private areas, the only thing I can say that can help eliminate odors in private areas when sweating is grooming. So if you have lots of hair around your private hair more then likely odors will be present.
All I can say is try to stay clean down there if you sweat a lot by your private area take extra measures like soaking in apple cider vinegar with lukewarm water.
5. Shower right after.
Empty shower stalls in a tiled bathroom.
Photo by - Kenny on UnsplashTry to shower right after a practice or a game if you can. This helps get rid of smells fast. Even if you are playing an away game, if somehow you are able to at least wash up your main areas before getting on a bus ride, you are helping the problem.
6. Another get real moment.
Ladies, sometimes playing sports and being on your period can be hard. Try to stay fresh and clean down there. If you aren't a tampon person, make sure that you always have extra pads with you. After practices or games wash extra good in those areas just to ensure any bad odors are gone.
7. Take home your clothes.
If you have lockers, make sure that you are taking home your practice clothes with you. If you don't smells will soon start to build up. If you have to keep your clothes in your locker try to add a small air freshener
8. Be nice!
"Kindness Matters" on a pink board with a tiled backdrop.
Photo by Copper and Wild on UnsplashIf you notice that someone on your team may need a reminder when it comes to hygiene, simply talk to them in private, You don't have to be mean about it. Offer them advice when it comes to hygiene and how to take care of themselves.
9. Disinfect!
if you play a sport that requires lots of contact with other people or objects try to disinfect have much as you can. it is better to disinfect. With everyone sweating, bacteria can start to build up.
Also, in all honesty, you never know what someone may have(a skin infection, a cut, etc..), so better to be safe than sorry when it comes to disinfecting equipment.
10. Just keep up with yourself.
I always say, just keep up with yourself. I understand you may be very busy but your hygiene is so important, taking care of yourself is important! Stay clean, create your own hygiene routine, and you'll be ok.
There it is! Hygiene is something we can all agree on is important. So keep up it, care about your hygiene!
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