As an African American woman, choosing to attend a public white institution after years of looking at historically black colleges came as a shock to me and many people around me. After the first four weeks I have taken in my surroundings and the people around me to create a list of things to help every POC get adjusted to their PWI.
1. It’s okay to try new things
While in college, there are going to be times where you’re unsure of yourself and the things that you want to do. There are going to be things that your black friends deem as “white people things” like wild frat parties at your local Frat house or chilling in a hammock with your White friends. One thing that you should be reminded of is that college is about adventure and experience. You can’t be afraid of letting yourself miss out on those things due to what other people think. Go out and adventure, learn about your college and the city where you live.
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2. Don’t lose yourself trying to find yourself
In college, there’s a lot of different types of people. People come from all types of backgrounds, cities and communities so it may become a struggle of finding where you fit in. Try finding friends that are different, but also try finding friends that are just like you. You want to have people that you connect with, but you don’t want them to pressure you into changing or becoming something you’re not. We are nearly almost full grown adults, but peer pressure is still a big thing in college. They say college is all about finding yourself. Make sure while you’re trying to find yourself that you don’t lose yourself.
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3. Find a community
Being African-American at a PWI sometimes feels really lonely. Constantly wondering where the people are that look like you and have the same culture as you can be a struggle. But there are ways to get connected to other people of the same mind and ethnicity as you on campus by looking at clubs and organizations that have similar goals as you. There are organizations on campus that strive to help black people find community. Start by joining groups like NAACP, the Black Student Union or any other groups that are not race related and go in with a goal to find like minded individuals.
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4. Take Initiative
If you’re going to a PWI and you feel like there aren’t enough African-Americans in your classes, in your major, your clubs and organizations, then take initiative and start your own or go out and get to know more people like yourself. Friends take you far in college. Since college is about networking and meeting people, surrounding yourself with motivated friends is a key factor to help yourself grow as an individual.
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5. Understand that getting acclimated to college takes time
As soon as college starts you want to jump in; join clubs, meet lots of new people, go out every single night and do everything you ever saw on Grownish. It’s okay to feel a little bit out of place or like you don’t fit in because there are a thousand kids feeling that exact same way as you.
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Getting used to college may take time, especially when you are in a place where you can sometimes feel singled out. Hopefully these tips help every POC become comfortable as they take their journey through the next four years.