When Nobody on Campus Looks Like You
In the documentary “Bronx Princess,” a young college student, Rockyatu Otoo, narrates the story of her transition from high school to college. In a video on the documentary’s website (www.bronxprincess.com), Otoo admits to her surprise of going to school and meeting very few people who looked like her. Unfortunately, many African students tend to have a similar experience and share the same difficulties as Otoo.
Being one of few Africans in any given setting can be quite intimidating. In a sense, whenever one or few persons form a minority before a majority, they play a role of representing their group, whether or not they desire to. In the famous article “White Privilege: Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack,” Peggy McIntosh succinctly corroborates this when she says: “I am never asked to speak for all the people of my racial group.” In essence, this intimidation and representation of one’s own race is only experienced by the minority.
The achievement gap found between blacks and whites, especially in the United States, tends to exacerbate the situation. According to a feature by Inside Higher Ed (Click here for article), “Barely two in five Black and Hispanic freshmen earn their bachelor’s degree six years after enrolling in college compared to 60 percent of whites.” This achievement gap often causes others to place a low estimate on black students, which adds to the complexity of college.
In the documentary “Bronx Princess,” Otoo grew accustomed to the new environment by junior year through her involvement in various organizations, which helped to build a considerable network of people. This did not only consist of those with whom she shared the same background, but also others of a different heritage who could relate to her experience and shared common interests.
Are you or someone you know feeling intimidated in college or any other unfamiliar setting? Remember that it helps to reach out to others. Our differences are mostly superficial and deep inside we are all the same created in God’s image. What is your experience?