Being a Student of Colour at a Majorly White University
Being a part of a minority in any kind of community can often be an isolating and exhausting experience, especially if the community does not foster a safe space for you to learn, question norms, seek joy, and generally exist. Although I personally look back on my experience as an ACS student with a satisfied sigh, the ride has not been without its own ups and downs. In light of the Black Lives Matter movement, I believe it is especially vital to normalise discussing race so as to create a transparent and accepting environment at the university. • Selena Soemakno The Culture Shock is Real
Your cultural identity might be challenged, questioned, awarded, tokenised, and who knows what else when you’re a part of a marginalised group in a space with non-marginalised people running the show. You will run into people who have views that you’ve never even heard of. This can be terrifying, but it can also be exciting. No one else gets to define what your race, culture, or identity means to you. While university is a great time for you to experience new things, it might also be a great time to deconstruct your values, morals and what being you means to you.
Find your space
Find likeminded people, find the people you can consider your home away from your home. Go to on-campus events, go to Radboud Reflects talks, go to seasonal celebrations, watch local film screenings, attend ESN get-togethers, strike conversations with random people in class or at the gym, and see what the campus has to offer. It can be a little awkward at first, but there is no better time to practice social skills than at a place dedicated to learning.
Correct others, if need be
I hope it doesn’t happen, but you might run into peers and professors that say things that are ignorant or disrespectful in the classroom setting. This goes for every intersectionality of identity. If someone uses a word that is outdated, calls you by the wrong pronouns, or makes you feel silenced, correct the people around you—with kindness, of course. There’s nothing wrong with making a mistake and you can always help your peers understand certain topics they might not have as much experience with.
Don’t Stick to the Status Quo
Challenge the system if you believe something is problematic. Initiate conversations about course materials with your professors, seek course coordinators if you believe there is a structural issue, bring suggestions to the OpCo so that they can bring real change to your study if need be. The best things in life always evolve and you shouldn’t be afraid to create change in your own community.
Speak up
One of the best ways I’ve found my own circle is by speaking up in class or during audience commentaries. Being outspoken can be terrifying, especially in the face of professors and peers who may make you feel judged, but this is how you make yourself and your views known to your fellow peers without actually coming up to them.
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