Earlier this semester, I expressed in an opinion article what it felt like to be a person of color at a PWI (Predominantly White Institution). Now that I am in my last week of classes, I suddenly find myself reflecting on my short years at EMU, and they were wonderful with a lot more good things than bad things. However, it wasn’t easy either, because I was a young kid trying to figure out where I belong and there were times when I felt like I didn’t belong on this campus, and I felt out of place. 

I was well aware that I was part of the minority but knowing something is completely different than experiencing it. I’m aware that there are professors and staff members who are trying really hard to make BIPOC students like they belong and make them feel seen, but at the same time there are others that say they are trying but we as students see no difference. 

There were a lot of times when I felt like this school didn’t prioritize as much as it did other students. For instance, during my junior year, I had this particular class that emphasized positiveness and many great things that I appreciated as a psychology major; however, I didn’t get to appreciate all of those things because I kept correcting the professor who kept calling me Mexican. The problem wasn’t that I was being called Mexican; the issue was the fact that even after I corrected them about my nationality, they kept calling me Mexican believing in stereotypes that are damaging for BIPOC students. There were a lot of remarks that made me feel like that person was perhaps racist. 

Sadly, I am not the only one who feels like there is a lack of representation in this institution. Senior Tahj’ae Coleman said, “Something that I noticed is that even in classrooms professors expect me to struggle more than others, which could be because I’m a Black woman, and they become surprised when I’m able to show that I have skills and that I am knowledgeable.”

Another student who expressed similar sentiments is Junior Joy Parakuo who said, “they tell us that they have all these clubs and events for us, and they think that’s enough, but the work should also be done in classrooms and in other areas because someone saying that they are an ally or support minorities doesn’t equal a safe environment.”

I also consider myself a writer and as a person who writes like English is my second language, I have also noticed that in this institution there is a lack of understanding of cultural differences, not only for writing but also for other important matters like mental health and representation.  

Nevertheless, not all days are bad; there have also been a lot of good days, good people who are trying and are willing to listen and this is seen by many BIPOC students. Junior Arianna Nixon said, “Some are trying and some are not. As a Black person, some days are great and some days not so much. Some people are still trying to figure it all out, and for athletes, it has gotten so much better.”

In a couple of days, I will be leaving EMU and soon it will become a bittersweet memory, but at the same time, I hope that changes are made and the voices of BIPOC students are heard because we matter.