It was twelve years ago, during this time that I was preparing for high school graduation and getting ready to enjoy my last summer before heading off to college. If I would have known what I know now, I would have been better prepared and probably doing better now. In this blog post, I will share some tips that would benefit Black women navigating higher education.
Be authentically yourself!
As cliché as it may sound, there’s only one of you so be you. As Black women, we are trained to be one person at home and another in public. I would argue that those days are long gone. It is tiresome and only benefits or appeases one particular group. When you walk into a room, be your best version of yourself. As a Black woman, you are going to get judged regardless (and this is if you go to a PWI or a HBCU). Your peers, the others, are already going to have a preconceived notion about who you are and what you are expected to be. In no way am I suggesting you try and dispel these notions because that is a task too large, but what I am telling you is be unapologetically you, in whatever for that may be.
Network
It took me a long time to realize that networking is the key to success in college. As a first-generation college student, I had no real idea of navigating the system. In all my previous years of schooling, I was only required to go to school, do the work, and then go home. However in higher education, networking is extremely key! You, as well as your classmates are the future game changers of the world. I know it may seem daunting to strike up conversation, and some may not be receptive simply based on the color of your skin, but a one simple connection can have a lasting impact.
Create a plan and execute
Some key questions you want to ask yourself at this time are:
- What do I want?
- Where do I see myself in four/five years?
- What connections do I want to make?
- How am I going to make it happen?
Ask yourself critical questions that will challenge yourself to search out the answer. Once you answer the questions, you can get create a clear plan to execute. Execution definitely requires determination so ensure that your plan is fueled by passion because, most often then not, it will not be easy.
Be present!
The time will go by quicker than you know it. Be sure to remain present in the moment. If you decided to only do four years, or many more like myself, I would suggest you make the most of it. I literally cannot really recall the time I was in my master’s program. The years went by so quickly and I wasn’t even able to get a school shirt. I would love to have slowed down those years to better understand my academic voice and this is why I tell you to be present!
Black women, please understand that the institution of higher education is not designed for our success. We have to make a concerted effort to do well and part of doing so requires us to be authentically ourselves. Do not shrink yourself in these spaces. You belong there! It is just as much as your institution as it is anyone else’s. Make the most of it, get the most of it, and hold onto the memories forever!
I don’t own the rights to some of the photos in this post.
