Educated
At The University of Virginia, you are constantly reminded that you are a student of color. There is never a day when I am just simply a student here. Despite myself and many others who look like me rightfully earning our place to study at such a prestigious institution, there is an underlying tone of, “Are you sure you’re supposed to be here?”. Today, on the first day of black history month, I felt that in full force. As I carried my bagel in one hand and my smoothie in another, I walked to 1515. A study space on the corner for students at UVA. In UVA student uniform (coat, hoodie, backpack, running shoes, airpods) I peered inside. The group of white students in front of me stared as if I was some type of outsider. As if I wasn’t dressed exactly the same as them, about to study and eat the same early lunch as they were. When it was clear they had no interest in coming to take the two steps and open the door for me, I began to struggle and get my ID out. A struggle that resulted in a wasted smoothie and an emptied wallet. It was only then that they put their heads back down and continued working. I was furious. Not because my smoothie wasted, or because I had to separate street gum from my credit card, but because I knew as well as they knew that this situation could have been avoided.
It saddens me to say this but it is the truth. I have never experienced more racism, prejudice, and microaggressions in my life until coming to school, specifically this school. I love being a student here, but being a student of color… there could be some improvements. The same students who claim they want to change the world and help others are the same people who end up doing the exact opposite. When discussing racial bias in medicine or the courtroom people ask, “How can you do something that’s supposed to help others and behave like this? How do they have a world-class education and still act like this?”. Well, I’m here to tell you that as someone who is going to a school that is getting that same “world-class” education that makes people perk up, those people started as students just like many of us. They come from sheltered homes with high socioeconomic status and most notably a lack of concern for diversity, equity, and inclusion. With so many resources and so, so much money, why is there a lack of regard for creating a safe space for ALL students?
It is no secret that this university was built on the backs of enslaved laborers. You cannot correct the past, but you can guide the future. Although it is both respectful and just that the university has chosen to honor these lives, the fact that many students of color today face daily difficulties because of what they look like and where they come from, is very telling of the progress truly made. Most people choose to come to college to learn, expand their perspectives, and potentially change the world. The job of a school and its inhabitants is to spearhead that process. Teaching students how to break down their underlying biases or about different cultures shouldn’t be performative. It should be the daily standard. Throughout this month I challenge everyone to step out of their comfort zone and examine their beliefs. Is there a reason why you cross the street when you see a black man? Why are you so taken aback when a black student says they come from a wealthy area? Most importantly though, for those of you staring at black students in class wondering if all of us are on scholarship, the answer is no our parents have good jobs and strong financial literacy skills just like yours do, probably even better.
Take care.
Love,
Claire
