New Segment! "A Freshman Experience"

My campus was voted the most beautiful campus in America, and, as an incoming freshman, I could defend that. The school seemed to put on the perfect theatrical performance of equality and love on all angles. It wasn’t until I actually attended the school that my idea of my beautiful school changed. Ignorance is bliss. Ignorance is the warmest blanket on the coldest night, and I was quite cozy the first few days at my school. My coziness lasted until I received an email that my school was going to have certain visitors, visitors who we were asked to respect their values and beliefs. Even this young, I already did not have tolerance for the racist and discriminatory beliefs of the Klu Klux Klan. Many emails were sent out in order to reassure students, but the emails didn’t feel like they were on the right side of the problem. I was angry, I was scared, and I was alone. I was alone, on a campus that, I felt, obviously did not want me there. I was on a campus that I was completely in love with, but didn’t fight for me. A campus that barely fought alongside me. It was a blow to my confidence, and every email that was sent out by our dear president McConnell was like a kick in the stomach.

The Black Student Union’s “College of Charleston vs White Supremacy” meeting was the turning point for me. I walked in not expecting to say anything. I figured that since I was only a freshman the floor was not mine to speak on, and I didn’t want to speak. I wanted to know what people said and felt. I just wanted to not be alone. At the meeting, everyone around me seemed strong. Everyone was ready to put an iron fist up, and I was still scared. My hand raised itself to speak, much without my permission, and before I could blink, I found myself speaking. I talked about how scared I was. I talked about how I am afraid to look some of my peers in their eyes. I talked about how I walk around with my head down. I cried, and I knew I wasn’t the only one. When the meeting was over I found I had more support than I thought. I developed friendships that night that I will always have. It felt like I had people behind me to catch me if I fall. I was not alone. It was refreshing.

If I didn’t go to that meeting I would not have found support. I began developing my voice that night, because I realized I had one. My college experience would have turned out a lot differently than what it is now if I had not gone to the meeting. I’d probably be far too scared to get involved in anything on campus. I would not have made the friends I have made. It helped me, but that is just me. I can’t speak for all freshman curlies on all college campuses. The only curly headed cutie I can speak for is myself.

However, I challenge freshman girls, and all girls, to ‘just go’. If there is an event happening, but you don’t know anyone there. Just go. If there is a meeting held, but you don’t wanna go alone. Just go. It is amazing to think that one event, one meeting, or one anything can change your course at college. I guarantee you will meet new people, make a new friend, or even develop your voice.

Keep your head up curlies, you’re never alone.

Editor's Note: If you are a freshman and would like to share an experience you've had entering college, please feel free to email me at abdelmalakkm@g.cofc.edu We would like to share your experiences and voices. Do not hesitate.

-CeeCee