A time in my life when I have been an “other” … that’s a great question, one in which I’m not sure where to begin. There have been many times in my life where I’ve been an “other”, but the one that stands out the most has also been one of the best decisions of my life.
     My most impactful experience of being an “other” was going off to college. I grew up in Newark, New Jersey, a multicultural urban city. I am a first- generation college student, from a city where not many people my age were choosing to go to college. I attended Ramapo College of New Jersey, a predominately White liberal arts college, and for the first time in my life, I didn’t see very many people that looked like me, who came from where I came from, and who experienced the world the way I experienced the world.
     During this time, I faced prejudice, racism, false accusations, and much more all because I was a Black face in a White space. In spite of this experience, Ramapo changed my life for the better. I found my voice, learned how to stand up for what is right, and I made friendships that will last a lifetime.
     I turned opposition into opportunity. I found other people on campus that shared my interest, passions, beliefs, and together we made a lasting impact at Ramapo College of New Jersey for the many Black students to come after us.
By the end of my time at Ramapo, I had become a prominent student leader on campus. I was the first person in my family to graduate from college, and I graduated Summa Cum Laude. I won Outstanding Student Leader in my senior year and left Ramapo a more accepting and inclusive place than when I found it. I didn’t do this alone, I had many other student leaders, staff, faculty, and administrators that supported and mentored me throughout this journey.
     It is because of this experience that I am now a Student Affairs professional, and a Doctoral candidate. My passion is to develop students to be change agents in this world. In a world filled with prejudice, I believe it is my responsibility to fill the world with positivity, justice, and opportunity for all.
     Gandhi said, “You must be the change you wish to see in the world”, and that’s exactly what I strive to be daily.