Panel discussion on the Black student experience at UND reminds audience that Black culture in America is also diverse
All UND students must experience the transition from high school to college life, and of course, each of these transitions is different. However, some students find the campus environment to be: few Being more diverse than the environment they come from makes them think more deeply about social interactions and how they fit into their program.
So did sophomore Flora Brown. kinematics, She spoke about her transition experience during her participation. “Black Student Experience Panel” Discussion hosted by UND African Students Union; February 22.
Brown said the transition to life at UND was difficult at first. She wondered if she needed to try harder to blend in with her surroundings. Or should I stay in touch more closely with the person I was before I came to UND?
Thinking about such questions and her own transition has helped Brown feel more at ease with who she is, she said. And it had a positive impact on her feelings about her own educational achievements.
“I can definitely say that it has made me love myself and my culture more and appreciate myself and my family more,” she said. “I want a degree even more now than when I first came here.”
Brown was one of four students who participated in a panel discussion held at UND. diversity and inclusion Memorial Union 2nd floor office. That Thursday, the office space was packed with many students and university administrators in attendance.
The event was hosted by Precious Dada, a graduate programmer in the office, and was part of UND. black history month The celebration also included a lecture on civil rights icons. rosa parks given by Art Malloy, Vice President of Student Affairs;
When asked by Dada if he ever felt misrepresented or misunderstood in the classroom, Abraham Akinbobola replied: civil aviation and aviation management The student said he was keenly aware that what he said in class might be perceived by others as representing the entire group. As a result, he said, he sometimes felt he was better off staying silent than voicing his opinion.
“Sometimes I don’t want to say anything because people think what I’m saying, not what I’m saying.” I speak like someone like me Tell me,” Akinbobola said.
Similarly, Melvina Poti, computer science Students stated that lack of expressiveness sometimes led to misunderstandings. Like Akinbobola, she said people would be better off not thinking in terms of a monolithic black culture.
“Some people have these notions about black people and think that we are all the same type of people, even though we are so diverse in thought, ethnicity and culture,” she said.
Panelists also emphasized positive experiences on campus and made sure to include experiences with faculty. Panelists said the professors tried hard to make time for them when they needed help. This might mean chatting after class or scheduling a dedicated appointment.
Khalid Ayoola mechanical engineering The student said he appreciated the interaction with his professors and recognized their interest in his success not only as a student but as a person.
“When I ask a teacher a question, the teacher treats me as if she wants to help me personally, not just as a student in the class,” he said. “I think every teacher I’ve asked has done that. I think UND has done a good job taking these steps.”
Poti agreed, saying the connections she made with her teachers will last a lifetime. “I can definitely say I’ve had a great experience with the teachers and staff here in general,” she said.
Panelists also wanted to spend their time promoting upcoming events such as: 1954: 347 US 483. The April 11 case will be heard in the Van de Waal courtroom. UND School of Law, And we celebrate the anniversary of the landmark civil rights case of Brown v. Board of Education.
Also coming soon are: “Empowered by our past” An event honoring the first nine students of color to attend UND. The event is scheduled for Friday, March 15th at the Memorial Union Ballroom.
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