Finding My Niche

Name: Morgan 

Major: Urban Studies

Being a girl from West Philadelphia and moving to a college in the middle of New York City was a huge challenge in and of itself. College is an overwhelming amalgamation of new experiences that can be difficult and take a toll on your mental health, confidence, security, and identity. I went from doing the same thing everyday in high school surrounded by friends I’d known for years, to a school with thousands of people I didn’t know and the responsibility of figuring everything out. This transition was even harder because as I looked around campus, I didn’t see many women that looked like me. I didn’t feel a sense of belonging— which made me further isolate myself. My first year of college was heavy. The year dragged on and it felt like I had an anchor on me. In the social interactions and classes that I had, I was often the only black women. Anytime racism or misogynoir came up, all eyes were on me. I suddenly felt  responsible for representing all black women. I did not ask for that weight to be put on me, but there it was. I had to learn how to navigate the world of predominately white academia without the imposed chip on my shoulder. I had to learn how to express my opinions and communicate that I was autonomous.

My first year of college made me feel like a fish out of water. There were times where I felt like I should transfer to an HBCU, or to a school where I knew more people so I could belong. But the opportunities that New York provided were immeasurable to me. I knew that for my major, I needed to stay in the city. So my next task was to figure out how to make New York City my own. As soon as I realized this, I began to feel the weight I was carrying lighten. I stopped isolating myself, I tried to find my niche. I took ownership of my ideas and proudly expressed them without fear. I reconnected with an old friend who had recently transferred to my school. I reached out to professors who were specialists in my major, and bonded with them over our studied materials. I focused on myself and tried to find things that made me happy so that it made my college experience worthwhile. I made connections with people who understood my goals and ideas. I befriended amazing women of color and owned who I was. I no longer felt the pressure of being the only black woman in settings because I learned that I am me and that is all I need to be. 

To every girl of color with the brains and the guts to go to college— it’s worth it. You have the ability to make your school your own. You have the power to flourish and graduate a better and stronger person. I’m still learning, but it is possible.