By Morgan Haynes
Navigating life as a minority at Penn State, like at many universities in the United States, can be both a rewarding and challenging experience. Penn State is a predominantly white institution, with less than 5% including African Americans such as myself. It is essential to be prepared for the unique aspects of life as a minority on campus. I have found success in navigating this journey with others who can relate to this rather than alone.
Connecting with Others
Connecting with cultural and supportive organizations is key. Penn State has many groups dedicated to providing a sense of community and support to minority students. By joining these organizations, I have established connections with people who share similar backgrounds, experiences, and interests. Among these organizations are Minorities in Sports and Culture Central. Culture Central provides a community that highlights students of color and allows them to express themselves comfortably. Through this organization, I have been presented with many opportunities to grow my network, experience, and social life. I have thrived in accessing spaces with those with similar identities.
Moreover, it is crucial to seek out resources that Penn State offers to help minority students succeed both academically and personally. The Paul Robeson Cultural Center and Multicultural Resource Center are excellent places to start, as they provide resources such as BLUEprint, which is a mentor and mentee program. They also host and offer many student events such as yoga and meditation and educate the student body on health equity. The services they offer have a welcoming environment for minority students and can become a sanctuary on campus and provide guidance when needed.
Getting Involved
Engaging in diversity and inclusion events is another vital aspect of life as a minority at Penn State. For example, the Paul Robeson Cultural Center recently hosted the P.O.C Pep Rally in the HUB. This event is one of the most significant minority student events on campus. There were many performances, such as Dark Storm, Penn State’s first and only step team, the Luxurious Lionesses, Penn State’s first and only Majorette team, and Penn State’s Caribbean dance group, Island Fever. The pep rally did not attract just University Park students. Students and alums from all of Penn State’s campuses were in attendance. This was an excellent opportunity to celebrate each other’s identities and unite as minority students. Events like this, workshops, and discussions can help you learn more about different cultures and perspectives while fostering connections with a broader range of people on campus. Building meaningful relationships with people from diverse backgrounds is equally important. No matter who you are, attending these events is important regardless if you are a minority student or not, as this allows you to engage in open conversations, and learning from each other’s experiences will broaden your horizon.
The Paul Robeson Cultural Center (PRCC) is in the HUB and provides a safe and caring community for students of color. If you are looking to get more involved, visit https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/cultural. This website provides information on the unlimited opportunities, resources, and organizations that the PRCC provides. If you’re not looking to join additional organizations, the PRCC can be a safe space to meet new people and grow your network. The Multicultural Resource Center in the Grange building provides various groups and organization opportunities that can help you get involved. Personally, Gary Abdullah, the assistant dean for diversity and inclusion in the Bellisario College of Communications, has been a significant person in my time here at Penn State. He has been my supporter and voice of reason since I came to Penn State. Before I came to Penn State, the student demographics made me nervous. I was unsure how well I could fit in at this school. As time has progressed, I’ve realized many resources are offered at Penn State. With all of this being said, even though there are unlimited resources provided by these organizations and centers, it’s all dependent on you to use them.
Navigating life as a minority brings the possibility of encountering people who lack an understanding of your culture or background. It also means often being in rooms where you are the only person who looks like yourself. Being patient is essential when educating others of our cultural backgrounds. Prioritizing self-care in all situations is excellent for reassurance. Being able to love yourself and prioritize your needs is crucial to feeling a sense of belonging at Penn State.
My identity as a minority is an important part of who I am. I embrace my cultural background and use it as a source of strength and pride. Sharing my experiences with others can help foster understanding and appreciation for diversity on campus. I am one of many minority students at Penn State, but my experience is still unique to me, and that’s the beauty of it. I’ve found success in seeking the support and resources that best suit my needs and goals and using my time at Penn State as a platform to advocate for diversity and inclusion.
Listed below are resources for all students at Penn State to access. If you are interested in getting involved, looking for networking opportunities, or want to meet new people, these links can help guide you.
https://studentaffairs.psu.edu/cultural
https://www.youtube.com/@cltrcntrlpsu
https://equity.psu.edu/offices/multicultural-resource-center
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