Being the “mixed” girl is always an awkward situation. You are never really sure of which side to identify with, and you do not understand why you cannot simply be both. I grew up with a Puerto Rican father and a white mother. My features sway more towards the white side, so I always felt that’s where I was supposed to be. I grew up not knowing if I was supposed to hang out with the preppy white girls or the minimal amount of Hispanic and/or Latino people that traveled the halls. I could barely understand Spanish, my dad says he would try to teach me when I was younger, but I just laughed in his face because I thought he was making up his own language. Every time I encounter a Spanish person, they assume I am white and treat me as such. Being the mixed kid is not easy. You constantly have this internal struggle of trying to figure out what you are while simultaneously trying to figure out who you are. I am Puerto Rican, Irish and German and from now on, I will identify as such. I am tired of only being half of myself to fit in with people who never really accepted me in the first place. I am tired of constantly being asked “So what are you?” and “Wait you don’t look *insert race here*.”. I am me. For the longest time I denied the fact of who I am. I know the negative connotations that come with being a person of color in this society. I was afraid of what people might think of me. I will no longer stop being who I am to save myself from the judgement of those around me too ignorant to understand. I challenge all my mixed girl to love themselves. Do not feel like you have to choose a side. Race and ethnicity are not games of tug-of-war, please do not feel as such. You can identify as more than one race without feeling the need to sway more towards one side when it comes to fashion and culture and everything in between. You can dance around to Miley Cyrus while eating your tostones. I am tired of mixed girls being too afraid to be themselves because of what others might think. So all my mixed girls say it with me, I AM BOTH.
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Luckily, many colleges offer a number of ways to take part in campus and community life, without forcing you to dedicate all of your time to these organizations. Here are a few ideas!
1. Look into Housing and Dining.
Many first-year students start off college life in residence halls, and the Housing & Dining network throughout campus often provides multiple opportunities for students throughout the year. Many buildings have student community councils that work to create policies and events that make the dorms a more welcoming home for residents. Becoming a community assistant (or the students who work the desks at the front of many halls) is another easy way to have a consistent, well-paying job only minutes away from your room.
If you really enjoyed your housing experience, consider applying to be an RLA, or, if the school offers it, help to teach the first-year community. You'll get the chance to help support new and returning students over the year, and many of these positions also cover major costs like board and meal plans.
2. Pay attention to campus postings.
This advice is more obvious, but it still gets overlooked a fair amount. Even on a busy day, taking the time to stop around campus and look at the flyers advertising clubs and events can draw your attention to something that you never would've noticed otherwise. Students on many campuses also chalk the sidewalk to catch students' attention while they walk to class. Just make sure that the event you're interested in hasn't taken place already!
3. Find common interest groups.
One way to find friends and get involved is to focus on what you're passionate about. Have you always loved to sing? Do you enjoy playing video games? Is photography your favorite past-time? Have you always wanted to join Greek life? Whatever you love devoting your time to, chances are there are organizations around school who are focused on the same thing. Check the student life section of your university's website, or stop by a student organization fair at the beginning of the semester.
4. Join an intramural sports team.
If you're the athletic type, you've probably heard of intramural sports. Often offered through the Rec Center or the residence halls, most colleges often offer various indoor and outdoor sports to take part in throughout the year. Personal favorite? Mini golf.
5. Work on a cause that you care about.
Whether you're passionate about a political group, a social cause, or a religion, working with people who value beliefs similar to yours can be an easy way to meet people, get a better sense of your own identity, and promote causes that are important to you. Look into getting involved with College Democrats, Republicans, or whatever party that you belong to. Find a club that supports social issues, from women's rights to protecting the environment. If you're religious, look into student organizations based on your faith.
6. Join a club related to your major.
Even if you're not entirely sure what you want to do after school, finding a club or organization related to your field of studies can benefit you long after you leave the classroom. From career-related workshops to conferences to professional connections, these groups have a lot to boast.
7. Get an on-campus job.
If you have the time, need to work, or want to save a few extra dollars, finding a job on or near campus is a time-effective way to build up your bank account and gain work experience. Check in your residence hall (see #1), at local businesses and offices, or make an appointment with your school's career center.
8. Volunteer.
When you're caught up in school life, it can be hard to think about the bigger picture. Volunteering your time to people (or animals/an environment) in need puts things in perspective and allows you to feel good while making a positive difference. Check if your college town has a volunteer page, or look up local organizations requesting help.
Best of luck this year! Get out, and get busy.
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