The Life of a Black Woman in STEM | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

The Life of a Black Woman in STEM

I'm tired of explaining why I'm tired.

63
The Life of a Black Woman in STEM
https://az616578.vo.msecnd.net/files/2017/11/21/636468477191235679-1460010138_o-WOMEN-MORE-TIRED-THAN-MAN-facebook.jpg

I had an excruciatingly hard day and my white male classmate, while he meant well, kept asking me if anything was wrong. "Why do you seem so sad today?" he asked repeatedly. That is when I started to relay to him the struggles of being a black woman studying science on the medical track in college.

I explained that there is a lack of representation within my faculty. I explained that there is this underlying racist culture within our school. I explained the lack of support I feel. I did all this explaining, just for him to make one comment on how he feels bad and then turn the conversation to him.

I've never felt so stupid. I wasted my time and my limited energy explaining myself as if I had to justify my not being all smiles one day, to someone who would never understand and barely even tried to.

He gave a sympathetic statement and moved on because his privilege allowed him to overlook the struggles of others.

And THAT is what every day is when you are a black woman in academia, especially in the STEM fields.

Every single day you sit in a room where most of the students don't look like you and even look down on you. The lecturers that stand before you also look nothing like you and don't seem to be allies who advocate for your success.

Imagine something happens. An attack has occurred. You feel more like the minority more than ever. You've also been attacked solely for being black and for doing the EXACT SAME THING as your classmates: getting an education.

When you speak up about these attacks, you are silenced. When you continue to speak up, you become "the angry black woman." When you continue to speak up, you are told to just keep your head down and focus on your studies.

But focusing on your studies is so hard because you have so much pent up anger about your excruciatingly long day. When you don't understand something, you feel like there is no faculty support. You can't ask your classmates for help because you already know that most of them don't think of you as equal so you don't want to give them that satisfaction.

I am not writing this to complain.

I am writing this because:

1. I am going through a lot of emotional/mental warfare just to get my education, so if I am a little tired, sad, or "not smiling," leave me alone. Seriously, LEAVE ME ALONE. Let me turn off for a day.

2. If you are in a position of privilege from which you cannot relate to anything I've said, recognize your privilege. If you genuinely want to show solidarity or be down for the cause, that's great. College is a place for all of us and I worked just as hard to get here as you did, so your support is greatly appreciated. If not, take several seats far away from me.

My feelings on being a black woman majoring in STEM dig deeper than this. I have yet to touch upon the physical, mental, emotional, and academic toll of it all and at the fact that as a black woman, I'm fighting just as hard against structural racism as I am against the patriarch (sometimes harder).

This barely scrapes the surface, but to be honest, this piece is more of a catharsis for me than an explanation for you.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

189736
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14610
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457607
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26496
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments