COLUMN: My experiences at CMU, being a diversity and inclusion reporter
Before becoming one of Central Michigan Life's two diversity and inclusion reporters, I was a "floater." I somewhat floated through the semester writing a brief here and there and maybe a full-length article when I had the time to.
With this new reporting position comes new responsibilities.
During my two years here at Central Michigan University, I have witnessed and experienced a great deal.
When I transferred in Fall 2018, I was not sure how to really get my footing or even muster the courage to leave my dorm. Being on the fourth floor of Moore Hall practically everyday, I was trying my hardest to find someone – anyone – who looked like me. In most of my classes, organizations and extracurricular activities, I was either the only Black woman in the room or the only Black person.
I struggled a bit with this reality for a while, as anyone would trying to find someone to connect and empathize with.
Becoming a part of the CM Life family was a bit of rocky start for me. As I mentioned, I was a bit of a background character -- watching others investigate and write the front page stories while catching a brief to write on a good day.
I can honestly say that I felt so small in that big newsroom. I was one of the few reporters of color on staff, and an even smaller number of women of color. It was hard for me to really find my stride in the so-called rat race.
Soon, I realized that none of this was a race to begin with. It is truly a marathon.
It did not matter whether I was in dead last or the front runner. The most important thing was to just start. Once I started, I found my place at CM Life and on campus.
I want to create dialogue that matters, whether I am attending classes here at CMU or back home in my basement.
Ever since I decided I wanted to become a writer back in high school, my main priority was to tell the truth. I hold that principle near and dear. I also want to find a way to tell my truth within other people's words as well.
By being a diversity and inclusion reporter, I am not just talking about diversifying the study body and administrative positions. I am connecting directly with students who want to share their stories.
By sharing their experiences whether good or bad, students open up to the chance for others to feel encouraged.
Being able to not only share my own story but someone else's story is what I look forward to the most about being a diversity and inclusion reporter.
Just from this little column, I want to be able to influence other people to share their experiences with CM Life and the world. So, if there is another lonely face in the crowd, here is your little push and an extra nudge to stand out, be loud and proud just like I did.
