Opinion | Sometimes it’s hard to look like me at Chapman

Olivia Harden
Sophomore English major

Don’t get me wrong — I love Chapman. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be here. Sure the frigid classrooms aggravate my anemia and I’m not a fan of the food, but there is nothing better than learning about what you love in a place that is beautiful.

That being said, it can be kind of a roller coaster to be a student of color at Chapman. Some days are easier than others depending on the news, pop culture and personal experiences. 

Often times, I find myself feeling overburdened by what’s happening around me. It’s not necessarily feeling like the problem can be solved, but finding people I can share solidarity with people around me. It can be helpful to have like-minded and empathetic people around you. I had a pretty interesting first week, but through the good and the bad, I found myself looking for a sense of community — that community Chapman promises. One of the easiest ways to find your own community is to join a club, one that has your best interests at heart. 

The first day is always hectic, but my morning involved reading an article from the Huffington post titled “What I Told My White Friend When He Asked For My Black Opinion On White Privilege…” and my Nicki Minaj playlist. I stepped on campus, and I was immediately reminded why I love Chapman. The environment itself on the first day of classes is chaotic, but I felt relaxed and welcomed by old and meeting new faces. It’s nice to report it was a diverse mix. Leti Romo, assistant director of cross cultural engagement, is optimistic about the changes the organization has planned for the school year.  

“It’s a good time right now because I think there’s a lot of progress and a lot of momentum going into the school year and making changes that students are really going to start seeing,” Romo said. 

Cross-Cultural Engagement plans to be more focused in its plan. 

“We are trying to bring in speakers and programs that highlight that people are so much more than just one identity,” Romo said.

The first month of the week back seems to be the best time to make connections, whether it’s in class, joining a club or just getting involved in some student programs. It’s something that often happens without us even recognizing it, including my relatively small sociology class of 30 students. The building and classroom number changed (classic Chapman) and I rolled in about three minutes late, taking the first seat I saw in the second row. 

I took a minute to catch my breath after the “lengthy” trek from Argyros Forum, and immediately noticed I was in a class with other black students, five to be exact. I took the time after class to joke with them about the coincidence and introduce myself (which I think is important). It can be isolating to be a person of color at a predominantly white institution. Even just a simple act of acknowledgement can be helpful when trying to connect with people, which is what it gets down to when you’re a person of color on a college campus.

Kyler Asato, a sophomore sociology major, can relate to trying to find and create places of inclusion, including involvement as events coordinator for the Asian Pacific Student Association (APSA) and Asato’s seat on the curriculum task force for the diversity project here at Chapman.

“When I see someone that’s Asian, I get a little excited … I try to get people to join clubs like APSA or other diversity clubs if they’re interested because I find so much peace and solidarity and happiness in that,” Asato said.

Asato who goes by the pronouns they/them, is a Japanese and Okinawan student from Hawaii. Asato said that although Asato comes from a place that is very diverse and rich in culture, Asato never noticed what a role race does play until arriving at Chapman.

“Back in Hawaii, I never really paid attention to race because despite Asians being a minority, they still made up a huge percent of the population,” Asato said. “Here it’s become much more conscious and much more tangible.”

The connection Asato found with APSA is similar to the one I found at Black Student Union last year. On the first day of classes, I found myself so excited to be back in Argyros Forum 206C at 10 p.m. seeing friends from all backgrounds willing to celebrate Black people, culture and ultimately the Black experience is what Chapman is all about, creating community. Remember to be kind and loving. Use your resources and take care of yourselves.

This column was updated Sept. 22 to fix the pronouns used for Kyler Asato