May 03, 2024
My Name is Nylah Whittler, and I am a second-year student at Michigan State University (MSU). I’m studying Human Development and Family Studies with a recently declared minor in Human Behavior and Social Services. Growing up in the city of Detroit has allowed me to experience many cultures and encounters with other ways of life. Attending predominantly black schools throughout my twelve years of schooling allowed me to gain comfort and aided with my sense of self up until my senior year.
With the college decisions process, I was given many opportunities to attend schools all throughout Michigan as well as out of state. Through that process, I did my research of the differences between some of my top choices, many being historically Black colleges and universities, and attending tours. With each new visit, I asked myself if I could see myself fitting in to the student body due to the statistics. With asking those questions and conducting research on the opportunities given to minority students at these different institutions, I soon found Michigan State to be my home for the ongoing 4 years of undergrad.
Leading into the summer before my first year up until my first semester on campus, I was having a hard time adjusting to the differences in culture, also known by many as “culture shock.” In my courses, there was not as much diversity at first, which concerned me since the only time I would see other students of the same ethnicity was in the dormitory halls or friends I’ve already had coming into the university or connected with via social networking. After attending events provided by the diversity and inclusion offices and learning about registered student organizations, I was able to join a few my spring semester, such as our Black Student Alliance and the Detroit Made Scholars program. Both organizations allowed me to gain new relationships and networking opportunities, as well as assisted with my engagement with the Black community at MSU.
Learning about ways to get involved as a minority student has been very beneficial to my success at MSU and has also allowed me to see the importance of having a community and safe spaces for like-minded individuals.
Thus far in my second year of college, I have had the pleasure of being on the executive board of four new student organizations directed towards advocacy, networking, and community for women of color at Michigan State University. I do my best to share the information I’ve been able to obtain from my experiences with the incoming students and through my social platforms since I know what it may feel like to feel excluded.
For all college students or students in general, remember that you matter! There are others out there that may be going through the same struggles as you with feeling disconnected to others, etc. Take advantage. Attend those festivals and student organization meetings. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help or networking purposes. You never know the opportunities and connections that could be made.
