Good Girls Graduate!
FYI: Good Girl Season is a rebirth of my blog Good Girls Finish First. (The following blog post was transferred from there, originally posted on April 19, 2019.) Enjoy!
It's no secret Black Women have been busy sprinkling their magic over everything. According to the National Center for Education Statistics. By both race and gender, a higher percentage of Black Women (9.7%) are enrolled in college today than any other group, topping Asian women (8.7%), white women (7.1%) and white men (6.1%). While it's clear that Black Women are making more strides in education today than ever before, we have to remember that obtaining a college degree isn't easy. It is a draining and stressful process that many make look effortless! So it's time to pay homage to the college grads and those who are currently pursuing a degree, whether it's your Bachelors, Masters, or Doctorate. We see you. We're rooting for you. We understand those moments when you feel like giving up but....Nah, keep going!
This week's Good Girl is Aisha Kassim, a 20 yr. old sophomore, at Binghamton University in New York. Check out a glimpse of Aisha's journey.
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Why did you choose to go to college after high school?
I chose to go to college after high school, because it was instilled in me from a young age that education was key. I viewed college as the next step in my life that would push me towards being an active and open-minded individual. I also love to learn...I'm such a nerd! I am constantly craving to know more about the world, so going to college gave me the opportunity to pursue higher learning.
______________________________________ What is your major, and why did you choose it?
I double major in political science and Africana studies. I chose political science, because I love traveling and studying how law shapes our societies. I chose Africana studies, because I am Ghanaian and Nigerian, and wanted to learn more about my roots and history. Also, since Binghamton is a predominantly white institution, I knew I needed the opportunity to study influential and powerful individuals who look like me. ______________________________________ What advice would you give other first-generation college students?
I would tell these students to find educational resources on campus, and to take care of their mental health. First-generation students have so much pressure on them to succeed, because they are the first of their families to attend college. They sometimes feel as if they need to have it altogether so they don't disappoint their families. They also suppress their emotions because their families often do not understand the burdens that they face in college. I would urge them to acknowledge that it's okay to not be okay. It is perfectly fine to struggle through such a tough time, but they shouldn't bury these feelings. Finding and using their resources will be crucial for receiving the necessary support to succeed. ______________________________________ In a culture where social media and music seems to glorify a fast money/gold digger lifestyle, what has kept you from that path? For lack of better terms...what kept you off the pole? LOL
For one, I can't dance! Although social media glorifies this lifestyle, I have always imagined a different lifestyle for myself. I imagine myself being an active individual in the world who makes an impact on people's lives. I imagine myself as someone who will spread knowledge and wisdom to the world. Having this mindset from a young age has kept me grounded and focused on a certain path. It may be difficult at times because of what we constantly see on social media, but having this mindset helps me stay motivated to achieve my goals. ______________________________________ We all know how the journey to achieving success can get rough. When you're frustrated and just over it....how do you keep going?
There are some days when I feel unmotivated about school. I find myself questioning whether I am capable of doing well or finishing strong. In these times, I remind myself of all that I want to do and change in the world. I remember that college is my path to the opportunities that will enable me to accomplish my goals. In these times of laziness and doubt, I think of the beautiful future that I will build for myself, and how proud I will feel in the end.