College is all about preparing you for the real world. It's a time where you can explore who you are and what you believe; a place where you learn about the world and those around you without the intense responsibility of being an adult. What better way to discuss real world issues, analyze them in the context of our campus and even simulate solutions.
Recently, there has been a nationwide discussion of race in the United States and how we are treating each other in a racial context. With people comparing our modern day society to segregated societies 40 years ago, discussions on campus about segregation and racial equality have emerged. Along with many of my friends, I took part in a discussion about the dining halls. With excerpts from the book "Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria: And Other Conversations About Race," we dove into an intimate discussion about race. We analyzed where we sit and why.
Where do we sit in Harris and why do we sit there? If you sit with your friends, who are your friends and is there any reason that students consistently sit in the same area? How much of your decision is based on race or a presumed racial boundary? Is there a racial boundary?
After a long evening discussion, we made a plan to mix things up on our own campus. Later in the semester, students interested in the initiative will lead discussions throughout the dining halls, encourage their friends to sit somewhere different and meet new people, and help raise awareness on current national racial issues. It was empowering to be able to participate in the planning of such an event and I can't wait to see how everything turns out.