As a Puerto Rican and Black woman with a Hispanic mom and Black dad, feeling included within my race has felt like a struggle at times. Since my mother was in the military my whole life, my family and I moved to a new state and new school every two years starting at the age of four, and that didn’t help either.

With Clemson being the ninth school I have attended in my life, I can say with great confidence that this school has provided me with an experience of inclusivity. Coming to Clemson, staff like Corrine Grant with the Gantt Multicultural Center have made my Clemson experience great, making me aware of all of the opportunities that Clemson has to offer, not only as a woman of color but as a student looking to better her education.

Everyone at this school comes from different backgrounds and experiences, and many different organizations at the University have room for improvement when it comes to inclusivity. However, it is our job as students to use Clemson’s resources to make this campus even more inclusive. 

As young adults, it is our job to advocate for ourselves, whether that is by starting an organization for a cause that is important or running for leadership positions at the University to make a difference. 

Being at this school, I have felt more included than I could have ever imagined, and I have found that this school is like a second home to me.

Mariah Jordon is a sophomore English major from Dallas, Texas. You can reach her at [email protected].