College is a time to push ourselves outside of our comfort zones and meet those who are “different.” It is a time to engage new people who will expose us to thoughts and ideas we have never encountered rather than segregating ourselves with only like-minded friends. We should not only socialize with those who reinforce the beliefs of our parents. We should discover our own beliefs and grow and develop with each other. We should integrate our tailgates, study sessions and late-night Quick Grill trips with those different from us.
Over a year after sorority integration, I look around campus and see there is still work to do. When it comes to integration, we tend to focus on race and the Greek system. But segregation on campus extends beyond race and beyond the walls of Greek houses. Though we certainly have more room for progress in regard to racial integration, I am just as bothered by the fact that international students remain at B.B. Comer, Honors College kids only post up in Nott and Greeks only frequent their private dining halls. The University of Alabama has blessed its students with countless organizations. It is a shame that these groups rarely interact.
During my freshman year, I was a full-fledged GDI and Honors College Assembly groupie who believed the Greek system was the root of all discord on campus. I have learned this is false and the Honors College has problems of its own. However, I am sad to say I did not discover this until I branched out of my bubble and joined a sorority. One of my most valuable college experiences was learning from my co-director in an organization designed to address illiteracy in Alabama. We were on opposite sides of the political spectrum and always addressed everything from different angles. This diversity of thought made us really think, and I believe it allowed us both to have a greater understanding of educational problems in the state. This experience and the friendship we developed taught me that one can share a common goal with those who think differently.
I find this kind of interaction rarely happens on campus, and I certainly regret not seeking out more relationships with those who are different from me. Many of us join groups and thereby create friend circles (Honors College, Million Dollar Band, Greek organizations, Mallet Assembly, etc.) before we even start classes. We rarely venture outside of these circles, and those who never join such organizations get lost in the crowd. Ask yourself: How many of my friends are affiliated with groups on campus of which I am not a part? I, for one, am ashamed of my answer. I am also ashamed that I viewed other organizations on campus so negatively before ever interacting with them. Segregating myself from other friend groups only hurt my growth as a person and inhibited my ability as a student to help improve campus.
The University of Alabama has done a good job of recruiting a student body with different backgrounds, geographic diversity and various mindsets. If we choose not to take advantage of this diversity, then we as students are the ones missing out. We should “reach across the aisle,” collaborate with others and discover as many new ideas as possible. We should value a diverse set of ideas and befriend the “other.” I encourage students to not make the mistakes I did; instead actively seek out relationships with people who are different than you. Integrate your Waffle House brunches, dinner dates and Frisbee games on the Quad.
Kevyn Armstrong-Wright is a senior majoring in English. She was a member of the University Fellows Experience and the Blackburn Institute.
