The Minority of the Minority
By Rocio, age 17, California
The trend over the last few years in the United States has been that the minority of the population is no longer formed of the same ethnic groups it was composed of twenty years ago. As a matter of fact, now the culture that is vibrant in this country is largely Hispanic, Asian, and African American as well as Caucasian. Despite constant efforts to break out of stereotypes, the fact is that society has stereotyped these minorities as the minority of the minority at college campuses around the country. This month I concluded my first semester of my senior year. I have realized that my high school is predominantly Latino ... like 99.5% Latino. It was a big shock for me to become aware that next year at college I won't be surrounded by the same predominantly Hispanic population.
Although I know that it is hard to break out of ethnic stereotypes, I have become sick and tired of people underestimating the capabilities of minorities. A perfect example is the stereotype that women who are of a minority are less likely to finish college within four years. In my opinion, this is the most ridiculous stereotype I have heard. Some of the most notable figures in history have been women who belong to minorities.
And so I encourage all girls out there to pursue the career they are passionate about regardless of the stereotypes. Don't let anyone tell you that you don't have what it takes to build a career. In my case, my family has told me that pursuing fashion or magazine journalism as a career is nonsense. But this opposition has served as the fuel for me to work that much harder in order to accomplish my goals. Statistics might show that it is not in my best interest to pursue this career, but I won't let any of these numbers get in my way. Next summer, I intend to search all over my hometown, and the country for that matter, for an internship with either Teen Vogue or CosmoGirl. I know it will be hard, but with perseverance I will obtain that internship.
Anybody can tell you that you don't have what it takes to be something in life, but it is up to you to decide whether or not this is true. That being said, all the seniors in high school who are looking into pursuing a "not-so-popular" major in college should do it anyway. Forget what others want for you. What you want and are passionate about that will make you happy in the end. We might be minorities in colleges around the country, but that will all change, as more and more women are determined to thrive in life.
I wish all of you the best of luck with your endeavors, and that you will be empowered to follow your hearts and pursue the careers you want to pursue. If anyone needs any help with college related info, please don't hesitate to get in contact with me via Sweet Designs Magazine. Contact Steph, and I will be more than happy to assist you with your questions.
