Jessie on trans students and the University: “In terms of the administration and the general structure of the resources on campus, there are not a lot. The resources that we do have aren’t publicized. There are some quiet changes being made that aren’t publicized. It doesn’t feel great that [the administration is] not acknowledging these [changes], because I feel like it implies we don’t want to talk about it because it is a bad or weird thing. It is not really affirming …”
On day-to-day life: “There are a lot of stresses specific to trans people. You are always worrying about how you are being perceived. It affects a lot of life experiences. I feel like most non-trans people don’t have to worry, ‘If I walk into this room will I be viewed as a male or female?’ and ‘Will I be dehumanized because of that?’ Obviously, [Alabama] is not an optimal environment for queer or trans students but there are more opportunities to fight. But not everyone wants to fight. It can be exhausting to try and enact change and also be a student and work and have fun. It is hard to juggle all of these things.”
Justin on student athletes: “In athletics, most of the issues I’ve seen are with student athletes who live very far away and therefore struggle buying plane tickets home or who are out-of-state students and on small percentage scholarships, so they run into many of the same debt issues as regular students. Because of their sports, they don’t have time to get jobs to supplement their scholarships and that combination can result in serious financial strain.”
On if students can be financially helped: “No. That would be how national championships get vacated. The NCAA pretty much exists to keep athletes from getting ‘extra benefits.’ I guess this info could just serve to educate people that the glamorous athlete image is not really accurate for many athletes.”
Rose Fan on her experience as a foreign exchange student: “I came from China, a country with a large population. In China, I had a lot of friends and life was always lively. But when I came here, I found Americans always have independent living. I know I need to enjoy being alone. I think I am already used to staying alone. It can make me think deeply. I think alone is also a good lifestyle, but I am not overall lonely.”
On creating community: “I think [students] can hold some parties and invite exchange students, or hold some culture exchange activities. [Foreign exchange students] really need something like that.”
I urge you, readers, to continue to explore with me underrepresented areas of campus and create opportunities to share the platform.
Camille Driver is a senior majoring in human development and public relations. She is the outgoing president of XXXI, a female honors society at the University.
