I went to a predominantly white school throughout elementary school, middle school, and high school, and I could add Oregon State into that as well. Before I got to college and during my educational experiences I had three teachers that are a person of color. Three, out of 12 years and many classes with different teachers. Growing up in Oregon, which is a predominantly white state throughout the staff, faculty and students in the schools I grew up in very much lacked in diversity. There were very few students of color that I went to school with growing up and even fewer in the staff and faculty. Oregon State definitely has a more diverse community throughout students, staff and faculty, which is extremely important especially at a university. Being an athlete, traveling for sports and having teammates from all different communities is where I learned the most about race.  Sharing stories and talking about differences as well as experiences, is what has taught me the most and has allowed me to build relationships with people who grew up in a different community than I did as well as who have very different experiences and viewpoints than I do. I learned that race plays a much bigger role in many people’s lives than I even realized. Being white but having some of my best friends and people I consider family being people of color, I have always seen color but not in a way of thinking we are different or that someone is superior than the other, but seeing the history and who they are. I have learned the importance of communication and conversations.

The girls in this picture were apart of one of my basketball teams and played a very big part in my learning about race. Growing up in a primarily white state and area there was not a lot of diversity in my schools. These girls were a part of the first team that I played on that was very diverse. This picture was taken four years ago and I still talk to them daily and they have all became family to me.

These three are my best friends. I met them all when I got to Oregon State and they have also been a huge part of my life and have helped me become more educated as well as pushing me to educate myself more and others about race. They make me want to be so much better. 

The value that comes from having hard and real conversations with people you love and trust is so valuable and can teach you so much, especially if you go into the conversation wanting to learn and become more educated. Basketball has provided me with experiences I would have never had if I did not play it, I created and made friendships that have lasted a life time because of the sport. Being an athlete in college has also provided me with a much more diverse community in the athletic community.