I was a white minority at a University in the 90's

I moved to a small town 30 minutes south of VCU where I was attending school in Richmond, Va. My boyfriends grandparents had passed away and rent was still due on the lease for another 6 months. We wanted to help the family and move into the property for that time frame. I decided driving to VCU daily would be too costly and a waste of time. I needed to work and go to school. So, I went to VSU, 2 minutes away and enrolled. At the time VSU was a violent and dangerous university. It has since changed in so many positive ways.

The experience was life changing. I had come from a life of privilege.

The first meeting I had with the admissions office was book worthy. I walked into the small office and was the only white person there. In fact, I believe I was one of only 10 white people who attended or were on campus at that time.

I was first asked if I was at the right school when I said I had a meeting. When I sat down with the admissions officer he looked...stunned. I only had a couple classes to take for that semester. We talked through the classes I was planning to take and all while he looked at me with a bit of shock. Before I left that day he said, "Miss. Andrea, come here and look at this map. Here, where I have circled, this is where you should park for these classes. Do not park anywhere else. Do not come on campus at night. And, do not walk alone."

I couldn't believe what I heard. And- it scared me. But it didn't scare me enough.

My first day- I parked where I wanted to park. I walked to my class. I made amazing friends who watched out for me and walked me to my car in the evenings.

I felt safe. I felt protected.

Being a minority at VSU in the 90's changed me for the better.

I stepped out of my comfort zone and I grew because of it. I still decided not to finish college but this one experience forever shifted my life. Also working at the local daycare as a teacher of 21 toddlers during my non-school hours taught me- 2 kids would be enough.

Doing things that make us uncomfortable are the only genuine ways to grow.