My Amazing Reality Learning Experiences

By Dirk Whatley, Jr.
 

The amazing opportunities provided to me through the out of classroom learning at the University of Cincinnati have equipped me with essential tools needed to succeed in life.  This academic year, I had the unique pleasure of having two “reality learning experiences,  studying abroad in Paris and obtaining an internship with The United States Department of Treasury in Washington, DC. As I look back and reflect on these experiences, I realize several very important realities of the world. One reality was that no one in my travels to Paris and the nation’s capitol looked like me, nor came from a background like mine, in the student groups that I was in. This made me understand that as an African American male, I would have to take risks and be determined to go places that my peers have not been interested in or able to go.  Another reality was that I need to take control of my own destiny. Being a first generation college student is far from easy.  Neither my mother nor father had any prior collegiate experience. My family served as my motivation to experience life beyond generations of poverty and struggle. I was also motivated by past African American leaders who strived to experience life beyond the walls of their communities seeking to take advantage of the education given to them at that time.

It is hard for me to imagine that anything could compare to my Paris and DC experiences and how they have changed my entire thinking process. I never would have imagined in a million years that I would be studying at one of the most prestigious universities in Europe, and networking with some of our nations’ leaders. I believe there is a misperception that one has to be the smartest student or at the top of his/her class to even be considered for opportunities such as these. I believe that grades are only one of the factors to achieving your goals.  Initially, I was limiting myself by my own misperceptions too.  But then I started to go to learn about these things on my own. I wish I would have known more about how to obtain scholarship funds, as well as, how to identify programs which best suited me. I learned to search beyond the internet. I asked questions. I wasn’t afraid of being told NO. I positioned myself for opportunities.  I learned that some programs lack diversity in their applicants and offer scholarships for African Americans, but few take advantage of them.  I did.

I think determination and motivation are two key components of achieving success and finding opportunities. I truly believe that many of our students’ possess determination and motivation, but lack the resources to achieve their goals. Knowing where to look for information on internships and study abroad programs and where one can obtain the financial and mentor support is key.  Every college student should look into these opportunities by visiting their career center, by being inquisitive enough to go to informational meetings on campus and by researching these experiences on the web and through publications targeted to our interests like The Black Collegian.   

In the end I believe that we, as African American students, must realize the world is changing. We as a culture must step up to the plate and change with it. This change starts within the minds of our youth, especially those of us in college today. We must take advantage of all opportunities presented. In return this will strengthen us individually and our communities as a whole, for generations to come

Dirk Whatley Jr. is a fourth year student at the University of Cincinnati, Executive Vice President of the ADVANCE student organization,  majoring in - International Affairs/French  with a Certificate in Homeland Security and International Security Studies