http://www.berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/2004/04/20_admits_table.shtml

Enough to make you cry...

I was looking at the numbers of the perspective-incoming freshman at UCB. Mannn, how sad. Only 211 African-American admits, a major drop from the 562 in 1997 (i.e. post the downfall of the handout...err, I mean Affirmative Action). When I look back, I guess I was fortunate to apply at that time I did. At least there was a system in place that was able to help folks that were in situations in which they were at a disadvantage at least have a glimmer of hope in achieving academically. When I look back at where and who I came from, it blows my mind. Three generations of single parents. A progression in the academic backgrounds along the roots of my family tree (no formal education for my great-grandfather because teaching Black folks back then was illegal -- sad how I'm not too far removed from those times, eh?; my grandmother was only able to receive up to a sixth grade education -- her father could only afford to send more than one person off to school, so the older sister was chosen, therefore my grandma had to stay behind and help out the family -- again, during a time in which teaching Black folks was not the norm; and my mom only completed some college -- raising kids on your own, caring for your mom, and trying to make ends meet is not any easier when you have a healthy dose of academia on your plate). I say all that to say this, I feel like I am progressing in a great direction (succeeded at Berkel, Berkel, and now in grad school, and who knows after that), but I wouldn't have gotten there without a little help. I couldn't call on anyone in my family to gear me in the right direction on the college path. Who was I gonna ask about college life? About what major to choose? And the kicker -- how am I gonna pay for this shit? It was and continues to be a struggle. But thankfully I had some support in other arenas. For instance, BSP was a Godsend. I was soooo on the verge of leaving Berkeley because I just couldn't deal. When you are different on so many levels, it's hard to find a niche. Thankfully, my "Cal parents" John and Caroline were there for me, as well as my "Cal siblings." They cared and they reminded me that I was there for a purpose and it was imperative that I continue. I am also very thankful for the SLC. They were and are one of the greatest sources of support. They help reinforce confidence in myself. That I was smart and that I had the ability to succeed. And that it was ok to get a tutor, and it was ok to have your own voice, and that you are unique and you are here for a reason. I really miss teaching, as I was able to help out folks that were in similar situations that I was in. It was amazing! But that's just it, there are so many folks that come from similar backgrounds, if not more difficult. But because of these stupid reductions in enrollment, they don't get a break. Bullshit! Bullshit! Bullshit! Cal has a rep for being diverse, and tolerant, but looking at the climate and environment now, that rep is just as tarnished as Sather Gate.