By Hannah Meibers, The Miami Student
One of the best parts of becoming a Redhawk is all the advertising you receive in the mail. From brochures to car stickers, it's hard not to love Miami from the beginning. As seniors in high school transition into freshmen in college, they're enveloped with the excitement of freedom. They hear of all the diversity and fun experiences that college has to offer. However, Redhawks are in for a surprise, for Miami University is an incredibly unique campus.
Little-almost-freshman-Hannah was so eager. Not only did the fact that her older sister and boyfriend were already attending Miami excite her, she couldn't wait to experience independence and everything college was all about. With freedom on her brain, Hannah dialed the HOME Office phone number, wondering when she'd be getting assigned her dorm room. The woman answered the phone with a chipper tune to her voice. However, that voice quickly became out of tune when she became annoyed with Hannah's eager questions. Little-almost-freshman-Hannah was not expecting such ambivalence. Why wasn't everything rainbows and butterflies? Although this negative experience occurred before Hannah had even set foot on the campus, she still had hope for her future home.
Little-now-a-freshman-Hannah wandered through her residence hall, excited to meet kids from all different backgrounds and cultures. Unfortunately, Hannah found herself seeing the same faces. The girls' pockets were longer than the actual shorts they were wearing. The boys' outfits were all the same: Patagonia, Simply Southern, Vineyard Vines. The Caucasian skin that decorated the majority of the campus was oh-too-familiar for Hannah, someone who attended a predominately white elementary and high school. Hannah was now confused as to what "diversity" meant.
With her boyfriend by her side, Hannah felt extra comfortable on campus. Hand-in-hand, they headed Uptown for Hannah's first weekend on Miami University's campus. Uptown was so lively, just like Hannah. However, the aspects that came with the weekend were not what Hannah expected.
The police sirens.
The filings of sexual assault.
The drunk, wandering hands in the bars.
The stench of alcohol on everyone's breath.
The aggressive words and actions toward strangers.
Since when was this fun?
Of course this wasn't fun. However, Miami University can't control what occurs off campus.
Hannah had no idea that Miami University was a different kind of diverse and a different kind of fun.
Miami University defies the world's view of college. From all corners of Miami's campus, Miami bleeds international students. They bring such a unique and strong character to the campus.
Inside and outside the classroom, they play an important role in discussing different cultures and backgrounds. Miami also boils over with diverse personalities.
Hannah has yet to meet someone whose characteristics match another's. It's exciting to see so many different kinds of people blend in one place: Miami.
Hannah and her boyfriend are an interracial couple, her skin pastel cream and his dark chocolate. She never thought she would fear holding her boyfriend's hand in public, but sometimes the world can be cruel.
However, the stares and grimaces vanished once the couple walked across Miami's campus.
No one seemed to notice the difference between their skin, and if they did, they actually applauded the bravery. Hannah felt more confident than ever before walking hand-in-hand with her boyfriend.
Miami University is not like any other college out there. One of the best parts of becoming a Redhawk, is all the advertising you receive in the mail. From brochures to car stickers, it's hard not to love Miami from the beginning. As seniors in high school transitioned into freshmen in college, they were enveloped with the excitement of freedom. They encounter all the unique diversities and fun experiences that Miami has offered since 1809.
meiberhl@miamioh.edu