Culture of Women at SJSU Interviews

How have you seen the culture change here at SJSU as far as race and gender?

Kiana: “Since starting here at San José, I’ve noticed that the campus has made more of an effort in being more inclusive and supportive for people with different backgrounds like myself. I am Mexican and black. And as someone who’s Mexican and mixed and a first generation, I had a hard time finding people to mingle with in clubs and just support. And then over time I found clubs, such as the BLOC, to support and help me in my journey here. And over time, they have more race, gender, and first gen programs being built and structured for us. It’s not perfect, but I see that the school is slowly changing and making developments in their support.”

Since you’ve stepped foot on San José State University, how have you seen the culture change, and how have you experienced it in the context of race and gender?

Mikayla Akin: “Well, when I first got here, to be honest I didn’t see any culture, you know? I was really trying to find my way and trying to find ways to really express myself and see people that look like me. And so after going to the BLOC and other things like that, I actually think it’s progressed. There’s conversation and there’s community with race and gender. I’m part of BSU and making sure that we are in community, but also Black Women’s Collective, making sure that people that look like me and that have the same problems navigating places like SJSU come into community. So I think I’ve really seen progress, and I really love it here.”