Why did you choose your major or program?
My community is mostly accepting of LGBTQ+ people like myself, because of that, growing up I didn't realize what true discrimination was, and how prevalent it was against members of my community. I always thought I'd be a doctor of some sort, but as soon as I recognized how much my community needed help, I changed my life plans completely. Politics and Law are truly the two things I'm most passionate about.
What is a fun fact about you that few people know?
I played Cello for almost 7 years growing up!
What is your favorite song and why?
I have so many. No Tears Left to Cry by Ariana Grande will always be one of my favorites. It came out just a month after I publicly came out and the lyrics were so relevant to my current situation and the song always makes me happy.
What is your current favorite streaming binge and why?
I just finished Young Royals on Netflix. It's definitely one of my favorite shows I've watched recently. Shows with LGBTQ+ lead characters always interest me but this definitely felt the most realistic to my own high school experiences because of my identity, and I loved it so much!
What is your favorite hobby or activity you like to do in your free time?
I love driving around Chicago with my friends and listening to music. I live about 45 minutes away and it's crazy to think that such a huge city is so close to the suburb I live in.
How have your identities (race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender) affected your college experience?
I haven't started college yet but I will be attending Howard University in Washington, DC. Howard is a historically black college and university, meaning the large majority of our student body identifies as a POC. This is a huge difference compared to the high school I went to, which was predominately white. I'm curious to see how my sexuality and gender identity will impact me during college but love the fact that I know my race won't be a limit in the pursuit of my success.
How do you practice self-care?
Putting myself first in situations that I know I need to prioritize for my own mental health. I think I value other people's emotions and time more than mine, and at times when I feel stressed, I know that it's okay to reflect on myself and what I'm going through because I'm best at helping others when I'm also doing well.
How are you adjusting to the "new normal" as we're emerging from this pandemic? Do you have any tips for other students who are going back to college this semester?
It feels so crazy because the last time I was in a normal school setting was my junior year of high school. Coming out of the pandemic and starting my freshman year of college this fall is definitely going to be a big change, but I think if the pandemic taught me anything was how to deal with that change, and make the best of it.
As a Point BIPOC Scholar, what is your message to other LGBTQ+ BIPOC students?
Embrace your intersecting identities simultaneously. I think I've always struggled with accepting my black and LGBTQ+ identity at the same time, and I've always felt obligated to choose what part of me I'd reflect to certain people. But overtime I've realized just how unique my identities are together, and that the identities aren't a reflection of my limits, but a symbol of my potential.
This post’s responses were submitted by Point BIPOC Scholar Warren Small (He/Him/They).
Warren is currently studying political science at Howard University. Read more about the Point BIPOC Scholarship for LGBTQ students program here.
