Meet Point BIPOC Scholar Charlayne Hurlington

Why did you choose your major or program? 

I chose my Liberal Arts & Sciences major and program because I wanted to have the freedom to explore my various interests and be more creative in my approach towards college curriculum while still fulfilling my core college pre-requisites.

What is a fun fact about you that few people know?

A fun fact that few people know about me is I am obsessed with chai tea lattes. But it has to be oat milk you gotta do it with the oat milk!

What is your favorite song and why?

My Favorite Song is Ordinary Girl by Leah Smith from her album titled Tenderheaded. It’s my favorite because it reminds me of how extraordinary and special I am. It reinforces the idea that you have to always be your own cheerleader first and foremost and that you don’t need to wait for outside validation to make you feel like you’re the sugar honey iced tea. It would be nice to hear it but it’s not a requirement. It’s okay to JUST be human and vulnerable. You don’t always have to be the toughest, smartest, or cutest. On those bad days when you don’t feel like your usual self. Don’t forget that you’re still all of the good and positive adjectives in this world.

What is your current favorite streaming binge and why?

I am currently streaming The Chi Season 4. My eyes are glued to the TV every Sunday at 10:00 PM EST. For starters, the representation is incredible from the characters to the relatable storylines and the incredible writers, directors, and producers. Not to mention Lena Waithe is the creator. If you are unfamiliar with this show or Lena Waithe... Google is your friend, please search for her and watch this show you won’t be disappointed!

What is your favorite hobby or activity you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family. I also enjoy making playlists and linking up with friends in my neighborhood and exploring the latest and lowkey NYC spots.

How have your identities (race, ethnicity, sexuality, gender) affected your college experience?

I feel like my identities have affected my college experience in a positive way. My school is very supportive and it feels like everyone is just a part of a big family. I never felt ostracized or out of place in my school ever. So I definitely want to shout out Queensborough Community College for putting the safety, mental health, and overall well-being of their students at the top of their priority list.

How do you practice self-care?

I practice self-care a bit non-traditionally. Yes, I love a good ol’ pampering session from time to time. I’m talking about everything from mani-pedis to facials, and hair appointments. But the way I practice self-care most often usually looks like sleeping in and allowing myself to play the day by ear and have a more loose schedule rather than a super structured one. I also enjoy aromatherapy and music. Sometimes my self-care routine looks like putting on a playlist I created and burning some sage, incense, or my favorite candles.

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?

I would say it took me a while to adjust to the “new normal” but I have finally found my bearings. Advice for other students who are going back to college this semester is to do your research, limit social media screen time, and try something new. Research anything that you’re unsure about whether it be voting, vaccinations, etc. until you’ve found credible sources of information that can give you clarification and educate yourself on whatever it is you’re looking to clarify. Limit social media screen time because it is definitely everyone’s favorite frenemy. We can end up mindlessly scrolling for hours or be so plugged into our devices and there are so many other fulfilling uses of our time if we can learn to manage the popular habit of using social platforms. Lastly, try something new because why not do something for yourself and surprise yourself with the outcome.

As a Point BIPOC Scholar, what is your message to other LGBTQ+ BIPOC students?

We are all beautiful poems that the world needs to read. We owe it to ourselves to be unapologetically proud of who we are and stand tall and firm in our identities. Only we get to decide what that looks like and how it’s expressed. The world needs our light and there is no such thing as too colorful when it comes to showing up as our whole selves.