The Mental Tuition of Marginalization | Janaye Matthews | TEDxCSU

At Predominantly White Institutions (PWIs), students of color often find themselves facing an “extracurricular” obligation. On top of the typical rigors of college academics, they must educate themselves on how to survive, despite the odds and expectations stacked against them. Their daily experiences on campus trigger complex and unsettling questions of belonging and safety, compelling their "survival mode" to compete with "student mode". Janaye Matthews is a fourth-year student, studying Biomedical and Electrical Engineering and minoring in Ethnic Studies. They currently serve as a member of the CSU President’s Multicultural Student Advisory Committee (PMSAC), which focuses on implementing and tracking ways to improve university policies, accountability, and direct efforts related to the experiences of students who hold marginalized identities on campus. Through PMSAC, and engaging with other organizations, such as the National Society of Black Engineers and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Janaye has found spaces and people who share a passion and commitment to developing the tools to not only survive in settings from which they’ve historically been excluded, but also to change the narrative and show that they belong. It is through collective empowerment that Janaye has found solace and strength to continue fighting for much needed change. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx