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 www.ted.com/tedx

[@Rachel-nq5so]

She was awesome! I don't know why I am watching this talk now. Every word came to be so well! This was really an important story. I really think this was inspiring and gave an important message for everyone. I remembered the time where I was considered a minority for being an asian. Same with gender. I agree so much that we need a change.

[@ladycalily]

GO BEST FRIEND THAT'S MY BEST FRIEND

[@damienbruce2499]

when was this video made? When did they go on that stage?

[@DanielaRamirez-un6hc]

This was so moving. Thank you. This battle has been eating me alive in grad school.

[@NocturnalRS]

You hold your head up high and you will shine, look to the stars!

[@icarusamerica3436]

I wish I had enough free time look for issues that do not exist.

[@candybroughtitup]

That was AWESOME!!! 👏🏽

[@percymm6449]

Impressive sis 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@gogettalorri]

Thanks

[@CEEJAYYY20]

s/o NSBE

[@alexandracoker7177]

This message is so important and applies to many other scenarios. We need to come together. If you are not with us (us is ALL inclusive), then you are against us, and it is YOU who does not belong.

[@billwong6077]

Wow! You killed it! I know I was lucky about where I ended up for graduate school (both masters and doctorate) because where my university was based. For me, I feel similar to what you are experiencing when I attend professional conferences in my field as a minority on 3 fronts... being Asian, male, and with a disability. I say male as a minority here because my profession is about 85% female and 15% male. Meanwhile, I am lucky I end up in an institution as a faculty where our faculty are very diverse! My accomplishments as an instructor spoke very loudly to my students that minorities are capable of making it in the profession I am in... just that there are times they may have to work a good bit harder than others in order to have shots to get to where they should be. Also... nice choice of T-shirt on this stage!

[@UnknownAz]

You killed it Janaye. So proud of you!!

[@Theogcarlton]

Family🖤🤞🏾

[@SolangeAparecida140]

wowoowowowowoowwowowowowo second!!!!

[@joelvaldez8688]

The medical field is dominated by women. If I'm going to a medical school, do I get a TED talks about how hard it is to be a man?

[@emilynorton6920]

I’m not sure you’d be smart enough to do it