My name is Jessica Drue and I am proudly the chair of the BAME (Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic) Group. Our goal is to be the voice for BAME students and our aim is to make a positive change where possible and create a comfortable environment for BAME students so that they don’t feel different to any other OU student.
Being multi-ethnic myself I have faced many struggles and insecurities because of how society has portrayed those like me. Growing up I was so self-conscious of my features because society’s views were that I was different. I don’t look right, I don’t look the same as non-BAME students, I don’t have the smallest nose, straightest hair etc.
Over the years I began slowly facing my cultural struggles, my insecurities and I practiced self-love. I began to understand that I was different and I had unique features however I was blessed to be different and to have parents from different cultural backgrounds.
Now I am more than proud to say that I AM DIFFERENT, I AM NOT THE SAME, I AM B.A.M.E.
The world is full of different ethnicities and my aim is to change the views of society and help everyone embrace all our differences, our features, our hair etc. No matter what complexion, height, weight or shoe size you are. If you are reading this I want you to know that, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL, YOU ARE AMAZING, YOU ARE UNIQUE, YOU ARE SPECIAL. Never forget that.
Spread love not hate, happiness not sadness, calmness not anger, positivity not negativity. Every race has the right to be on this beautiful earth so let’s embrace this amazing planet TOGETHER! #BAME #CULTURALDIFFERENCESAREOK
If you would like to join the BAME group, fill out a form.
If you have any queries or want to find out more about the BAME group please email oustudents-support@open.ac.uk.
This blog has been posted on behalf of Jessica Drue.
Hi Jessica, I’m mixed heritage , by which I mean that my culture is a mixture of varying degrees of traditions from Europe , West Africa , and Britain and my traditions and cultural connections also extend into Asia. I was very pleased to read your article , although we differ so much in terms of how we self define and the language we use to describe our experiences.
It was heartening to read your words especially as I am nervous about being part of this academic community as well as apprehensive about life as a member of the community in the future UK, despite living here 41 years . I can be like that sometimes but it passes.
My own experience has been politically Black and this includes during prior study so I’m still a little nervous but also hopeful.
What I’m really hoping for is that while I’m studying I can connect with people and share together with openness , warmth and positive regard. To me that would be amazing to experience while studying and your article gives me real hope it is possible , have you found it to be so ? I hope so and send best wishes
Thankyou Jessica for sharing such a hearteningly inspirational article.