The Mixed Teen, College Student, Young Adult Experience!
Hi friends! In this post, we'll talk broadly about the experiences of multiracial, multiethnic, blended, mixed young people. This blog caters to mixed high school and university students, and young people in general. Let's explore!
High School
- Fitting in (or not)
- Don't we all have this problem in high school? :P Yes, we do! But let's look at fitting in as a mixed person.
- Here's some great advice that was given to me by a college counselor: if you don't have someone who also identifies as mixed to talk things over with, find someone who feels alone/different/etc. in a different way.
- Family strife
- Oh, being a teenager! One way or another, you'll feel the tension between you and the authority figures in your life.
- If the tension is in any way related to your mixed heritage (parents don't identify as you do, your family all looks different, etc.), check out the post on Mixed Heritage and Family Issues.
- The post refers to extended family, but the same suggests can apply to immediate family as well.
University
- Expanding your boundaries
- One of the great things about going to college is the opportunity to try new things and develop interests in areas that you didn't have access to before.
- Try out a Mixed Student Union, a social justice organization or start one of your own!
- With the opportunities afforded to you, take advantage of exploring how you play out your identities, mixed and otherwise, in the microcosm of college!
- On your own
- At this point, many of you will have moved away from your family and be living on- or near- campus.
- What about your old way of life would you like to change? Looking back, what did your parents do or think that you agree with? What are ways that you would like to try doing or thinking about things differently? How will you you establish yourself as a mixed person approaching total autonomy?
- You can do a lot of harm and a lot of good for yourself right now.
Young Professional
- One of the great things about going to college is the opportunity to try new things and develop interests in areas that you didn't have access to before.
- Try out a Mixed Student Union, a social justice organization or start one of your own!
- With the opportunities afforded to you, take advantage of exploring how you play out your identities, mixed and otherwise, in the microcosm of college!
- At this point, many of you will have moved away from your family and be living on- or near- campus.
- What about your old way of life would you like to change? Looking back, what did your parents do or think that you agree with? What are ways that you would like to try doing or thinking about things differently? How will you you establish yourself as a mixed person approaching total autonomy?
- You can do a lot of harm and a lot of good for yourself right now.
- Corporate world realities
- Now, get yourself a job! -_-
- Where would you like to work? Don't just take into account pay and position. I won't be trite and say that money can't buy happiness. But if you end up really not feeling like you're not at the place that's right for you, don't force it forever.
- You're an awesome multiracial and/or multiethnic person. You'll find your place. :)
These sections might cover what some consider the "traditional" path of a young person from school to the workplace. There are many other paths to take.
Where has your path taken you? How are you working through your mixed heritage as you leave adolesence? Feel free to leave a comment, question or suggestion in the box below. As always, "Growing Up Mixed" is a safe space.
Say hi to the Easter Bunny!
<3 Elise "The Mixed Blogging Chick"
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