By: Mariah Warner (’20), Staff Writer & Photographer
Everyone has a distinct lens they look through in life. There are many moments when your lens will become blurry. However with patience, it will adjust back to immaculate clarity. As a photographer, I know this process well and the goal of my project is to fine-tune blurry lenses and shape a clear perspective for young Black women entering college. The photoshoot is called, “Now That I Have 20/20” because it centers around Black women from the Class of 2020. My beautifully-minded models are entering their sophomore year and now they have a better perspective of college that they wish to share with others.
My photoshoot emphasizes how beautiful Black women are and to encourage others that they can conquer their first year in college with their strength, patience, and uniqueness.
Perfect 20/20 advice from the Black women of UNC 2020 to all incoming first-year Black women in college:
“Never forget that by being a black woman, you are already completely capable of prospering at this school. Any adversity that may come your way is nothing compared to the strength that has been growing in you since the day you were born. Because we are a minority, black women are prone to forgetting our worth, but you can’t allow this to happen. Constantly remind yourself that despite what people may say, being a black woman is an advantage that will allow you to overcome any obstacle that you may encounter. If you do not completely love yourself and the skin you’re in now, use this school and the learning experiences it will give you to teach you how.❤”
“Don’t be afraid to be unapologetically yourself; College isn’t about impressing anyone. Also, don’t let anyone make you feel that your blackness determines your potential. You are not here because you are black. You are here because you are brilliant- Your blackness is a bonus that this school is lucky to have. While you’re here, laugh often. Make great friends and hold onto them tightly. Love yourself. As you’re starting college, don’t be nervous. Be excited because life’s about to get real good.”
“Look in the mirror and find qualities you love about yourself. Embrace those qualities and use them for the betterment of yourself. Be honest with yourself and find one quality you need to work on. Try to condition that flaw so you can prosper and grow as an individual. We are all here for a degree and to elevate in our designated career paths but with your personal growth comes success ✨.”
“Know what you can handle. It seems that others have it all figured out. How to balance 16 clubs and still manage to make it on the dean’s list. Maybe you’re not one of those people first semester of your freshman year. Just take baby steps; it’s really the key. You have to learn what you can handle and know your limits. Be extremely picky with how you spend your time and make the best of it.”
“Never forget that you deserve your spot at this school and that you are fully capable of handling whatever is thrown your way! While the academic atmosphere is vigorous and it’s important to stay focused, always remember to put your mental health first. There is no shame in admitting when you need help. Your mental health is just important as your physical health so don’t forget to tend to yourself as needed!”
“You will fall sometimes, you will feel overwhelmed, and feel afraid but you must always remember your magic. It is more powerful than you can ever imagine. Once you tap into it, not one person can stop you except yourself if you forget it.”
“Being a black woman is beautiful. Always remember that YOU matter! Your voice matters. Your dream matters. Your perspective matters. Your mental health matters. Know that there are people here who support, love, and cherish you. You are more than enough!”
“It’s okay to cry sometimes. Just remember that you belong here, you are intelligent enough, and you will persevere. No one came here with everything together so don’t be hard on yourself when you are not the best at something. You are your own worst critique. Go to office hours to ask for help. Professors aren’t as scary as they seem. Embrace your strengths and continue to work on your weaknesses. Care about your mental health and what you enjoy more than the test that will not matter 20 years from now. I know you have a lot on your shoulders, but don’t forget to love yourself. That deep condition on Sunday matters.Take time to enjoy things you love, make sure you dedicate yourself to self care. Remember you do not need validation from anyone. You are beautiful on the inside and out, just by being unapologetically you. Keep that in mind even on your worst days. Love you.”
“Don’t afraid to lean on the other black women here for support. It doesn’t matter if they are faculty, a professor, or another student. You’ll always have a support system here at Carolina standing behind you.”
“One thing I learned during my first year in college is that destiny truly does exist. As a person who critiques all personal mistakes and doubts, I realized that some of them are not my fault and that they happened for a reason. You didn’t get accepted into a certain school? It’s because you are destined to go to another. Your friendship fell apart with someone? It’s because you had to make room for a better one. Don’t dwell on what could have been because you can and will make the most of what is right in front of you.”
“Never feel like you have to quiet or tone down yourself in order to belong in. Always speak your mind because no matter what you say, somebody will have something to say. Find people that will uplift you and that will help guide you to make the right decisions fit for you because your friendships can truly either hinder or enhance your success here at Carolina. We all are going to have our wins and losses, but it’s important not to dwell on those loses, but instead to use that lose as a learning experience to grow even more as a person. Lastly, have confidence. I know it’s easier said than done because we all have our moments of doubt and insecurity, but if you are secure in yourself, no one can deter you from your path needed to achieve your accomplishments.”
