Hot topics related to the Afro Gen-Z experience were discussed at the Miron Student Center (MSC) on Thursday, September 25. The event was hosted by the United African Student Association. Young immigrant and first-generation African and Caribbean students at Kean shared their trials, tribulations, and the positive aspects of living as young people in today's society.
The attendees of the people who were involved in the discussion were students with Nigerian, Ghanaian and Jamaican backgrounds, just to name a few.
The discussion started off with the topic of traditional jobs and whether students should chase security or passion, and what students would push their children to do. The answer received mixed reviews, with students divided.
Later on, more topics such as parenting, gender roles, and strictness were discussed.
After the discussion, students shared some insight into their ethnic backgrounds and how that has shaped them into the person that they are now.
Feran Miadisa, a freshman psychology major friom South Brunswick, New Jersey, shared:
“I’m Nigerian, I feel like being that has made me confident in who I am."
Ololade Famobuwa, a frehsman majoring in nursing from Somerset, New Jersey added more to the Nigerian perspective.
“I’m also Nigerian, I feel like my background has made me unique as a person and confident at the same time."
Students also shed light on their experience.
Yasir Addulhakedm, a freshman, majoring in computer science, from Baltimore, Maryland discussed wanting to branch out and experience the world.
“There is so much to this world that I haven’t unlocked yet. Education is a key aspect, and I feel like going out and experiencing the world has been a big goal."
This discussion left students inspired and validated their experiences. As they vow to take the initiative and pursue the lives they want, African and Caribbean students at Kean University unite to support one another and experience this journey together.
