I am Brittney Perry. I reside in Camp Springs, MD, a small city on the outskirts of Washington DC. I am currently a senior at FSU, majoring in Mass Communication with a minor in journalism.

I have dreams of becoming successful, whether it is as a fashion journalist or a gynecologist. I have plans to attend graduate school at Howard University and pursue a doctorate degree. I have had great experiences in the college I attend, but I have also had negative experiences.  Nevertheless, I am sharing my college experience with you.

Welcome to Frostburg

Driving on I-68, the only thing in sight is an aerial view of beautiful mountains and light hues of purple and blue clouds. The clouds were touching the mountains with such grace and the trees seemed to sway side to side as if they were listening to music.

As the ride continued, the scenic view was so pleasing I knew my experience at Frostburg State would be a memorable one. I was so intrigued by nature's beauty I did not care how far away from home I was. I was seventeen years of age and was extremely excited to attend college.

When my mom and I arrived to the campus, I can actually recall how beautiful the campus was, the grass was so green, the flowers in full bloom, and a body of people walking from place to place on campus. The campus seemed so big then. My mom stepped out of the car and looked at my mail about orientation.

Seeing that we were to be in the Lane Center, we walked from Pullen Hall to the Lane Center so I could register for classes. When I met with an advisor, I was so unsure of what I wanted to major in. There were so many options!

I knew that I wanted to be a gynecologist or a psychologist, but I also had such a passion for writing. I spoke with a faculty member of FSU and told him what I wanted to do. He informed me that I had to take a placement test before I did anything else. Taking the test, and scoring quite well, I did not have to take developmental courses. I was soon on my way to getting my degree.

Soon after, I spoke with an advisor who helped me decide which career path I wanted to take. I was faced with disappointment when the advisor informed me that there was no major for gynecology or nursing. I soon learned later I could have majored in biology, exercise science, or pre-med. I had a number of options, but because I was misinformed I decided to focus in my strength and passion journalism.

Once the academics were taken care of, it was time to move into my dorm. I resided in Simpson Hall and was assigned a roommate. My roommate, whose name I will not mention, was an interesting character. Not only did she take pride in her confederate flag, she was comfortable using the "n-word". As an African-American woman I did not feel comfortable with her use of that word. We had many conflicts and finally, I moved out.

Prejudice in Frostburg?

After moving out of the room I was previously assigned to, I moved upstairs and had a single room. I met a few friends by this point, so I was constantly running back and forth between Simpson Hall and Cumberland Hall. A memorable experience that taught me prejudice and racism is still alive, and ignorance still exists in human characteristics occurred in Cumberland Hall.

One night a young lady came into the dorm. She was intoxicated and was yelling "some black kid" hit her. My friends and I were immediately concerned. As we tried to console her, she began attacking each of us. I walked away from her immediately when she began yelling. She then charged at me calling me explicit derogatory names. That night we were in an altercation.

I learned then that I am an African-American woman in a predominantly white town, and there are some people who will never accept the color of my skin.

After that event, I did not think I would have to deal with discrimination. I was wrong! I went to the Wal-Mart in Lavale and found myself being followed by staff members. I was highly upset because I did not have any intentions of stealing. The staff members followed me until I checked out with all of my belongings.

This was an embarrassing experience for me because I never dealt with this type of treatment in Camp Springs.

Two years ago two African-American students were leaving the 7-11 around 10:00 p.m. When they were walking towards FSU's campus, they saw a dark colored pick-up truck pull up closer to them. As the truck approached closer and closer, there was a confederate flag in the back window. As the truck passed the two students, the passengers in the back of the truck had on black masks and all black attire.

A passenger in the truck had a gun and yelled "BANG," as he pulled the trigger. The gun turned out to be a paintball gun and the loud bang the students heard was the air compression from the air cartridge in the gun. All of the passengers in the truck were identified by the students as white men. Was this an act of racism or a simple prank?

The two students, who were victims of this prank, are senior Tiffany Padgett and senior April Hill. When the students were asked if they felt harassed or victims of discrimination they stated that they did feel harassed and victimized. Padgett stated that she was scared and shocked that such an event would occur.

The two students were my friends, and I witnessed this. I was in complete awe.

From those experiences I learned a valuable lesson, but I also realized that one person's ignorance does not represent an entire race.

I do not want anyone to get the wrong idea! Frostburg is not some place full of racism and discrimination. The experiences I had were memorable, but they did not influence my thoughts of the school or the town. There are a number of welcoming Frostburg residents and students at FSU.

Frostbrrrrg!

Not only did I have to get used to the town, the weather became an issue for me as well. The temperature changes had really affected me. I did not understand how a town could get so cold, so fast!

Since my arrival at FSU, the weather has been so bizarre; I still have yet to become adjusted to the temperature changes. Just last week it was snowing one day and warm the next! I keep my winter coat in my closet because I never know when it is needed.

Friendships and Values

With every college experience, you gain colleagues in the process. I was once told that the friends in high school are only temporary, but the friends you make in college are permanent. I am not sure what truth there is to that, but I know I have met some beautiful people.

Meeting college students has matured me in more ways than one. I have had to deal with different characteristics, and dealing with them has matured my mind and has taught me valuable lessons. I have learned to be more opened minded to those different from me, including race, gender, sexual preference, and religion.

As mentioned before, I am unsure how true the "college friendship" statement is, but I have maintained the same group of friends my entire college career, and I can see them as the colleagues with whom I share my success.

Lesson Learned

This year is my senior year and through the past four years I have had so many great experiences and have learned valuable life lessons, I have made some great friends and met some wonderful professors.

Four specific professors that have helped me believe I can succeed are Dr. Frank Parks, Dr. John Lombardi, Dr. Sydney Duncan, and Dr. Lindsy Pack. These four have made such a tremendous impact on my life I do not know what I would do without them. The first class I experience with Dr. Parks was journalistic writing. Not only did he constantly remind me of my coma splices, he helped me improve on my writing skills and made me want to learn more about journalism.         Dr. Lombardi and Dr. Pack have forced me to challenge myself and with that, I have tried to do the best in everything I do. Dr. Duncan, she is a true inspiration to women like me because she has so much pride in what she does, and she is not afraid to admit her weaknesses or faults.

Each of them has helped me over the last four years and as I take this journey in life, after graduation, I know that because of their encouraging words and wisdom I can achieve anything.

I have been blessed with the opportunity to grow here at FSU. The lessons I have learned here will take me very far in life and I believe that I will be able to be as successful as I allow myself.