Never too late

Going back to school at the age of twenty seven was more frightening than going to Afghanistan. The military trains soldiers on conducting themselves on the battlefield but there’s no training on how to be a regular college student. My age and my lack of social skills were internal issues that I had to conquer. Being around a million of kids who just graduated from high school with no life experience made me insecure. Never before, have I felt so old and unaccomplished. Now, Yes, I am a veteran, served overseas and has received numerous awards, but still it didn’t matter. At school I was striving for the same goals as people 10+ years younger than me. Ageism, never felt so real, just like any other ism’s I felt excluded, however, I chose to use my age as an advantage. Commonly asked amongst college students is “How old are you?” and specific questions about High School. I am sorry; but at 27yrs old I don’t remember anything about High School other than me graduating. At first, these questions felt intrusive because outside of College asking someone your age is rude.

In the Army people tend to not ask certain questions such as age. People in the military are not always expected to share their personal information. While overseas, the military instructed soldiers to not mention anything to compromise our mission and to be suspicious of everyone’s behavior. So, random people inquiring about someone’s personal information is suspicious. In college there’s no taboo topic and everything is open for discussion. For example, in my women’s study class I had a professor comment on assignment about my brevity and lack of personal examples in answering questions. I was surprised that she was interested in reading about my experiences.

My Intro to Women Studies class inspired me to speak loudly about issues that concerned me. Working with young Black Women from urban neighborhoods, such as myself is my passion. After this class, I began volunteering at a nearby High School talking to young women about life choices. My age and experience helped me connect with young women. Working with them help me find my purpose and share my life learned lessons.

I’ve also had the opportunity to work with other students on campus as well. In 2014, me and two other students founded a Black Student Union and helped develop a new Black Studies Curriculum. The reason a Black Student Union was founded because students of color felt out of place and misrepresented. At the Black Student Union first meeting students expressed how they felt their voices didn’t matter. This resonated with me personally because I’ve felt many times as if my voice didn’t matter. As a group, despite, opposition we pushed forward and overcame oppression. Right now, me and several other students are committee leaders for the Black Studies Curriculum and are in charge of developing a new minor.

No longer am I ashamed of my age, sharing my experiences or voicing my frustrations. During my academic career, I’ve mentored college students and high school students. In the process of overcoming my fears I was able to help young people conquer theirs.

Hello, I am Nataisia Johnson from New York City, Queens. In 2009 I enlisted into the Army and was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado and deployed in 2013 to Afghanistan, Kunar Province. May 2016, I will graduate from Niagara University with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and will attend Law School in fall 2016.  You can reach me at Tay-Ja Johnson@facebook  or Jusmetaisa@instagram or email me [email protected]