by Cassandra L. Hernandez, College of Alameda student
Many people go to universities for the “college experience” when programs such as UMOJA can provide just as rich experiences along with opening up new doors and connections to cultures and opportunities. UMOJA, like any other student support system, aims to assist the students who join its program. Where UMOJA stands out though is in the experiences they give to their scholars who join and how deeply connected they are to the African Diaspora community.
The African Diaspora community is a worldwide community that homes Afro-Latino and Afro-Caribbean individuals who moved to the Americas, whether voluntarily or involuntarily. It is a community that was formed to let African Americans keep in touch with their culture, traditions, languages, and people. The African Diaspora community has aided the lives of African Americans and UMOJA aims to aid you in your journey through college!
People don’t often stay in touch with their roots when they are focused on their studies, especially when moving to college or university. UMOJA allows CoA students to be passionate about their studies and strive towards their dream careers all while staying in touch with their cultural values. There are hundreds of different types of cultures and traditions from Afro-Caribbean and Afro-Latin Americas that all deserve their spotlight and appreciation. UMOJA is here to teach you about your roots and help you connect with them while helping you through your academic journey. The program is meant to be a community, after all, “umoja” means unity in Kiswahili.
Many students have already joined and have been thrilled by the sense of community that they feel and are enthralled by the many opportunities they have been offered! One such student is Natalyah Linzie, who enthusiastically told me about the many people she has met and the opportunities she has been presented with. “I was just so excited about all the traveling!” she laughed as she recounted the field trips she had gone with UMOJA. She experienced a bit of a rough patch on her academic journey, but when she heard about UMOJA she joined the program and adamantly stated how relieved she was to have done so. “I feel like I’m more outgoing because it’s a safe space! Everyone is there for the right reasons,” that reason being the motivation to pursue their academic endeavors. As it is for many of the student support programs here at College of Alameda, it is not at all difficult to join! You submit your application on the College of Alameda UMOJA website and fill out the form. You then attend orientation and meet with an UMOJA counselor to discuss your future plans and participate in 3 UMOJA-related activities each semester.
As Natalyah said, “Don’t limit yourself.” Apply for this upcoming Spring Semester. UMOJA hopes to see new faces, including yours!
