hello humans and welcome!!
This afternoon I interviewed/ had a conversation with Ochuko about one of many topics; including identity, future plans, current college advice for BIPOC and more. Not only did she share some generous information and advice but the ways she presents herself continues to inspire me.
When we (used in the reference of a collective general of those who decide to attend college) start college something most people may not realize is the dense similarities of worries and concerns we encounter is something most people share. Some are concerned about academics, sports, friendships, while others finances, identities, and communities (and of course much more). Until we begin setting up those conversations and actively engaging in them is when you find those whom you share commonalities. For me, it was finding my roommate and few neighbors who shared a passionate interest in BIPOC communities among other things.
For Ochuko it was realizing that she didn’t need to feel or be a part of an “American” community the US and LC has embodies, instead it was rediscovering a passion for technology and entrepreneurship that was not necessarily present quite yet. She stepped outside of an expectation and reputation LC and Portland had set up for itself and found what she needed. She found her motivation to seek out communities she desired to be apart - communities bigger than LC, this was one way she chose to be the bigger fish in the small pond.
I’ve spoken/ made a video or two about the discussion topic of BIPOC and immigration, and when listening to Ochuko speak on her experiences there were already things I resonated with. Coming from an African country and drastically moving to a PWI (predominantly white institution) she made the decision to not be afraid. For the fact that she knows what she wants out of life and realized early on that focusing energy on racial consciousness was going to take too much mental energy. In my humble opinion, having this realization can be very powerful at a young age. But the other thing that stuck with me was the reality of choosing not to let certain identities be the only identity we see for ourselves. With that I mean, it is understandable to acknowledge how certain identities make us but choosing to not let them become the major characterization is stunning. Reminder: some things can come across easier said than done, so I would advise- take the time to think, reflect and maybe converse how to choose to go about certain thoughts and situations. *Note: people will choose different ways to identify themselves and that’s okay.
Another awesome thing to mention is the company: The Parachute Media. Founder and CEO- Ochuko Akpovbovbo, was inspired by the reality of lack of BIPOC representation in the media. So she decided to do something about it- creating the platform and with the help of other fabulous gen z folks to “... empower women and nonbinary people of color everywhere to lean into self-improvement, reclaim their narratives, and redefine success on their own terms”. How do they do this? One way is by bridging conversations to communities.
I am personally a fan of this creation, because not only are they sharing necessary information but also inviting thought provoking questions, realities, on a whole spectrum of conversational topics. I’ve read posts and articles ranging from racial or sexual identities to politics and global positions that may not as frequently spoken about. *below you’ll find a link to their webpage and a connecting link to their instagram page.
Overall it was a very interesting and informative conversation. I hope that those coming to Lewis and Clark or preparing for university or are already in college, remember that there is life and existence outside your everyday college campus and community- so go explore it and maybe you’ll find new communities and connections that are to your liking and fitting.
tchau, thanks for coming around :)