Not too many of "You."

[Cali_Nurse_209]

I'm an African American female who will be starting the BSN program in about a week in a half. I'm happy and grateful and pretty much everyone has congratulated me and had nothing but great things to say since I received my acceptance letter in May. Recently, I've ran into people and have told them what I'm pursuing and they have generally been happy. But for some reason they always have to make reference to my race and me getting accepted to the BSN program. A women said to me that I'm lucky because not too many of "You" get into this program. Now I know she didn't mean anything negative by it and I see were she was coming from. I live in Cali but the area in which I live there aren't many applying or getting in. But of course there are many factors and maybe they'd like to pursue something else. But she hasn't been the 1st person to point that out and it just got me thinking. I just don't want to feel like when I get into the program I'm going to have to work extra hard to prove something. I know the program I'm entering is very good and their faculty are great so I have nothing to worry about. I'm going to work just as hard as anyone else like I've been doing for the last 3 years. Race isn't a factor and I've never even let it affect me or hold me back. I've made it this far with my Brains and hard work and I'm going to continue to do just that. Like I said those statements just got me thinking and that's all. Everything is all good lol. I'm excited to be starting and look forward to what's to come : D Feel free to comment if you'd like.

[Wyrm74]

No big deal, I'm sure nothing negative was meant by it. I met the rest of my class today and found out that I am the ONLY male in my class. There aren't even any male instructors. Jeez! I heard plenty today about how I was the only one, no other men, you sure are noticeable in this group, blah blah blah but it didn't seem mean in any way. Are you sure the commentor didn't just mean that there aren't many nursing students in general that make it into the program? Regardless of what anyone might say, you are there due to your hard work and dedication, and that is what will make you an outstanding nurse. The color of your skin has ZERO to do with it. Good luck to you!

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I am not an Af. American, but got the same comment about "not many of you" due to my age. I was 45 when I started nursing school. I did it for me, so no one else's opinion really mattered. Congrats and best wishes!

[mzrainydayz, BSN, RN]

Congrats on getting an acceptance to a BSN program. Don't let that comment get to you or bother you, you got bigger and better things to worry about. You got in because of your GPA or test scores, not based on your race. African Americans have many different careers, like lawyers, DRs, and engineers etc. so race isn't a factor it's a person knowlege and education. All races have the same oppurtunites in life it's just up to the individual. Many African Americans thought their would never be a "BLACK" president but long and behold Obama. The point I am trying to make is don't let your race be a handicap, we can do what ever we set our minds to accomplish.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Even smart people say foolish things.....Congratulations!

[LCinTraining]

We have only one male nurse on our night crew at work. We call him our token boy. But it's all in fun. He knows we absolutely adore when he's here. He's a great team player and if I need lifting help, he's always ready to assist.

[RNintraining72]

Even smart people say foolish things.....Congratulations!

YES Esme12!!!! I so agree!!

[RNintraining72]

I really do wish you the best and would love if you would keep me posted on your progress!!!! CONGRATS AGAIN!!!!

[QuarterLife88, MSN, RN, NP]

People are ignorant and dumb. I have no faith in humanity anymore, so it doesn't surprise me that someone said that to you. BTW, I'm black American as well. I try not to think of myself as a black nursing student, just as a nursing student. Unfortunately, society doesn't always make that so easy. As minorities we are not seen as individuals, but as categories, and when one of of screws up or succeeds, it counts as point either against or for the "community". ****** me off more and more by the day.