Journal of Student Research 2012

Journal of Student Research

52

American college students. The overall question in studies such as this is the direction in which the causation runs: Are African Americans more successful and comfortable in college if they join student organizations, or do they join student organizations because they are more successful and comfortable in school? There is truth in both statements as both successful and less successful African American students are inclined to join student organizations, especially ethnic student organizations. Nefertiti, who felt less successful, joined a student organization because of lack of social interaction, while Amina, who felt more successful, joined in order to challenge racial attitudes. Nefertiti spoke of the pressure African Americans students feel regarding social integration, which suggests students may join student organizations because of social pressure, but this does not necessarily guarantee a successful development of a healthy racial identity. Additionally, Shaka, who now feels successful in college, confessed he did not feel comfortable when he first came to college. For him, student organizations appear to be a factor in linking social integration and success through assertive networking and developing a healthy racial identity. In general, student organizations appear to be an important first step towards social integration, especially for those who feel less comfortable and successful in college. However, other factors also play an important role in social integration, developing a healthy racial identity, and being successful in college. While some social contours and double consciousness may always exist in society for racial minorities, African Americans can use proactive networking to surmount some of these barriers. In addressing the first research question regarding social issues that prevent African American students from identifying with and participating in student organizations, this study suggests that joining student organizations is less of a problem than how students participate in them. Being a member of a student organization is not in and of itself enough to facilitate meaningful and effective social integration as Nefertiti’s experience demonstrates; students likely need to be assertively engaged in the organization to make their membership successful. Being proactively engaged in student organizations appears to help develop a healthy racial identity and may lead to retention. This revelation addresses the second question regarding the meaning of college for African American students. The focus of African American students in college, according to the results of this study, should be the development of a healthy racial identity which will not only lead to a comfortable, successful college experience but would likely also be useful beyond college.