THE VOICE OF A GENERATION

WRITTEN BY SARAH NEESE, PHOTOS BY LAUREN BIERI

IN AN EVER-CHANGING SOCIETAL LANDSCAPE, EACH GENERATION OF STUDENTS THAT COMES THROUGH CENTRAL’S DOORS REPRESENTS DIFFERENT BACKGROUNDS, IDEAS AND VOICES. CHRISTIAN COLEMAN, A HIGHLY INVOLVED MEMBER OF THE CENTRAL COMMUNITY, IS ONLY ONE OF THESE MANY STUDENTS; HOWEVER, HIS DRIVE AND PASSION FOR MAKING THE VOICES OF HIS FELLOW STUDENTS HEARD IS JUST ONE OF THE MANY REASONS OLD NORTH DECIDED TO SIT DOWN WITH HIM.

Q: Tell us a little about yourself.

A: I’m a native of the eastside of Oklahoma City. I’m an international business student here at the University of Central Oklahoma, the vice president of the UCO Student Association (UCOSA) and the assistant regional vice president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. I’m involved in Leaders of Tomorrow, PreLaw Society, the Black Male Initiative, Black Student Association and UCO Student Ambassadors. I’m also a student employee in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. My goal in life is to create better perspectives and opportunities for all people.

Q: You’ve clearly decided to make the most of your time at Central. Why did you decide to go to college?

A: I come from a two-parent household, but both of my parents didn’t finish college. They were able to provide a comfortable life for my siblings and I, but it was a grind. They worked long hours and full weeks to provide for us. My parents would make great executives of any company if the opportunity ever came. They have the drive, grit, social interaction and work hard. I decided to go to college because I didn’t want to be restricted like my parents because I don’t have a degree. That drives me to complete every semester and graduate for myself and my parents.

Q: What made you want to be an international business major?

A: For as long as I can remember my life has always been a reflection of the lessons learned in my community. A community that I love to my core. Growing up, I saw a lot of talented people never make it out and spread their talents across the world. People often were indirectly confined to their side of town or Oklahoma City. This made me want to see and work around the world.

Q: Why did you decide to run for UCOSA?

A: I value representation, because there needs to be someone voicing thoughts and concerns on behalf of the people even when they don’t see the value of it. The campus growth and development keeps me locked in and passionate, even when things seem to get hectic.

Q: You mention representation and the importance of people making their voices heard. Why do you feel this is important?

A: I believe that everyone is a stakeholder in society and should contribute their views and opinions. It’s when we voice our opinions and thoughts, that our minds expand to new heights. This is vital to the progression and sustainability of a growing and evolving world.

Q: So, in what ways do you try to make your voice heard?

A: I’ve always been the individual who’s never been afraid physically to speak up and out, but I’ve learned so much over my time in college. The vocal leader is important, but sometimes the loudest voices come from other approaches. I’ve worked to try to balance the two this year. In my opinion, the leg work sets up the stage for the vocal leader in many situations. I try to make my voice heard through physical actions and indirectly through background work.

Q: Why do you feel it’s so important to be a vocal leader for your peers?

A: I believe it’s important to be a voice for those who haven’t yet found theirs. I couldn’t ever accept the notion that I was the voice for my peers, but I can say that I’m willing to do the best that I can. The voice of the people can come from many different people with various leadership styles. I think the voice of the people should be an inspiration for the people to find theirs, whatever that may look like for them. The most vital aspect of being a voice for the people is actually being the voice whenever it calls.

Q: In what ways do you try to help others find and use their own voices?

A: I think everyone finds their voice differently. This process comes slow for others and fast for others. It’s about pushing yourself to speak out in the way that works for you. I try to stay engaged in their process and to help find ways for them to use theirs. It’s a daily process that looks different for everyone.

Q: Where do you feel your voice and those of your peers are most needed?

A: I think they are needed in every conversation in every matter. We have great ideas and perspectives that may develop into ways to impact our current lives and the future. It’s time for us to begin to contribute to the progression of society as a whole.

Q: How can the campus community help to amplify the voices of your generation?

A: The campus community could contribute to amplifying voices by actively participating in helping them find their voice. We can host speakers and events that stimulate our ambition and push us to find our voice. This promotes innovative and fresh ideas to our university through new voices of our engaged scholars, and UCO would create a comfortable environment for students to find their voices in their respective fields of interest.