Image Source: Gemini AI
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”― Nelson Mandela
Not only is it instrumental in changing the world, but education is also a useful tool for upward mobility within society as well as a tool for empowering society especially for many with limited access to resources thereby ensuring the security of their future and the possibility of living meaningful lives.
In the past, education for Black communities was critical in helping them navigate the complexities of society especially where systemic inequalities have provided them with limited access to opportunities.
Over time and with society evolving to a more inclusive one, these inequalities have given way to greater access to education. With various educational support initiatives like grants, scholarships, alternative financial aid, student loans among many others, young Black teens from the ages of 15 – 17 years are gaining access to universities and enrolling for programs across various fields of study.
Accessing University Education Early
Accessing University education has taken a new shape with young Black teens as old as 15 – 17 years exploring admission opportunities in various schools and courses of study of their choice. In some African countries, the minimum age requirement to gain access to university education is pegged at 18 years of age.
While many argue that such moves by persons at such a young age can prove challenging more so as they are still living under the protection of their parents, as well as emphasizing the importance of emotional stability as a requirement for individuals within the university space, some others believe accessing these opportunities to start university education can be worthy investment as it contributes to the quick growth of the individual through the social ladder.
As pointed out by the Russell Group in an article titled – How Universities can support your pre-16 students it noted that “For pre-16 students, higher education can feel like a long way off – and they’re not wrong! But introducing them to the idea of higher education as early as possible (often before they’ve even considered it) can provide significant value”
Moreover, in societies where opportunities exist or are also limited, access to university education can prove a worthwhile investment offering possibilities of scaling up to the opportunity of acquiring more advanced educational certifications or overcoming the hurdle of job requirements in a society with limited employment opportunities.
Yet, brilliance on paper and access to university education do not nullify the emotional and psychological challenges young Black teens are confronted with in their daily lives, and the importance of achieving a level of balance and awareness to be able to navigate the university environment.
Image Source: DC Studio on Freepik
Challenges Of Early Access to University Education
Universities are not just limited to being recognized as citadels of learning, they are also social environments that provide learning beyond the classroom experience. Students of all races, ethnicities, and age brackets all coalesce in that singular space networking, engaging in one activity or the other, exploring relationships as well as discovering their personality.
Navigating this dynamic environment can prove daunting for Black teens or any other teen who is yet to have a grounded identity thereby making them feel trapped in a struggle between childhood and adulthood. Below are some of the other challenges that would require balance for young Black teens accessing an early start in their university education.
Time Management: Student life can be hectic. With the need to find balance between lectures, assignments, group tasks among many others, being able to have a properly planned and organized schedule is a crucial part required of every student, more so as each schedule is subject to each person’s peculiar circumstances.
Unlimited Distraction: College activities, social media, and non-academic events can be distracting more so for young Black teens looking to gain acceptance or fit into one sorority or fraternity group among many others. Inability to balance these engagements limits concentration and can have a strong impact on academic progress.
Anxieties and Depression: Whether it is related to grade performance, personal and social pressures, or financial difficulties, young Black teens are confronted with the reality of being saddled with the responsibility of making their own decisions and exploring problem-solving models to address the challenges they are confronted with. How they navigate this crucial period in their lives could go a long way in impacting their educational journey.
Support Systems
First and foremost, young Black entrants must remember that they are not alone in the need to balance emotional and social readiness with academic success. Many are constantly faced with such scenarios and have continued to devise coping mechanisms while seeking out support systems to better help them navigate the new stage in which they have been ushered in.
Universities continue to provide counselling support to students struggling academically or faced with social challenges. Leveraging these support systems can help struggling Black teens find their rhythm and achieve academic success.
Another support system young Black teens can leverage upon is study groups or campus associations that can offer experiences that identify closely with the current challenge being faced by young Black teens, as well as provide a fresh perspective on how to deal with issues as they arise.
Importantly, every young Black teen in the educational environment must understand the importance of prioritising their affairs. By setting objectives, prioritizing tasks, and pursuing realistic goals, while applying effective time management, young Black teens can successfully navigate through each hurdle they are confronted with.
Early university access can be a positive benefit for young Black teens. With support from both the educational system and the parents, young teens can better prioritise their goals and focus on engagements and activities that take them closer to realising their dreams.
Okechukwu Nzeribe works with the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, in Anambra State, Nigeria, and loves unveiling the richness of African cultures. okechukwu.onicima@gmail.com
