Being an educated, young, professional woman, I have personally experienced various dating/relationship issues. In addition, to confirm my frustrations, many of my friends, colleagues, and peers who are educated experience similar issues. One common theme I myself encounter and often hear from men is that it is very difficult to date “us” for various reasons. I heard I could be portrayed as: confident, boozy, expect too much, expensive, blunt, make them feel like less of a man and assertive just to give a few examples. From personal experience, they have told me they feel: intimidated, not needed, and jealous. Through my dating experiences, I have definitely felt the male insecurities, which are frustrating!
Minority women are strong women in general with or without an education. However, education gives us access to more opportunities that pave the way for career growth, financial gain, and a strong voice in the professional environment. I know as minority women and overcoming many obstacles to achieve higher education, we form thick skin through our tribulations within the academic environment alone. I am speaking for myself because I feel that I have found my voice while attending Arizona St. University (ASU) as an undergraduate student. I was a double major at ASU (B.S. Microbiology; B.A. Communications) and I was usually the only Native American student in all my classes. In my Communications coursework, I had to take classes that discussed gender, class, and race topics. Since I was the only Native in my classes, I felt I had to speak-up and communicate how I or Natives perceive such issues and how it pertains to us. Some of those topics became heated! The more I climb my education and career trajectory; I am often faced with other forms of obstacles in institutionalized environments, as I’m sure many minority men/women do. As a young, professional woman I would like men to support us and not feel intimidated by our accomplishments. It would be nice if they sent us flowers at work or encourage us when finals are near. Support, understanding, and encouragement are some key ingredients to winning our hearts!
