Professor McLarin, an assistant professor at Emerson College and also a novelist, journalist and television personality on WGBH’s Basic Black talk show, reflected on her own journey as a women of color. She had a lot to say about the challenges of her life transitions having come from Memphis at age 15 to attend Phillips Exeter Academy (New Hampshire), then back to the south and eventually returning to New England (Boston). She talked about how she dealt with the stereotypes she encountered along the way.

Most of what Professor McLarin shared came as a result of questions from the 35 plus students present. Asked directly about what she felt were important strategies for success, Professor McLarin focused on the theme, Don’t let others define you. She talked about some of the times in her life where she felt it was important to face up to the fear of change and make moves that proved to be beneficial (e.g., deciding to put aside the prestige of writing for the New York Times and deciding to audition for Basic Black having never done television prior).

The students spent the second half of the check-in in small groups discussing what parts of Professor McLarin’s story was meaningful for them and sharing their individual challenges and success as they move in to the second half of the year.