More than a woman

Ireland Sargent | Staff Reporter

SAN MARCOS —When Jada Johnson was born into this world, she was unaware of the arduous and challenging society she was about to enter. At 19-years-old Johnson feels she has lived and seen the world change into an unfamiliar place. Johnson, a mixed-race woman, was born and raised in Sugarland, Texas, with her older brother, and now divorced parents. She would describe the city she grew up in as a normal suburban town with nothing out of the ordinary.

“Sugarland was like any other developed city with grocery stores, multiple gas stations, and anything in between,” Johnson said. “I wouldn’t say my upbringing was privileged, but there wasn’t poverty or any alarming scenarios that we had to worry about.”  

The month of March is Women’s History Month, highlighting the contributions of women to events and present-day society. This month means more than just a few celebrations, yet it is a time of collaboration and acknowledgment of the many accomplishments women have made to the present day.  

Johnson believes Women’s History Month means more than what the simple definition would say, yet she finds this to be a time to speak up and speak out.  

“Sure, it’s just a month of the year, but it is a time for women to be proud and shine a light on all the women who have done amazing things,” Johson said. “This should be year-round all the time, not just for a single month.” 

Although Johnson would not refer to herself as an activist, she has found much empowerment in being bold in her own life and showing those around her that everyone has a voice. 

“I am a strong woman, I am bold and determined and I will not be silenced,” Johnson said. “I will not let others get past me and you know because of those traits I know how to handle my business, so I think that’s a great example for younger girls.” 

As a mixed-race woman, Johnson has experienced many situations that may be deemed normal in certain societies. She has endured various scenarios of being ‘othered’ and has found racism to be perceived as normal while growing up. 

“I can remember in school we had a theater show, and I was told I needed to do my hair because it was too big,” Johnson said. “I watched as everyone else had their hair being done, but because my hair was different, I was left out.” 

While school was a strenuous place to grow up, Johnson has felt discriminated against by other races throughout her life. 

“In my own experience as a mixed-race woman I have never felt accepted in the Black community because I wasn’t dark enough, and vice versa for the white community,” Johnson said. “There is this desire to be enough, but it takes being comfortable in who you are to move past this.” 

Johnson is currently a sophomore and student at Texas State University studying mass communications with a minor in media studies, looking to pursue a career in film production or media planning. She has found Texas State to be an inclusive university for both women, men, and all races, but is aware that she may be uninformed or possibly blinded by what reality may be. 

“There are copious amounts of options and organizations to choose from for different genders, race, interests, and career goals and everyone has an equal opportunity to find their niche,” Johnson said. “I do recognize that discrimination and racism still exist, however, I see Texas State working towards being as inclusive as possible.” 

Choosing Texas State was a no-brainer for Johnson after she toured the campus and fell in love with the location and overall aesthetic. What truly attracted her was the desire for inclusivity and need for diversity, which has always been an important part of her upbringing and something Texas State encompassed. 

“After looking at other schools and talking to various students I knew I needed to come to a place where I would feel comfortable and welcomed by everyone,” Johnson said. “I’m big on diversity and I find it to be an important aspect when choosing the correct university.” 

Johnson is a woman of many talents; she sees this world for what it is and will not be silenced for the opinions she has. 

“I am proud to be a woman and I’m proud of what our history has accomplished,” Johnson said.