This week, I spoke with two dedicated members of the Black Student Union (BSU) to learn more about their cultural background and experiences at school. Aryana Hale, a junior who uses the pronouns She/Her, and Ache Tembe, a senior who uses the pronouns He/Him, shared their personal perspectives on culture, identity, and community within the school environment.
Culture and Background
Hale, who identifies as African American, has deep roots in Texas and Oklahoma. Her culture emphasizes respecting elders and maintaining close family bonds-a sense of togetherness she described as “village.” These values continue to influence how she interacts at school, especially in teamwork and peer support. She often relies on collaboration and connection to overcome academic challenges, viewing her classmates as an extension of her family. Hale believes the school is moving in the right direction in celebrating Black culture, noting that BSU has been an important step forward in that progress.
Tembe, originally from Cameroon in West Africa, also highlighted respect for elders as a core cultural value. He makes a point to greet an adult whenever he enters a room, reflecting the manners he was raised with. He explained that expressing his culture at school can be challenging, especially without a larger community with similar backgrounds, but he still holds tightly to his traditions and values. Tembe said his cultural background has shaped him into a disciplined and goal-oriented student, as his family places strong importance on education. When it comes to friendship.
School Experience and Cultural Perspectives
Both Hale and Tembe reflected on how their cultural backgrounds shape their school experiences. Hale shared that the school provides a safe space for students like her, though she has sometimes felt less included outside of school, where fewer spaces represent African American voices.
Tembe said he hasn’t been treated differently at school and feels included in groups like the Black Student Union and the RAHS Black and Somali Schoology community. These spaces, he explained, help him stay connected to his culture and peers who share similar values.
In the classroom, both students believe their backgrounds give them unique perspectives. For Hale, studying African American history allows her to connect personally to lessons that reflect her heritage. She also remembered speaking at a University of Minnesota panel in fifth grade, where she shared her experiences as a young Black student and helped others understand different cultural perspectives. Tembe added that his culture helps him notice how people’s values and respect shape the way they act in school.
Although Hale doesn’t play sports, Tembe’s Cameroonian roots, where soccer is a major part of national pride, motivate him to work hard and break stereotypes.
Looking ahead, Hale hopes to enter the medical field and increase representation for Black professionals and patients. She believes her values of family, resilience, and community will guide her through challenges. Tembe said his culture will continue to shape how he chooses his friends and how he carries himself in the future, keeping respect and purpose at the center of his life.
