As a student, I am shocked and surprised at the treatment I sometimes receive on campus.

Faculty and staff are supposed to be here to assist me in making the most of my educational and career goals. Yet, many times, after finding out my degree field is journalism, the shutters go down and unhelpful becomes the mantra of the day.

My reception as student Buffie Brown is good. I can have questions answered quickly and in a kind manner.

At the other end of the spectrum, as student reporter Buffie Richardson Brown, I am often treated with extreme rudeness. I have even been compared to the Nazis, something which deeply offends me.

I fail to see how being a thorough reporter, dedicated to my student work position likens me to those who blindly followed a brainwashing leader in the murder of people based on their race.

Even as a News Writing student, I noticed once I introduced myself as a reporter I often received glares and clipped answers.

I strive to tell each story in its entirety with all the facts, but doing this has earned animosity from faculty and staff who have never even met me face to face.

Renowned journalist Paul Miller said,“Substance ahead of form; balance ahead of speed; completeness ahead of color; accuracy ahead of everything.”

My chosen career goal is to one day report the news to the world.

At OCCC, at the Pioneer I am learning the skills needed to reach this goal. Somehow, this makes me a social pariah?

Why would anyone treat a student so condescendingly? News flash: I am a person just like everyone else and I deserve to be treated as such.

As a community college, OCCC is here to help students prepare for their future careers through training and education. The college webpage boasts OCCC as “a supportive and close-knit community.” Apparently, that support and closeness does not apply to journalism students.

One of the mission/values listed on the OCCC website is, “Integrity: honest, ethical, and respectful to all.” Again, I guess I do not fall into the category of “all” as I have been ridiculed in person and probably behind my back by those who are employed to assist me as a student.

As a reporter on campus, I have met some very uplifting and wonderful people employed here.

Sadly, I also have met some who are rude and hurtful.

Students are encouraged not to label others on this campus but I find many employees do just that.

So in closing, let me introduce myself. My name is Buffie. I have been married for almost five years to a wonderful man. I have two beautiful boys, ages 2 and 4, who are my pride and joy. I love to read and write — go figure. I have a dog named Gatsby after one of my favorite books and a cat named Chandler that we adopted from the humane society. I am a full- time member of the children’s ministry at my church. I am scared of bugs. I make good grades. I love to learn new things and meet new people.

Lastly, I’m a person who doesn’t like when people judge me before they’ve had the chance to get to know me.