Meet Michelle Bess

Whitworth Cadre Three
'09 Graduate (B.A. Biology)
Bellarmine Preparatory School '05

Not fitting the mold

Michelle Bess is a biology major from Lakewood, Washington where her family continues to live and work to pay private school tuition for her younger siblings. Meanwhile, Michelle spends much of her time at cheerleading practice and doing homework. Most people get along with Michelle, but at times it has been challenging for her to get people, including herself, to appreciate all she represents. "I guess I don't fit the mold," she comments. As an Act Six student leader, and one of the few blacks in her major and on campus, Michelle has faithfully pushed through the stereotypes in becoming the person she has always dreamed she would be.

Whites allowed

At Bellarmine Preparatory School, Michelle had no trouble making friends, black or white; nonetheless, it was there that she began to explore what it means to be a minority at a predominantly white institution. Hanging out with other students of color in the diversity office during lunch hour helped her find a comfort zone on campus, but she was not satisfied that some of her white friends offered her to come eat with them, but never thought to step out of their own comfort zones and join her. From that point, Michelle began searching for greater understanding and of herself and others.

Black people can do science

Facing Whitworth students who may have misconceptions about Act Six students or black culture, Michelle has tried to keep her focus relationship-based. "I want them to get to know me without assumptions," she says. Once they get to know her, Michelle says, "They find out that not everyone is the same and that we were chosen [through Act Six] to come here for different reasons." In this process, Michelle is becoming more comfortable in her own identity while bridging the gaps often created through stereotypes. When asked what she believed to be her greatest impact on her community thus far, she replies, "That black people can do science." Michelle has also impacted the campus through her role as the Vice-President of the Black Student Union and as a member of student government as the Cultural Events Coordinator.

Applying the lessons

Currently, Michelle's most substantial goal is balancing her leadership commitments with maintaining an academic record that will likely earn her entrance to the medical school of her choice. As a pediatrician, Michelle plans to apply, not only her scientific knowledge, but the many lessons she has learned about race and leadership. Michelle also plans to relate her increased understanding of her own uniqueness to continue making an impact on those around her. "I hope to be a role model for young African-American girls. I want them to know that they too can be successful."

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