CONTINUING ALBERTUS’ MERCURY AWARD-WINNING BLOG SERIES ON BLACK BRILLIANCE
Malcolm Duncanson ‘25 is a General Health Science major at Albertus Magnus College. He was raised in West Haven, Connecticut, and is working towards becoming a pediatric nurse.
Malcolm is proud to both be a Black American and also of Caribbean descent. With Jamaican parents, Malcolm grew up with a culture that is a reflection of the Black diaspora. Growing up, he loved that his culture focused on family and community, and he sees that sense of community at Albertus. In high school, he noticed that his home experience was different from his peers because of his culture. As he got older, he realized that those cultural differences didn’t alienate him but rather made him who he is today.
Malcolm is a transfer student from a larger institution; despite this, he adapted to Albertus quickly. He became well acquainted with his peers, professors, and staff here in a short period of time. Malcolm believes that despite Black students being a minority at Albertus, the size of the student body allows for himself and other students of color to build a community.
“ There is a beauty in being able to see the same faces every day at 12:15 pm in the cafeteria; you build camaraderie really quickly at Albertus despite cultural differences.”
Unfortunately, Malcolm has also experienced struggles with microaggressions and stereotypes as a Black man in America. He recalls an experience where his academic achievements were overlooked, and instead, he was referred to as “just a basketball player.” While Malcolm excels in basketball, he also does not let it define him. He is aware that oftentimes, society confines Black men to certain career paths– producing music or being a basketball player. Daily, he fights to break these stereotypes, but he also finds peace by repeating to himself this quote:
“ You cannot let things that are outside of your control define who you are.”
During the winter intersession, Malcolm was a part of a select few students who participated in a CNA course at Gaylord Specialty Healthcare. The program consisted of 40 hours of online coursework and on-site hospital work and resulted in a certificate of completion and the fulfillment of his internship credit. To Malcolm, the experience taught him valuable lessons that he will go on to use when he becomes a nurse. His instructor, Kristen Berg, RN, BSN, could not say enough positive things about him and stated that he was an excellent student who made a great impression.
In addition to helping others through his work as a CNA, Malcolm also participates in Albertus Magnus College’s Annual Service Day and gives back to the community. He enjoys community service because it was something instilled in him growing up. At last year’s Service Day, he participated in the planting and maintenance project for the Botanical Garden of Healing.
Despite facing challenges as a Black man, Malcolm has excelled socially, athletically, and academically. His success is a testament to his resilience and the Black Brilliance we celebrate at Albertus. To those reading this post, Malcolm wants to leave you with a word of encouragement:
“ To young Black students: undergraduate, graduate, traditional or non-traditional. Keep moving; do not let the opinions and assumptions of the outside world affect what you do and who you are. Stay focused, keep setting your goals, and you can achieve anything you want if you are steadfast. You are so much more than what society says you are”.