Before transferring to California State University, Bakersfield, from Taft College, I felt I would finally be in an accepting environment because, from what I could see on social media, CSUB seemed like an inclusive college campus.  

Like many students, purchasing merchandise with my school’s logo on it made me feel elated. I wanted nothing more than to support a school in my community that would help support me as I worked toward my future degree as a secondary teacher. However, those feelings quickly dissipated as I walked through the newly renovated Runner Bookstore and mentally noted the clothing options in my size. 

Although CSUB offers more plus-size options on its website, it can take away from the convenience of an in-person shopping experience, especially if a student is looking for a size larger than a 2X.  

As of Sep. 15, 2023, less than twenty percent of CSUB’s designs at the Runner Bookstore are available for students in need of 3X clothing. And this applies to more than just t-shirts and sweatshirts but every variation of clothing offered on campus.  

This realization flooded me with an all too familiar sense of embarrassment, but I tried to ignore it and focus on a gift for my parents because I wanted nothing more than to surprise them with t-shirts. After all, CSUB offers designs for the parents of CSUB students.  

As I sifted through the clothing sizes, I noticed that every design for CSUB parents only went up to 2X. Luckily, these were the sizes my parents needed, but only some students would walk away with a gift in hand.  

“I arrived at CSUB as a first-generation student, eager to show my proud parents the spirit of our school by buying them CSUB shirts. Finding my mom’s shirt in the bookstore was a breeze, but when it came to my dad, who needed plus-size options, it was a different story. The limited selection of plus-size shirts in the bookstore forced me to resort to online shopping. Yet, even there, the frustration persisted because his size remained elusive. It’s disheartening that our campus bookstore doesn’t offer more inclusive sizing, making it difficult for everyone to proudly represent our school,” said Giselle Degante, psychology student and vice president of the National Society of Leadership and Success here at CSUB.  

Unfortunately, Degante’s experience is, very relatable, and her words reveal that the bookstore’s decisions affect not only myself and my family but other students and their loved ones. CSUB needs to be more inclusive with their available clothing sizes in the future, not only for students but so that parental figures can show off their child as a CSUB Roadrunner.  

In addition to this issue, CSUB should consider making one more change for the plus-size students in our Runner community. 

Across campus, classrooms in the Dorothy Donahoe Hall, Business Development Center, and Education buildings, to name a few, only offer smaller desks for students.  

As someone who sits at those desks three days a week, I often feel extremely uncomfortable, which takes my focus away from my lectures because there is no alternative to them. Though I am able to sit down at these desks, not every plus-size student can say the same, which poses the question: what should they do? 

Tell the professor in front of the entire class? 

Or should they leave and be responsible for figuring out a different way to attend classes? 

In an article titled “Desks in academic buildings are inaccessible for many students, changes needed,” Lexi Meola delves further into this idea, saying, “Plus-size students may (. . .) have trouble with these chairs because the desk tops do not provide much space to sit comfortably.” 

Following this thought, Meola said, “For students who are both tall and plus-size, these desks are a nightmare.” 

As a current plus-size student at CSUB, I agree with Meola wholeheartedly. Next year, I am going to be a senior, and I would love to spend my last two semesters sitting at desks that allow me to focus; I am sure others would agree with me. CSUB needs to help make that happen, even if it takes time. I would love for future plus-size Roadrunners to experience college life without facing these unnecessary challenges, too.