Personal Narrative: Personal Identity

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Holding my prayer matt and my green passport, I rushed towards the US Border Security when I was called out for an additional security check. It made me ponder over my identity that is often stigmatized in some western communities – being a Muslim woman of color. Getting called out for no obvious reason made me feel like an outsider. Do I have to leave behind my identity to adjust in this new atmosphere? From my experiences as a Muslim female student here, I can testify how challenging it can be for students with specific identities to adjust in a predominantly American college. When I was welcomed by my IOLs, I realized that I don’t need to let go of my identity to flourish at Williams. Their attitude instilled in me the level of confidence …show more content…
Coupled with the cordial attitude of my IOLs, the meaningful activities during the orientation also helped me a lot to be confident about myself. I found ‘Step in the circle’ the most meaningful because it served three distinct aims: to make us familiar with each other, to allow us to own our identities that often made us feel uncomfortable, and to make us realize that despite all the differences we all share a desire to accept and a need to be accepted. However, after the orientation, I noticed that the international community might be subject to racism sometimes, and for that sake, I wish to see more information sessions during the orientation to inform students of these realities. I believe it will help them to take a stand against such prejudices. If selected, my aim as an IOL will be to engage in a constant effort to strengthen the international community. I plan to organize monthly discussions for the international students where they can discuss any complications they face at Williams. To make it effective, I will ask Student Government to be involved in these discussions and forward the concerns of the international community to Williams’s administration. Furthermore, I also plan to design a cultural exhibition where students will be allowed to highlight their distinct cultures in a fine manner. Open to every student and faculty member at Williams, this exhibition could potentially inhibit the growth …show more content…
So reflecting on my standing at Williams, I’m majoring in Economics and Political Science. Academically, I am a Research Assistant for Economics. Non-academically, I am an active member of the Muslim Students Union (MSU). It helps me remain close to my identity. I have worked with the MSU to organize multiple conferences that aim to help Muslim students integrate well at Williams. I also work with the Refugee Resettlement Club and during this winter, I will be interviewing many Syrian refugees in the States to fight the stigma around their presence here. Also, I am an ardent member of the Circle of Women. In COW, we have worked on the fundraising for schools for underprivileged girls in Kenya and
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