This is Mallika Jasmine Insaard, Jasmine for short, she's studying International Studies and Psychology. I'm my interview with her we discussed a variety of topics, but primarily focused on her experiences at U of M as a first generation student. She talked about how her racial identity, as a Thai woman, has helped when it comes friends but that it has been hard being at a PWI (predominantly white institution) and feeling like her voice is minimized within the institution and throughout academic spaces and her experience feeling imposter syndrome.
(Q1) How has your sense of identity evolved during your time at U of M, a PWI? Have there been pivotal moments or experiences that contributed to this evolution?
I’ve definitely grown a lot more comfortable in my own skin, especially because I also come from a predominantly white town in the south. The most pivotal moment was finding a group of people who looked like me, but also shared similar interests, values, and experiences. They’ve become my second family here at the University.
(Q2) How do other aspects of your identity, intersect with your racial or cultural identity in your experiences at U of M?
I’m the first in my family to attend a four-year institution, so college itself was already a huge barrier for me. Adding on to that obstacle as an Asian American at a PWI, I’ve definitely had some pretty challenging moments in college, especially in regards to imposter syndrome and feeling like I’ll never fit in with the general UofM population. However, there are so many students who share those struggles and talking to them about our intersected identities have truly helped guide me on my journey to finding myself.
(Q3) What advice would you give to incoming students of color to help them navigate their PWI experience more successfully and authentically?
The only advice I can give is to take it day by day. College at a PWI is tough, and it may feel like it never gets easier, but you’ll look back and see how much you’ve grown and how much adversity you’ve overcome. Be proud of that.