Latina at a PWI

Attending a predominantly white institution, or PWI for short, can be challenging. These institutions demonstrate the lack of diversity and representation there may be in certain environments. As a Latina, entering these spaces can be difficult. Being away from home in an environment with little diversity can be disheartening, and adjusting to it can also be difficult. 

These are some of the following experiences that a lot of Latinas face when attending a PWI: 

Culture shock and lack of representation

Culture shock is a feeling you get when you are subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life or different attitudes. When you were constantly surrounded by people who looked like you and spoke your language growing up, entering a space where it is the complete opposite can be a bit scary and discouraging. As a Latina student, it can be really surprising to enter spaces where the rest of the students come from a different lifestyle than that of your own. Being in spaces where you don't see people that look like you can be hard. When walking into a classroom, we hardly see anyone that may look like us. Sometimes we may feel like it’s our job to educate others about culture, proper terminology and language, but it is not our job to do so. There are enough resources out there for people to educate themselves. 

Microaggressions and discrimination

The term “microaggression” is used to describe everyday subtle, intentional or unintentional behavior or interactions towards others. Discrimination is treating some people differently from others based on things such as ethnicity, age, sex or disability. Microaggressions and discrimination can be subtle, but it doesn't make them any less wrong. Some may make assumptions about your abilities or even your accent. They may assume, sometimes incorrectly, your identity. It can be discouraging to feel uncomfortable to speak Spanish because of the looks some people give.
 

Impostor syndrome

Impostor syndrome happens when you feel anxious, as well as feeling like you are unqualified. In this, case impostor syndrome in an environment such as a PWI can feel like you don't fit in or belong. You could even doubt your abilities and what you have accomplished. Some typical signs of impostor syndrome include lack of confidence, crediting your accomplishments to other factors such as luck, overachieving and criticizing your own success. 

It can be hard to adapt to a predominantly white institution at first, and you might struggle to feel like you belong there or that you deserve to be there. There are resources on campus that you can reach out to for help. You are not alone. Always remember that you worked hard to get to where you are. You deserve to be there.