Reading Reflection #2
Melissa Elizalde
Section A01
April 6th, 2014
A Response to "Fighting the Tower: A Call to Action for Women in Academia"
by: Kieu-Linh Caroline Valverde
I thought Professor Valverde's article was awe-inspiring and motivational. Seldom do we as university students get to peek into the lives of our professors and faculty and get an inside look into the bureaucracy that is the university system. I commend our professor for having the courage to write about her journey and willingness to share her story in hopes of furthering the movement for women in academia.
One of the most interesting pieces of information I found was the idea that even within a group or organization that you belong to there are still individuals that discriminate against you despite your shared interests or identities. The professor's struggles within the Asian American Studies Department serve as testament to this idea.
Another interesting idea that was discussed was the idea of turning isolation into solidarity. I really enjoyed reading about the journey that our professor went through in realizing that she was not alone in her struggles and that there were other women that faced similar discrimination within the institution. I particularly enjoyed when she described that we as individuals are "neither incompetent nor alone"(39). I believe this is an idea that more professors should teach and express to their students.
Lastly, I completely agree with the professor's description of the "imposter syndrome." Often times as a minority student I feel as members of my racial group were chosen to fill a quota and not chosen because of our accomplishments and work. Hopefully with time I will be able to recognize that my accomplishments qualify me to be apart of this institution. Until then, I will join in the solidarity of the women of this academic institution and Fight the Tower!
Question 1: Have you ever been affected by the "imposter syndrome"?
Question 2: What do you think of the professor's decision to share her story with us?
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