Identity, Perception, and Belonging
This mini case study is designed to help undergraduate students critically reflect on the complex, real-world challenges they may encounter during community engaged experiences of various kinds. After reviewing the focus themes and objectives, students should carefully read the scenario and then engage with the discussion questions. Prompts to guide discussion, along with facilitator notes, are included.
Summary
Exploring the internal impact of having one’s identity questioned and the challenge of maintaining a sense of self when perceived as an “other.”
Case Type: Reflective
Reflective cases are internally oriented. These cases invite reflection on one’s own place in community engaged work. They typically will not have clear ‘right’ answers and are open to many interpretations.
This case follows a student who experiences a microaggression from a staff member at their service site. While this scenario demands immediate practical responses, the text below focuses exclusively on the internal dimensions of identity, belonging, and emotional impact. For a focus on actionable strategies and conflict management, please see the companion case: “Navigating Microaggressions in the Field.”
Learning Objectives
- Reflect on the emotional toll of having one’s identity or citizenship constantly questioned.
- Explore the tension between how we view ourselves and how the world views us.
- Analyze how “othering” impacts a student’s motivation and ability to serve authentically.
- Develop internal resilience strategies for when external validation is missing.
Scenario
Rohit is a rising junior studying economics and theology. Rohit is ethnically Indian but was born in and has lived his whole life in Colorado. His father was also born in the US, and his mother immigrated from India when she was a child. Rohit identifies deeply as an American student eager to serve abroad.
Rohit and two other students, Daniel and Maria, are working with a nonprofit focused on food insecurity in Central America. The staff treats Daniel and Maria (who are white) with an immediate acceptance of their “American-ness.” However, at dinner one night, one of the nonprofit staff members says, “Rohit, I feel like we don’t know much about you yet, can you tell us more about where you’re from?”
When he replies, “I’m from the state of Colorado, we’ve talked about this a few times,” the staff member responds, “You know that’s not what I mean, tell us about where you’re really from.”
Rohit feels a familiar sinking feeling in his stomach. He understands the curiosity, but the question makes him feel like an imposter in his own group. He came here to work on food insecurity, yet he is being forced to do the emotional labor of explaining his existence. He looks at his peers, who fit the local stereotype of “American volunteers,” and feels a sudden, sharp distance from them. He wonders if he will ever truly belong in these spaces or if he will always be seen as a foreigner, even by the people he is trying to partner with. He questions if his desire to serve is enough to overcome the exhaustion of constantly explaining who he is.
Discussion Questions
- How does a seemingly small incident, like the dinner conversation affect one’s sense of belonging, confidence, or engagement?
- Why does this interaction sting more than just a simple misunderstanding? What is it signaling to Rohit about his belonging?
- How might this experience shift Rohit’s internal motivation? Is it fair to expect him to “brush it off” and focus on the work?
- Rohit feels a distance forming between him and his white peers (Daniel and Maria). How does privilege shape our experience of “immersion”?
- How do you process the emotion of being misunderstood by the very people you are trying to connect with?
- If Rohit feels angry or hurt, what are healthy ways for him to process those emotions internally?
- How does one hold onto their own identity when the environment refuses to validate it?
- How might Daniel and Maria, as Rohit’s community members, become part of this reflection?
Facilitator Consideration
- ENCOURAGE OPENNESS. Acknowledge that this can be a vulnerable topic and encourage active listening, respect, and confidentiality.
- VALIDATE EMOTION. Ensure students understand that Rohit’s frustration is valid. The focus here is not on fixing the staff member, but on caring for Rohit’s internal state.
- IDENTITY COMPLEXITY. Use this to discuss the “perpetual foreigner” myth. How does it feel to be a citizen on paper but a foreigner in perception?
- IMPACT OVER INTENT. Avoid letting the conversation become about intent. Center the impact on the person experiencing harm. Discuss how we process the gap between someone’s “innocent curiosity” and the heavy impact it can have on us.
- RESILIENCE. Discuss how students of color often have to build different kinds of resilience in field placements than their white peers. How can we honor that extra labor?
Closing Questions
- What is one thing you learned or thought about differently regarding the unique challenges of service for students of color?
- How can we cultivate a sense of internal belonging that isn’t dependent on how others perceive us?
