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I remember the first time that I disclosed my Indigenous identity in a class. The students that were sitting around me almost did, what seemed to be, an over-exaggerated double-take that practically took their necks out and made their eyes pop out of their heads.

According to diversity researchers in higher education, many graduate students who identify as Black, Indigenous and racialized across North America share unwelcoming and isolating experiences in academia. Barriers to their academic success include racism, discrimination, alienation, and a lack of resources and institutional support, among many others.

To help break down these barriers, the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences (CSAHS) is introducing a new leadership position that will further the College's goals in anti-racism, equity, and accountability.

"What do you do when you give so much of yourself to one label or identity that you forget about all the others?"

While working her way through academia, Katie Pothier unintentionally learned more about herself than she ever expected. Katie discusses her experience of having a false idea of her identity, losing it all, and eventually discovering her true self through the pursuit of a master's degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice Policy.