I am a first generation Nigerian American. I definitely feel like my upbringing had influenced my educational journey. My whole family are refugees and my parents have both went to college and my dad has a Master's degree. I feel like a lot of POCs can understand the pressure of your family back in your homeland puts on you if you do not become successful while living in America; not going to college wasn't an option. My parents have instilled hard work into me and have encouraged me to pick careers that makes a lot of money. Hence why I am here.
My identity has influenced my feelings of belonging in STEM. I believe I am just as smart but my first goal was art. I always wanted to be a singer with a fashion design line as a child. Because of that dream, I noticed I am not as enthusiastic about STEM as my peers but I still love biology a lot. Also it is not rare to find another Nigerian or African person in STEM but they are mostly males. It's hard to even find other females of different ethnic backgrounds in STEM, so I do feel out of place a lot.
Hi Akeeh, I just found out your blog, and I am happy to find another African on here. My name is Peniella, from East Africa. So, now you are not the only one here. I also feel you when you say you don't meet or encounter many female Africans in STEM Majors. I feel like there is more of us nowadays than we used to be. STEM is fun!
ReplyDeleteAlso, I recently heard that Nigerians are on the lead in education amongst the US black students, so that's a good thing as well. It shows how determined and hard working they are. Keep it up!