Sunday, March 17, 2013

Mother/Daughter Walmart Phenomenon

Lately, I've become very conscious of a mother/daughter phenomenon at Walmart. It's the adult daughter with the mother shopping together. For me, it's my mom in a Walmart mobile shopping cart and me following close by trying to get her to move on. For others, it's the mom pushing the cart and the daughter in tow.

As I pass these pairs, I make eye contact and give a smile to one or both of the couple. To the daughter, I try and communicate - I know how you're feeling. Try and be patient and don't raise your voice.

To the mom, I try and communicate - I know this is not the kind of situation you thought you'd be in. The role reversal and the feeling of disempowerment. Yes, you are still the mom. Sometimes, you have to remind us of this.

The cart will be filled with items like Poise Pads and Depends. You're shopping at Walmart, so you know that budgets are tight, and that if you could shop other places - you would. But for now, it's Walmart.

My last trip with mom, I let her roam around without me hovering and I did some work at the in-store Subway. Trying to give her the freedom to roam at her own pace; giving me less frustration. I thought it worked out well.

There's Not a Card for That

So, I recently found out that I did not get accepted into a Ph.D. program for higher education. Yes, I'm kind of bummed out. I thought this was the right time for me both personally, professionally, and academically. I've been a practitioner now in higher ed for over 12 years, and I realized that I wanted the research practice and to offer my contributions to the academic field. I had heard that the program had gotten a lot more selective in the past few years - trying to raise its own academic reputation as well as increase its finishing rates.

As I started the application process, I found myself being "in the closet" in a way. Telling only certain people that I was applying (of course those I was requesting letters of recommendation, and even my director/supervisor once I got an interview). But, it was this weird space of... I want to tell you, but I also don't want to tell you, because then, if I don't get it - then, I'll have to tell you that I didn't get in.

However, I also wanted the support of my friends, etc. as I anxiously waited.

Then, I got the e-mail confirming... that I was not accepted. Then the official letter.

I've lately been thinking, I should throw myself a "FU (insert program name here); Their Loss" party with cake and everything. I could then ask my friends and guests where they see are my future paths, skills, and talents. Something affirming.

In a way, it's not entirely the end of the world. Not getting in made me self-reflect on really what were my reasons and intentions of grad school. I also got the experience of taking the GREs for the first time - so now I can better empathize with the undergrads I know taking them.

For those out there who also did not get accepted (and only you know who you are), loves and hugs. Remember, it's not just about you. There were other factors considered most likely out of your control. And, I'm working on on a Hallmark card for this situation like ours as you read!

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Where are the Asian American Staff at UIC?

On Thursday, February 28, the UIC Chancellor's Committee on the Status of Asian Americans (CCSAA) held an Asian American Community Forum to bring awareness of various issues significantly affecting not only the Asian American (but all) students, faculty, staff, and alumni at UIC. Approximately 60 people attended with a huge turnout from students.

While there were many issues presented, one particular concerning issue that stood out to me was the severe lack of Asian American staff in student service positions. I've been at UIC for nearly eight years now, and I've always made it a point to connect and build community with other Asian American faculty and staff. When thinking about those I knew - especially in student affairs - I could count them all on two hands.

Elvin Chan of AARCC presents the dismal numbers of
Asian American staff at UIC.
During the Community Forum, Chan presented the numbers from 2010 data (2012 data will soon be released). It was unacceptable, horrifying, and depressing. My feelings soon went into anger and frustration of WHY?

Some brainstorming of why there aren't more Asian American staff in student service positions:
  • There is still not a solid pipeline for undergrads to understand student affairs work as a career.
  • Lack of mentoring for Asian American staff
  • 'Asian American Glass Ceiling' effect for those few who are working in student affairs; not being promoted; thus, leaving the field
  • More and more, colleges and universities are pushing industry-specific career paths due to economy; for example, major in K-12 education, so you can be a teacher. Student affairs careers have always had the challenge of - what is the major for student affairs? It usually comes from your student leadership in co-curricular activities and then, if you're lucky, an entry level first job at a higher ed institution. Or maybe, you'll enter an M.Ed graduate program.
  • Lack of tracking with data. I now would LOVE to know the data from multiple years. Let's go back to 2000. Then, we need to make this public in a number of spaces with strategic planning for changing these numbers.
  • People don't see the need for Asian American staff, because they don't count Asian Americans in race and diversity issues. This is still part of the Model Minority Myth that continues today.
  • People think there aren't Asian American staff for this job pool - wrong. By doing a national search with target marketing with Asian American communities and/or being open to Asian Americans from other fields with transferable skills, there will be qualified candidates.
This is a human resources and diversity issue. It is also a retention, recruitment, and graduation issue for students. From the Forum, it was clear, that the sentiment is not that just because there is an Asian American staff person, all Asian American students will be funneled to them. No. However, some to many students might. And even, some to many non-Asian American students will also gain great advice from them due to the other skills, talents, and experiences.

Until now, I've never been an active participant of the CCSAA, but this issue has made me want to be involved. If you want to be involved, I welcome you to join me. CCSAA meets the first Wednesday of every month during the academic year.