Understanding Isn’t the Same as Experiencing

One thing I wish everyone understood about my experience as a marginalized individual in both academia and the workplace is that inclusion goes far beyond just being welcomed into a space. It’s about being seen, heard, and valued without needing to shrink parts of who I am to fit into the society. As someone navigating systems where my ethnicity, language, and cultural background are not the default, I often find myself having to interpret my experience; not just in terms of my language alone, but emotionally and socially to be taken seriously.

For example, there have been moments when I felt the need to explain myself more than others, especially in academic settings. For instance, when I speak with a non-North American accent, some people assume I’m less knowledgeable or struggle with comprehension, even though I’m fully fluent. I’ve also encountered micro aggressions like surprise at my academic performance or comments implying I’m “so articulate,” which feel patronizing rather than complimentary. These moments have shaped how I navigate spaces and advocate for myself as a Black student.

There is a quiet exhaustion that comes with always having to explain your opinion or justify your perspectives. It shows up when my accent is met with subtle judgment, when my knowledge is overlooked, or when diversity is celebrated on paper but not practiced in action. People often assume that creating inclusive spaces just means not being discriminatory, but what’s missing is the process of unlearning biases and breaking down systems that were not built for people like me in the first place. What I truly wish for is that more people ask questions, listen without defensiveness, and recognize that accessibility and equity are not extras; they are foundational. Belonging is not just about letting us in the room, it’s about redesigning the room together.

By BS, Student

Feeling left out

I have felt excluded in a class I had once. In the class, I was the only person who was from a different cultural background, and it felt like everyone would rather have conversations with each other, except me. I responded by trying my best to move out of my comfort zone as a shy person by reaching out to people, but even with that; I felt like most of my efforts were in vain as although they answered my questions, it just ended there with me being the only person trying to keep the conversation going. At some point, even the professor noticed and would try to put me in groups to work with people and encourage the class to work with people they do not know. However, I saw only very few changes as people were quick to speak in their cultural language, even while we all should be working together, making me feel excluded and left out even more. This experience made me aware of how subtle exclusion can be, especially when it’s unintentional. It also made me realise that we may need to talk more about inclusion and how we practice that in our day-to-day lives and our professional or academic environment, in order for us to create more ways to combat the issue of excluding people.

In terms of how the instructor handled the situation, I do think they made an effort. They tried to encourage students to work with different classmates and noticed when I was being left out. That said, I think the situation could have benefited from more intentional activities that encouraged more inclusive collaboration for marks. As someone who is naturally shy, it was difficult to keep pushing myself to engage when the environment didn’t always feel open.

Regarding microaggressions, yes, I’ve had an experience in a classroom setting. One example that comes to mind is when people assume that, because I’m Nigerian, I must know a lot about Kenya or other African countries. While it might seem like just small comments, I believe it reflects a broader assumption that all African countries are the same or interchangeable, which overlooks the cultural richness and diversity within the continent. It ends up being frustrating to have my individual identity flattened like that, even when it’s meant as a casual or even complimentary remark.

By Catherine, Student

Being judged before I even speak

As someone who is a first-generation Canadian with Tamil-Malaysian heritage, I’ve learned that sometimes people judge you before you even speak. I don’t have an accent. I was born and raised here but the moment I enter a room, whether it is a classroom or a professional setting, it is as if there is already a story written about me based on how I look.

The energy shifts. People glance over like, “Look at this guy,” before I’ve said a word. Sometimes the judgment doesn’t even come from outright words, it’s in the small comments. I’ll say I’m from Tsawwassen, and people go, “No, but where are you really from?” As if where I was born or raised isn’t enough. It’s subtle, but it chips away at your sense of belonging. You start to realize people don’t always see you as fully Canadian, even if this is all you’ve ever known.

During a group project I observed how I put in equal effort yet found myself excluded from presentation responsibilities. The group members avoided direct statements yet their actions revealed they had low expectations about my abilities. Being underestimated has become a frequent experience that I wish I could forget. I chose to move forward instead of stepping back so I decided to lean in. I’ve also had times where I came up with a great idea, one that really could have moved the project forward but when it came time to share it, the credit went to someone else. They assumed it was theirs. I felt the weight of that, knowing the idea was mine, but it wasn’t even about ego. It was the principle of it, I was overlooked because of my identity. Instead of pulling back, I decided to lean in. I volunteered to present our final pitch and made sure my voice was heard not out of ego, but to remind myself (and them) that I belonged in that space.

I’ve learned that proving myself shouldn’t be necessary, but sometimes, taking up space with quiet confidence is the most powerful response. People may doubt you, but as long as you know your worth, you don’t need anyone’s approval to show up.

I’ve seen my mom take it on the chin and grind through it, so I know if she can push through, I can too. Why can’t I prove myself like she did? It still stings sometimes, knowing you have to work twice as hard just to be seen. But I don’t let it define me, I use it as motivation. Every great was judged for better or worse. Hating on greatness is nothing new. Whether it’s Jordan, Curry, or Tom Brady people talk. I’m just writing my version of the story, and if I have to be doubted before I’m respected, so be it.

By Danesh, Student

Stereotypes in the classroom

I have encountered both positive and negative situations where I and other international students have had to prove their abilities because of stereotypes. It had a very negative impact on me and my confidence. I felt as if I was lesser than my counterpart students.

So for one of my courses in Computer  Information Systems diploma, I had a programming class. The professor gave us a 7 pm submission deadline for the following day. The majority of the strength for that class was international students. We all requested the professor to move the deadline to midnight so that we would have more time to work on it. However, the professor refused to move the deadline and said something that disturbed me deeply. He said that most of you are not going to do it yourself and will just pay someone to do it. I know you guys just care about your work and do not take studies seriously. I was deeply hurt by his words. I was an A+ student and in his good books. He was very knowledgeable and I had huge respect for him. but after this incident, he lost my respect. I felt insulted as a member of international student community. There are black sheep everywhere but labelling one whole community responsible for a wrong deed is stereotypical and not logical.

I also have a positive experience. I was taking an elective course for my program. the professor was very considerate and he praised all international students for working hard and paying their tuition fees on their own. He would even give everyone extensions on deadlines if we emailed on time and had valid reasons. He told all the students that they can approach him if they need any aid or help in studies and career. This was a really nice gesture and made me admire the professor more. I really like how he made everyone feel included and appreciated.

I would like to encourage everybody to not have stereotypes and hold prejudices against people. Just because one person or a few people have a particular trait does not mean that the whole community possesses that trait. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect and given a fair chance to showcase their talent and abilities without undue pressure or the need to prove their worth.

By Eshwarjot, Student

Feeling unwelcome

The cumulative impact of structural barriers on the daily lives, goals, and sense of belonging of marginalized individuals in academia and the workplace is critical for everyone to understand including students, faculty, and employers. Marginalization often manifests through subtle yet harmful mechanisms like microaggressions, unconscious biases, and institutional practices that perpetuate inequity, beyond overt discrimination. As a result, marginalized individuals frequently expend significant emotional and mental energy navigating spaces where they must constantly prove their value or authenticity.

In education, students from diverse backgrounds often feel isolated or unwelcome, especially in environments lacking diverse faculty or peers. They may face biases about their abilities or struggle with imposter syndrome due to the undervaluation of their contributions. Similarly, marginalized faculty members often bear disproportionate service responsibilities, such as mentoring underrepresented students or serving on diversity committees, which can limit their time for research and career advancement.

In professional environments, individuals from marginalized groups may face prejudices during the hiring process, promotions, and performance reviews. They frequently experience exclusion from informal networks that are essential for mentorship and career advancement. Additionally, they might be reluctant to address inequalities due to the fear of being perceived as “difficult” or risking retaliation.

Fostering inclusivity requires an understanding of these interactions. It calls for empathy, careful listening, and commitment to progressive change, including the adoption of mentorship programs, fair hiring procedures, and bias training. Institutions and individuals can create situations where everyone, not just the wealthy few, may succeed by addressing these systemic obstacles.

By Akarsh, Student

Second guessing my sense of belonging

When I enter a classroom or workplace and recognize that I am different from others, my thoughts  vary depending on the nature of that difference. If I walk into a room and I’m the only brown person among students or colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds, I don’t think much of it, as everyone is culturally different in their own way, and no single group feels dominant. However, when I walk into a space where everyone else seems to share the same cultural background, I sometimes feel a bit uncertain. My initial thoughts might be whether I’m in the right place or whether I’ll be accepted, even though I’m a born and bred Canadian who has never personally experienced racism. I’ve always felt accepted regardless of my identity, but being the only person of colour in a monocultural environment can still make me second-guess my belonging, at least initially. Likewise, walking into a classroom or workplace as the only male can make me feel slightly out of place at first. While it doesn’t affect me as strongly as cultural difference might, it can still create a brief moment of doubt about whether I truly fit in. These feelings don’t linger as I go about my day, but they do surface at the beginning. Fortunately, living in a multicultural and inclusive society like Canada makes it easier to move past those thoughts whether they stem from cultural differences or gender, and I usually remind myself that everyone belongs, including me.

By Ranvir Grewal, Student

Being proud of my culture while adapting to new ways

As an international student from India, balancing my culture with the expectations of studying in Canada has been both hard and exciting. In India, education is often about listening to the teacher, but here, we are expected to talk, share ideas, and work in groups. At first, I felt nervous because I am kind of introvert. During my first group project, I stayed quiet because I worried my ideas were not good enough. But later, I realized my classmates liked hearing my perspective. Slowly, I started sharing more, and it made me feel confident.

Cultural assumptions have also been part of my experience. For example, a classmate once asked me to explain an Indian festival like Holi, assuming I was an expert on everything about India. While I appreciated their interest, I used the moment to explain India’s diversity and how it’s impossible for one person to represent all aspects of our culture. I have also faced some comments on my Indian accent as well.

To stay connected to my culture, I cook Indian food like parathas and biryani, which reminds me of my family. At the same time, I enjoy learning about Canadian traditions. For example, I once joined a Thanksgiving dinner and later invited my friends to celebrate Diwali with me. These moments taught me that I can mix both cultures without losing my identity.

My journey has been tough but rewarding. I’ve learned to be proud of my culture while adapting to new ways of learning and living.

By Divyam, Student

Although I spoke, not everything on my mind was said

I find the language barrier and being an introvert to be the most challenging part of my life. Some classes I attended sometimes made me feel invisible or excluded, maybe because I was the only person who was different from everyone else. This made me feel isolated and alone.

Sometimes, I felt I had to learn how to cope with my introverted nature and not let it control me. I needed to be open to meeting new people and trying new things. However, a language barrier can complicate things. Whenever I am in a class or a group, I have trouble sharing my ideas or my words. Although I spoke, not everything on my mind was said. There are so many things I want to say but I cannot speak them out loud because I am too scared to embarrass myself until I am alone and no one can talk to me. Sometimes, I had to think deeply about the English translation of this word or sometimes try to figure out whether or not my English is okay. Those things are making me a loner.

Although I’ve lived in this country for so long, English still a challenging language for me. Both at school and at work.

By Vince, Student

My voice matters, even if my approach is different

As an international student from India living and studying in Surrey, BC, I have often found myself navigating the delicate balance between preserving my cultural identity and meeting the expectations of academia in a new environment. While this journey has been challenging, it has also been transformative, teaching me resilience and adaptability.

One of the most significant challenges I faced was adjusting to a learning style that differed greatly from what I was accustomed to in India. I remember my first group discussion in class vividly. It was about analyzing a case study, and everyone seemed confident and vocal. I hesitated to share my thoughts, afraid that my ideas might not align with others’. However, I soon realized that my unique perspective as someone with a different cultural and educational background was valued. After some initial hesitation, I began to contribute, starting with smaller points. Over time, as I gained more confidence, I found myself actively participating and even leading discussions in later projects. This experience taught me that my voice matters, even if my approach is different.

Another challenge was dealing with cultural misunderstandings or assumptions. For instance, during a class presentation, a peer asked me if I could explain a traditional Indian dance form—assuming that as an Indian, I would be well-versed in every aspect of our culture. While I laughed it off, I used the moment to explain India’s incredible diversity and how no single individual could fully represent it. Similarly, I’ve had peers comment on my accent, not out of malice but curiosity. Initially, these moments made me feel self-conscious, but I learned to turn them into opportunities for dialogue. I would explain how linguistic diversity is part of my upbringing, where switching between Hindi, Punjabi, and English is natural, and these interactions often ended with mutual respect and understanding.

Maintaining my cultural identity has been especially important in my daily life. On weekends, I visit the local Gurudwara, where I find a sense of peace and belonging. I recall one visit where I met another student from my hometown, and we instantly connected over shared experiences of homesickness and adjusting to life in Canada. That connection reminded me of how comforting it is to share our roots with others, even thousands of miles from home. The Gurudwara has become not only a spiritual refuge but also a space where I feel deeply connected to my community and heritage.

At the same time, I have embraced aspects of Canadian culture that resonate with me, such as openness, inclusivity, and the importance of work-life balance. I remember my first Thanksgiving dinner invitation from a Canadian friend’s family. I was touched by their warmth and hospitality, and it gave me a glimpse into their traditions. I reciprocated by inviting them to celebrate Diwali with me, sharing sweets and stories about its significance. These exchanges helped me see that adapting to a new culture doesn’t mean losing your own; it’s about mutual respect and learning from one another.

Balancing my cultural identity with the expectations of academia has not been easy, but it has been deeply rewarding. These experiences have taught me the importance of staying authentic while remaining open to change. My journey as an international student has not only shaped me academically but also strengthened my cultural pride and global outlook.

By Amanpreet, Student

Staying grounded in my values

As an international student from India studying in Canada, balancing my cultural identity with academic and workplace expectations has been both a challenge and an enriching experience. Coming from a vibrant culture rooted in tradition, I have learned to merge my values with the demands of a new environment. One key aspect of this balance is adaptability. That is, embracing the independence and critical thinking emphasized in Canadian academia while staying grounded in the collectivist values of community and respect that define my upbringing.

In the academic space, I have found that sharing my cultural perspective enhances classroom discussions, offering unique insights on issues like sustainability, diversity, and leadership. At the same time, I’ve embraced new learning methods, such as collaborative projects and open dialogue, which are different from more hierarchical approaches in India.

In the workplace, I strive to integrate the Sikh values of seva (selfless service) and hard work into my professional interactions. While navigating different communication styles, I remain respectful yet assertive, ensuring my voice is heard while honoring the cultural humility ingrained in me.

Balancing these two worlds has taught me the importance of cultural exchange—maintaining my roots while being open to learning and growing within a multicultural environment. This journey has not only deepened my appreciation for my heritage but also enriched my understanding of global perspectives, fostering both personal and professional growth.

By Suneet, Student

Finding a balance

The main thing, really, that is a challenge for me as an international student is finding a balance between my cultural identity and the expectations placed upon me by academia and the workplace. I feel so proud of my culture because I am from India, and then again, I learned how to adapt myself to an environment that was completely new for me in many ways-communication style, social behaviors, and academic expectations-all those things are quite different from what I had gotten used to.

Although I had never had any major difficulties, I was hesitant in the classroom to participate in discussions, as I always felt my accent or some other cultural reference might be misunderstood. Soon, however, I realized that sharing my perspective added much value to conversations. During group projects, I often bring up ideas inspired by my experiences in India, such as innovative problem-solving approaches or unique cultural insights, which my peers and instructors have appreciated.

This includes balancing at work how much respect for hierarchy and community-oriented collaboration mean to me and is part of my cultural value base with the Canadian way of getting things done: being direct and assertive. Balancing both worlds has been a challenge, but I’ve learned to handle it with confidence over time.

The most memorable, perhaps, was when during a casual conversation at work, somebody asked me about my heritage. Well, it has been great to share those stories, breaks the ice, and it helps us get closer to each other. Moments like these remind me that I need not hide myself to feel included. Instead, I can be myself while keeping an open mind to learning from others.

By Sushil, Student

Surviving in environments that were not designed for people like me

Something I think everyone should know is the true drain it is to always have to find ways to survive in environments that were not designed for people like you. For example, things like lacking effective materials and instructions for learners or using language that will lock out people of colour create barriers that even the person being barred may not be aware is happening but it can be very daunting. These barriers affect confidence, belonging and therefore achievement.

One may be judged and evaluated and seen primarily based on their belonging to a specific group or clan. For example, when professors ask me to talk about “the opinion of the culture that I am part of” then my opinions or skills then I start feeling like I am being put on a spotlight because I am brown. Even if the purpose is, quite clearly, conceived as benevolent, social media can be overwhelming and exclusive. And it’s a reminder that I am so different from what people expect a young woman to be.

By Pawanpreet, Student

My culture was being stereotyped to a single characteristic

One afternoon, as a freshman undergraduate here in Canada, there was a class discussion on different cultural traditions and how they shape our perspective. The professor asked each one of us to say something unique about our culture. I told the story of Diwali, or the festival of lights, how it signifies victory, hope, and togetherness.

While most of my peers were very interested and asked deep questions, one responded with a comment that sounded degrading: “Oh, it’s like your version of Christmas, right?” The richness of this tradition seemed to have been watered down to something he could quickly relate to. No malice was in his tone, but it left me with a feeling of being prejudged, as if my culture was being stereotyped to a single characteristic.

Instead of getting upset, I took that as an opportunity to explain that while there are some surface-level similarities in celebrations and lights, Diwali has its unique stories and meaning, deeply rooted in thousands of years of history. My professor supported me, reinforcing that we learn from each other through our lived experiences, not by making assumptions.

That moment taught me two things: first, the patience that must be used when trying to clear up misunderstandings in culture, and second, how much it really makes a difference when educators foster an inclusive space. This encouraged me to continue sharing my cultural identity, as well as being empathetic toward those who are still learning.

By Varnika, Student

Feeling Invisible

I would like to share my personal story which happened to me when I joined a marketing course last year. The time I experienced as if I was excluded and invisible in a group project with some Canadian classmates who are young, active, energetic and independent. During the project, we had several discussion meetings which made me stressful and challenging because my classmates treated me as an invisible person. They ignored my ideas and they even stopped me when I was expressing my feelings. Their behaviors leaded me to the feelings of isolation and self-doubt. I did not know how to adapt and communicate with them effectively. Yes, I cried as if a thirsty milk- baby.

I wondered the reason why and I certainly learnt how cultural differences in communication can lead to misunderstandings, especially when the way I spoke is unfamiliar with them. I thought how to stop this situation and manage this solution. I decided to change the style of communication by writing with them in WhatsApp. I expressed with my classmates about my limited ability including English skills and please accept my weakness that I had a chance to contribute to group. They responded to me by saying “sorry“, and after that they listened to me and  co-operated well as one of the best performance groups.

I realized that the key to respond in such situations is to escape your-self out of their ignorance and try to improve your performance. Don’t you believe that the word they told me at the end of the presentation “Thu, you did very well” and I smiled with them and said “Thank you”. At least, I won my-self by proving to them that “I can do it “.

By Thu, Student

Not belonging in the workplace

When I received an invitation for a job interview, it was challenging situations for me to prove my ability to secure a job in Canada due to language barriers. I hadn’t spoken much English at home. Before the interview day, I started researching how to prepare for a job interview and gained good advice from influencers on social media. I practice answering the questions provided by advisors and record myself on video to correct my pronunciation and prevent misunderstandings.

On the interview day, I was nervous, not confident, and stressed because I had to try very hard to present myself as qualified for the job requirements. I struggled with some questions that I didn’t understand and had not prepared the answer for, and my brain froze during the interview. Despite this, I received a job offer.

When I started working, I felt that I didn’t fit in the workplace. My team holds weekly meetings where everyone shares their work plans or problems and finds solutions as a team. I encountered a challenging situation every week because of my English, I needed to stay calm and work hard to speak clearly, often using body language to help my team understand my points. I felt isolated in the workplace due to my lack of confidence in communicating with colleagues and my fear of misunderstandings. This sometimes made me feel like I didn’t belong in the company. Additionally, during a brainstorming session, I had some ideas, but I wasn’t sure how to express them in English, which made me hesitant and  not confident to share the ideas.

By Chanida, Student

Power of inclusive communication in the workplace

During my time working at Burger King, I experienced moments that highlighted the importance of inclusion and respectful communication. One instance that stands out was when a customer made a comment about my accent while I was taking their order. They said, “Oh, your English is really good. Where are you from?” While the question seemed innocent, it made me feel singled out and reminded me that I was being seen as “different” in a way that others weren’t.

This wasn’t the only time I felt out of place. At times, I noticed that my ideas during team meetings were either overlooked or dismissed more quickly than those of others. For example, when suggesting a way to streamline drive-thru operations, the response was lukewarm until a colleague repeated the same idea and received praise. It made me question if unconscious biases were at play.

However, I also experienced positive examples of inclusion. One of my managers actively worked to create a supportive environment. She encouraged team members to share their ideas and emphasized that everyone’s contributions were valuable. For example, when I suggested a way to make the workflow smoother during peak hours, she implemented it and gave me credit in front of the team. That small act of recognition boosted my confidence and made me feel like I belonged.

These experiences taught me the power of inclusive communication in the workplace. Simple actions like acknowledging contributions and avoiding assumptions about someone’s background can make a significant difference. I’ve carried these lessons forward, knowing how important it is to foster a welcoming and respectful environment where everyone feels valued.

By Hamrajdeep, Student

Navigating the job search process as an international student

The job search process can be very detrimental to one’s mental and emotional health. It instills feelings of being unworthy and disappointed with your own self. As an international student, I was already dealing with loneliness, homesickness, and financial pressures, so my mental health was already in a bad state. The depression and anxiety were further worsened by not being able to find a job. There was a lack of social ties which adversely affected my mood and mental wellbeing. Furthermore, I did not know with whom I could share my feelings because I did not want to upset my parents who were sitting miles away from me and had spent a lot of money to fulfill my dreams in a new country. Human beings are social beings, we cannot sustain ourselves in loneliness. After months of having a really hard time with my mental health, I decided to make a change and be happy. I started reading a lot and writing journals at night to express my thoughts and feelings. This helped me stay motivated as it reminded of my goals and aspirations that I had when I first came to Canada.

I have also heard stories of so many international students who were exploited by employers who took advantage of the students who were unemployed and desperately needed a job. Some international students were paid less than the minimum wage or did not even get paid for their shifts or trainings because the employer refuse d to hire them and just wanted to get free work done for a short period of time. It is very important to educate students about their rights as employees so that they take action against injustice.

By Gurman, Alumna