Student Story

How has your identity impacted your major/career choices?

"I have always been fascinated by numbers and strategy, driving my interest in studying marketing. However, as I have grown deeper into my understanding of my identity as a queer Jewish woman, I have also fallen deeper into understanding all of the ways these are still underrepresented identities in the business world. As such, my desire to study business has not changed, but rather pivoted to an emphasis on driving social impact through business, leading to my involvement in the Kelley Institute for Social Impact and my decision to pursue the Leading Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Organizations co-major. Ultimately, my identity has pushed me to pursue more and expect more out of my education and future career so as to change that narrative of underrepresentation."

What IU experiences do you feel contributed to your success, both inside and outside the classroom?

"Outside of the classroom, I believe that getting involved in organizations and opportunities that reflect my academic interests as well as my identity has fostered success. Finding communities, such as Queer Student Union and Social Enterprise Engagement at Kelley, that can both support me and challenge me, has provided resources and created opportunities that encourage both personal and professional growth. Inside the classroom, building relationships and new experiences with both like-minded individuals and those from different backgrounds than my own have furthered that sense of support and challenge that propels me towards success."

What does belonging look like for you at college?

"Belonging in college is something I believe to be a struggle for everyone regardless of identity but is often exacerbated by these factors. For most, it is our first time away from home and perhaps the first time we are navigating these identities as adults and as individuals beyond our hometowns and families. Belonging in college, therefore, is about the communities you seek for yourself. Whether social, professional, or cultural, the organizations and communities we choose to get involved with are ultimately how we determine our own sense of belonging."