ALA 421

Testimonial Reflection

1). What group dynamics did you observe throughout the Testimonials on Sunday? For example, was there
a pattern in who shared when? What identities people chose to talk about? What identities were not talked
about and why do you think that is?

On Sunday, I noticed that the first few people to share their Testimonials were people who shared the same
identities or being white and a man. I also noticed that two of the speakers in this group talked about the
same identities: Age and Gender. In general, there were a few identities that were not mentioned during our
Testimonial time. For example, no one talked about the following identities: abilities/disabilities, sexual
orientation, or religious/spiritual affiliation. I think these identities were not talked about because they are
not very present in the everyday lives of my classmates.

2). What privileges or lack of privileges do you experience as a result of the identities you shared with us on
Sunday? These can either be individual experiences or group membership experiences (or both).

The two identities I shared with my group on Sunday were my American and Latinx identity. As an American
citizen, I have been especially privileged when it comes to visiting other countries. Last summer, I went on a
study abroad trip to Israel/Palestine. During my program, I traveled throughout multiple cities in the area
and went through many different checkpoints and security stations. I noticed my American privilege in these
spaces, where I was treated drastically different in comparison to other tourists who did not hold the same
nationality as me. I was encouraged to cut lines, given special seating, and treated with much more respect
than those around me because I was from the U.S. My Latinx identity, on the other hand, often causes me to
experience a lack of privilege. Growing up in predominately white spaces, I was othered by my peers and
experienced multiple cases of racism and micro-aggressions. My identity affected how I acted and was
treated during my life.

3). What did you find in common with privileged identities that you heard about? What about marginalized
identities?

A few people talked about their identities as American citizens. I definitely could relate to a lot of what
they said about this identity. As American citizens, we have a lot of privileges in and outside of the United
States, such as being viewed as superior to citizens of other countries and getting preferential treatment in
certain spaces. I also related to a lot of marginalized identities people shared. A big source of relatability
for me was when my classmates talked about coming to the University of Michigan and realizing just how
much their marginalized identity affects them and how they can learn about and embrace their identities.

4). How would you utilize the art of storytelling to deepen relationships and community building? How
would you facilitate this storytelling in your halls?

I believe that storytelling is a powerful way to build relationships with others. By sharing your story, you can
share a piece of your perspective and history, which allows listeners to get a better understanding of what
shapes you as a person. I would utilize the art of storytelling in my residence hall by encouraging students to
share stories about their own personal lives in different formats. I think it’s very important to provide a
platform for students’ voices to be heard, so I would create an atmosphere that is open and comforting to
students. I plan on having a very open door policy in my room, allowing students to hang out with me
whenever possible. I also plan on possibly hosting a story telling night, where students can tell stories about
different topics while eating pizza and doing face masks. By hosting these two separate events, students will
have opportunities to share their stories in more casual, organic settings and more facilitated settings.
5). What questions do you have for the group?

I wish we had more time for Testimonials. Not only would more time have allowed everyone to be more
detailed in their testimonials, it would have allowed for more processing and reflection. I am left
questioning how my group members’ identities affect their everyday lives and decision making and how my
classmates learn about and embrace their identities on campus, specifically in what organizations they are
involved with and what opportunities they take up.