Mexicans are real people, too.

From September 30th to October 3rd, I had the honor and privilege to attend and present a poster at the National Academic Advising Association’s annual conference in Phoenix. This year’s theme was Life Stories, and the hope was that by focusing on the various perspectives on lived experiences we each have to offer, we can connect more fully to one another.

My poster presentation was, Using Testimonio to Support Latina Students on Their Path Toward Higher Education Leadership. As an oral tradition in LatinX culture, Testimonio is a personal and sacred exchange. It is communing in its truest form, because Testimonio is spiritually fortifying. Testimonio is a testament of courage, a source of empowerment and a catalyst for social justice activism that emanates from self-love and respect for humanity. Testimonio is life-affirming. Testimonio enriches and transforms those involved in this type of communication. Through Testimonio, each party gains a clearer sense of self, and also of one another.

A story worth sharing occurred when I joined a colleague for an Uber ride on my last day of the conference. During the short trip to the convention center, stories were exchanged about higher education, trends in studying abroad, declining numbers of incoming international students, and unfortunate memories of being detained abroad and domestically. When asked why I was detained in the United States, I replied that I believed it was because I am Mexican. Our driver responded with her observation, “you don’t look Mexican.” This comment is not uncommon to me, and my response was my standard, “well, all Mexicans look different.” I was not prepared for our driver’s next remark, which was her qualification, “you don’t look Mexican, you look like a real person.” I was surprised by my quick, but cool response, “well, Mexicans are real people, too.” Our ride and conversation came to an end as we approached the convention center, exited the car, and unloaded our belongings.

My colleague’s expression of shock was confirmed by her incredulous question, “what just happened?!” I let her know that the incident she witnessed could be used as a Micro-aggression 101 case study. I expressed my appreciation that she carpooled with me and saw and heard what transpired in that space. The fact that I continue to have these types of experiences as a seasoned higher education professional must be contrasted with students who are in our care, not only in higher education environments, but also from pre-kindergarten rooms through to graduate schools. We need to be fully aware and prepared for students who have and will be degraded, denied, and disappeared inside and outside of school based on many different types of identity that are not exclusive to race or ethnicity.

In whatever role we play in work and beyond, we must make sure that we are doing everything we can to help each person we encounter know that they are valued in our eyes as real people with love, compassion, and kindness. If ever you find yourself in a situation where a micro-aggression is occurring, please use your voice as Testimonio to promote social justice.

Mia Garcia-Hills is Associate Dean for Student Success at Concordia University Chicago.