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Samekh Harris Reed
IES Abroad Program: Tokyo - Language & Culture, Spring 2017
U.S. College/ University: University of Rochester
Major: Psychology
Current Profession: I am currently a graduate student at the University of Rochester attending the Warner Graduate School of Education and Human Development. I'm enrolled in the Student Affairs Administration Higher Education program here. I plan to eventually work with an Education Abroad program and help marginalized communities study abroad.
What words would you use to describe your identity(ies)?
I am a Black, Bisexual, Gender fluid, plus-sized individual. I am a first generation college student; I am of low social-economic status, and I am the oldest child of a single mother.
What motivated you to choose to study abroad?
It has always been a dream of mine to visit Japan. If you asked any of my family members or friends, they would all agree that Japan was one of those topics that once I was on, I would rarely stop talking about. I knew that at some point in my life, without a doubt, I would go to Japan. My university afforded me the opportunity to go earlier than I expected, so why wouldn't I jump at the chance? There was no question about me applying, and once I was accepted, there was no other option other than to say "yes" and go.
When you studied abroad, did your identity(ies) influence your experience in significant and/or surprising ways? If so, how?
Yes! It's impacted me in various ways. With my most obvious identity being that I am Black, I've often felt subconscious on the train or walking around different cities. I didn't encounter anyone hostile, but I've gained many stares from adults and would be asked questions from small children about my skin and who/what I was.
I'm also plus-sized, and shopping often was very difficult for me. Add in the fact that I'm gender non-conforming and it was difficult to buy clothes or go into designated men/women's clothing stores and find something I wanted, much less even fit. Even the language is gendered, so I tried to use masculine and neutral phrases while I could. I've always checked out the LGBTQ+ population in Tokyo to find places to eat and go out. I've been to a café and some designated LGBTQ+ bars and clubs, which were very interesting. I even attended Tokyo PRIDE, that year. In those areas, my sexual identity was apparent and played a role in who interacted with me. I've never tried to hide who I was in any setting, so that impacted my semester abroad.
In one sentence, tell students who identify similarly why studying abroad is a good idea, particularly for them.
You never know everything about yourself until you're put into unfamiliar situations, or until you have to adapt or learn new methods on how to present yourself--the possibilities are endless! The unknown isn't as scary as you would think. Challenges are not always terrible; sometimes they're great. You need to ask yourself "what am I willing to put up with?" and go from there. Be the best you that you can be, and that includes learning more about yourself!
Out of everything I experienced, my favorite memory was when I first woke up in Japan. I remember the plane ride, the air sickness, getting off the plane, going through customs, meeting my abroad program and the orientation. But it didn't really hit me that I was in Japan until I woke up the first morning and looked out my hotel window. It was about 7 a.m., I was jet-lagged and tired, but the morning was soft and bright. I remember seeing the outskirts of the ocean and tall buildings and then BAM! That's when it hit me. "I did it! I'm here!" It was such a surreal realization that I sat there looking outside my window for about twenty minutes. I accomplished a dream of mine. All those essays, struggles for funding, all-nighters on homework to get my grades up, wishing and hoping to make it there safely, and I did it! Everything after that morning was a bonus.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
I absolutely enjoyed my experience in Tokyo—I truly wished I could've stayed longer. If I could help even one other individual enjoy their study abroad experience as much as I had, then I will do my best to help out! There's a huge world out there, why not go out there and explore it?
We're celebrating a #worldofdifference by sharing inspiring stories of our students from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, members of the LGBTQ+ community, first-generation college students, young adults with a history of overcoming diversity, and more.
I accomplished a dream of mine; all of those essays, struggles for funding, all-nighters on homework to get my grades up, wishing and hoping to make it there safely, and I did it! Everything after that morning was a bonus.
When students see themselves reflected in others who have already traveled places they’ve only dreamed about, they’re more likely to realize what’s possible no matter their identity or circumstances. Your story could make a world of difference for them.
