Scholars of Color- Susan Hua
What is Scholars of Color?
It is a platform in which scholars of color are purposefully celebrated. It’s a space where scholars of color are showcased front and center. It is a digital space where we feel empowered and resilient. Let us get to know each other. Let us cheer each other on AND show the world what we have to offer.
Let us now welcome Susan Hua to the Scholars of Color space!
Name: Susan Hua
Gender Pronouns: she/her/hers
What do you currently do for work and/or school?: Learning Community Coordinator, Title V Grant, Community College of Aurora - Higher Education Ph.D. Program at University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
Without positions or titles, how would you describe yourself?: Daughter of refugees, sister, Chinese (Teochew), amateur photographer, amateur baker, expert napper and Netflix binge-watcher.
What are you passionate about?: Creating equitable spaces for students, social justice, Asian American students (especially first-gen), support for multilingual education and bilingualism in higher education
Why is the representation of scholars of color important to you?: If you asked me if I imagined myself as a scholar when I was growing up, the answer was likely no. My future had been paved in a predictable way, with a future career in the medical field. When I joined student affairs, there was a sense of "right" in the world, but I continue to be faced with feelings of inadequacy and imposter syndrome. It has taken me so long to feel confident in the work that I do, especially in the classroom (despite having supportive peers and faculty). While I can't say that I always feel 100% confident, having a network of Scholars of Color has been so affirming for me. I feel uplifted to see others who have paved the way and succeeded before me, and that gives me confidence that I, too, can persist.
If people are interested in getting connected to you, how can they?: IG & Twitter: @susan_hua
Anything else you would like us to know?: My parents were refugees of the Vietnam War, from Vietnam. I often find myself grappling with my ethnic identity, and thinking about if I feel Chinese enough in certain spaces because of the dialect that I speak at home (Teochew). It has taken me years to come to terms with who I am, and even longer to feel pride for my family's history and my parents who barely speak English, but have survived in the United States for 30+ years. I share that to say that stories are so important, and if you haven't, take some time to ask your family about their life journey. I promise you won't regret it.
Thank you Susan for sharing space with us!
Stay tuned everyone for more Scholars of Color profiles. Interested in being showcased yourself? Please email the Scholars of Color team at scholarsofcolor@reclaimingyourhappiness.com and we will get back to you shortly.
