Physics from an Underrepresented Lens: What I Wish Others Knew

In this paper, I (SH) will apply a counter-storytelling method to highlight a perspective that is not often present in the physics culture. The counter-storytelling (or counter-narrative) method gives voice to people from traditionally marginalized groups to share their untold experiences. Counter-storytelling, as the name implies, challenges common social views and ideas, and, in this paper, highlights the need for changes in the current physics culture. At a young age, I was never encouraged to go into a STEM field. I have always leaned more towards math and science, but I never thought of a science-related career until my sister inspired me in high school. I later realized that in STEM fields, people can let their imaginations run wild, making new observations and discoveries every day. And yet, amid pursuing these wonderful opportunities, individuals from groups underrepresented in STEM fields face challenging situations imposed by those surrounding them in the field. My physics instructor once told me that some people have their lives set on a more difficult mode than others because of their background and identities. As a Latina student whose family is from México, I have come to know an unfortunate truth: my gender, ethnicity, cultural background, and status create barriers for me. This has been the case throughout my life, but most especially in my journey pursuing an undergraduate STEM degree. Because of this, I want others to know my challenging experiences in education and how they have affected me. By sharing my story, I hope to encourage others to work for change in the STEM fields and in the classroom.