Univers
me a D e r t o ity of N
Dear reader, The Real Me Project is a celebration of diversity at Notre Dame. I use the term diversity to mean more than race and ethnicity, but gender, sexuality, class, religion, and other interests. Notre Dame is perceived as having an homogeneous student body. I dissent. People of different backgrounds are part of Notre Dame’s everyday life. The aim of the project isn’t to create a sense that there is more diversity than there really
Mayra Duarte
is, but rather to celebrate the diversity that
The Real Me Project
exists. Minority students often experience drastic and alienating misunderstandings. If the goal of having a diverse university is to increase exposure to different cultures and perspectives, the alienation of minorities is counterproductive. We, as students who do not conform and stand out, have confronted misconceptions about us. Having experienced this at least once, I got interested in what people who have experienced similar situations have to say. Instead of treating minorities in terms of mere statistics, The Real Me Project brings to life the people and experiences behind the numbers. We are a collective of individuals that have experienced the consequences of being different, and The Real Me Project creates a space to share our stories.
As you flip through the pages of the book, you will face a blank list. If you are patient enough, every time you encounter the list take your time trying to guess the most about the background of the person that is portrayed. Flip the page, there is a layout for you.
1. Where am I from? 2. What are my studies? 3. What is my religion? 4. What language(s) do I speak? 5. ...
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“‘Can you teach me Spanish?’ should never be used as a pick-up line.”
Mayra is from Panama City, Panama. She is 1/4 Chinese, and 100% Panamanian. She is a Graphic Design MFA student at the University of Notre Dame. Mayra is a Roman Catholic. She likes taking pictures of her friends, dogs, lovebirds, and squirrels. She likes dancing salsa, bachata and merengue. Mayra believes she is a princess. She speaks Spanish and English.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“Sometimes I shock people when I tell them that I’m half Chinese— they respond ‘really? I just thought you were normal!’”
Michael is from Toronto, Ontario. He is 1/2 Chinese and 1/2 Caucasian. He is a Philosophy PhD student at the University of Notre Dame. He is in ND Swing Dancing Club. Michael is a Christian-Protestant. He plays badminton and tennis. He plays guitar and plays drums in the band ProtoPanPsychadelic Zombies. He speaks English, Cantonese and Beat-boxinese.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“I don’t like when people call me creepy. They miss the good qualities I have to offer.”
Mehrdad is from Tehran, Iran. He is Persian. He is a Sociology PhD student at the University of Notre Dame. Mehrdad is Muslim. He plays tennis, soccer, ping pong, and volleyball. Likes Classic Cinema and is a member of the Swing Dancing Club. He speaks Persian, English, and Arabic.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“When I’ve acted goofy or loud and haven’t been the quiet, sweet girl I’m supposed to be, sometimes peers would say, ‘Ooh...pastor’s kid gone bad!.’”
Christie is from Philadelphia, PA. She is Korean-American. She is a Political Science and Latin American Studies major at the University of Notre Dame. She is a member of the Asian American Association, Mariachi ND, and Voices of Faith Gospel Choir at Notre Dame. Christie is Protestant. Loves Latin dancing, soccer, knitting, painting, and nature. She was born on Thanksgiving Day. She speaks English, Korean, Spanish, and French.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“My name is often mispronounced and people assume I am female.�
Jaime is from El Paso, TX. He is Mexican-American. He is a History and Studio Art major at the University of Notre Dame. He is a College Mentor for Kids at Notre Dame. He likes to play soccer. He is a talented painter and drawer. He speaks Spanish, English, and German.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“People generally ask me if India is the way it has been depicted in the movie ‘Slumdog Millionaire’ and I have a tough time convincing them that there is lot more to India than that.” Vishwanath is from Bangalore, India. He is Indian. He is an Electrical Engineering PhD student at the University of Notre Dame. Vishwanath is Hindu. He likes swimming. Vishwanath enjoys painting, traveling and cooking. He speaks English, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“I don’t hula, I don’t surf, and I don’t live in a little grass hut.”
Tanya is from Honolulu, Hawaii. She is Filipino. She is a Graphic Design major at the University of Notre Dame. She is the president of the Asian American Association and an International Ambassador at Notre Dame Tanya is Catholic. She speaks English, Tagalog, and Japanese.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“I am Kenyan. But no, we do not speak Kenyan, I have not run a marathon and unfortunately, I am not related to Barack Obama.�
Lawrence is from Nairobi, Kenya. He is a Chemistry PhD student at the University of Notre Dame. He is a member of the Celebration Choir and an International Ambassador. Lawrence is Roman Catholic. He is a huge fan of sitcoms, especially Friends. He speaks English, French, Swahili, Luhya, and Teso.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“Yes, I’m a natural red-head and yes, I do have a soul.”
Mary is from Ironwood, MI. She is Caucasian of Scottish and Irish descent. She is a Photography MFA student at the University of Notre Dame. Mary is a Presbyterian. She has a minor in Dance (Ballet, Jazz, and Modern). Mary is a super-star in the shower and car. She speaks English.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“Someone asked my father, who is Caucasian, where he had gotten me from, to which he responded, ‘My wife.’”
John was born in Leominster, MA. He is 1/8 Irish, 1/8 English, 1/8 Scottish, 1/16 German, 1/16 Danish, and 1/2 Korean. He is an Industrial Design and Electrical Engineering major at the University of Notre Dame. He is part of the Notre Dame Fencing Team and the ND Tae Kwon Do Club. John likes sailing and archery. He speaks English and Italian.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“‘So you don’t celebrate Thanksgiving in Germany? What about other holidays like Easter or 4th of July?.’”
Christian is from Munich, Germany. He is Bavarian. He is an Electrical Engineering PhD student at the University of Notre Dame. Christian is a Catholic. He plays tennis and soccer. Likes Photography. He speaks German, English, French, and Spanish.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“When I say I’m from the Caribbean, people ask me which country my island belongs to.”
Rose is from Gros-Islet, St. Lucia. She is Afro-Caribbean. She is an Electrical Engineering PhD student at the University of Notre Dame. Rose is a Nominal Catholic. She likes reading, cooking, and traveling. Rose is into wine tasting and used to organize wine-tasting events. She Speaks English, French Creole, and French.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“People find it peculiar that I’m a Latino studying English Literature.”
Angel is from Aguada, Puerto Rico. He is Puerto Rican. He is an English Literature PhD student at the University of Notre Dame. He is a pretty good cook. He thinks that laughter is the emotional equivalent of food. Angel’s friends refer to him as “the glue that keeps them together”. He speaks English, Spanish, and German.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“I pronounce my ‘v’ like a ‘w’, so it’s really funny when I’m ordering a veggie burger.”
Hanna is from Stuttgart, Germany. She is Schwäbisch (from Southwest Germany). She is a History & Philosophy of Science PhD student at the University of Notre Dame. She is part of the Family Friendship Program at Notre Dame. Hanna is Protestant. She likes snowboarding, basketball and running. She speaks German, English, Swedish, and French.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“I’ve “‘Can been you anteach artistme all Spanish?’ my life and often should in trouble never forbe it. used In 3rdasgrade, my teacher pick-up called line.” me her little doodlebug and taped a daily tally to my desk, which she marked every time I was caught drawing.” Mayra Erin is is from from Dallas, Panama TX. City, Panama. She is of 1/4German, Chinese,Norwegian, and 100% Panamanian. Swedish, and American Indian descent. She is Graphic Design MFA at the University She is a Painting of Notre and Dame. Drawing MFA and Gender Studies minor student Mayra is a Roman Catholic. at the University of Notre Dame. Loves dogs and cooking. Erin is an Unitarian Universalist. Speaks Spanish and English. She likes to run. She speaks English, Spanish, and some Chipmunk.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“Every “‘Can you timeteach someone me Spanish?’ asks how my parents should never met, I be always usedjust as say ‘through apick-up friend, line.” like most other couples’. They assume because I’m mixed I have some ‘exotic’ story.” Mayra is Alexa is from from Lake Panama Saint City, Louis, Panama. MO. She is 1/2 1/4 Chinese, Filipino and and1/2 100% Iranian. Panamanian. She is an English and She is Graphic Design Preprofessional major at MFA theat the University of Notre Dame. Alexa is Mayra is the a Roman chair of Catholic. the Diversity Council and a diversity representative Loves dogs and cooking. at the Campus Life Council. Speaks Spanish and English. Likes hapkido, golf, and lacrosse. She is pretty good at Filipino cultural dances and belly dancing. She speaks English.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“I have been asked to shut up when speaking Spanish.”
Amanda is from Panama City, Panama. She is Panamanian. She is a Graphic Design and Italian Studies major at the University of Notre Dame. Amanda is part of She’s the First Club. Likes creating random and unexpected mixed media art. Amanda is Catholic. She speaks Spanish, English, French, and Italian.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“Some people are afraid to accept me as a homosexual, especially men.”
Tré is from Beaumont, TX. He is of Italian descent. He is a Graphic Design major at the University of Notre Dame. Tré is part of the Progressive Student Alliance at Notre Dame. He is trying to record an album on piano and vocals. He speaks English and Spanish.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“While explaining the notion of all things having a ‘spirit’ to my roommate, she refused to accept that was how the majority of people in India lived.”
Nikita is from India. She is Indian. She is a Economics major at the University of Notre Dame. Nikita is an International Ambassador, PILLAR, and a Coffee Break Mentor at Notre Dame. Plays basketball. Speaks English, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, and French.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“Sometimes people ask me if I’m from North Korea. NO ONE is from North Korea.”
HyeSoo was born in Seoul, Korea, but she grew up in Singapore. She is Korean. She is a Film and Graphic Design major with an Anthropology minor at the University of Notre Dame. HyeSoo plays the flute. She is afraid of everything that flies or has four legs. Likes knitting, singing, dancing, cooking, and watching Pixar movies. She speaks Korean, English, and Chinese.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“People still assume I’m a football player.”
Eras is from Palmdale, CA. He is African-American. He is a Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Design major at the University of Notre Dame. Eras is a Christian. He does magic and work with lasers. He speaks English and Spanish.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“Surprisingly I prefer tennis over soccer... But I still love pasta!�
Gianluca is from Roseto degli Abruzzi, Italy. He is Caucasian. He is an Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering PhD student at the University of Notre Dame. Gianluca is Catholic. He enjoys sky gazing and Astrophotography. He likes cooking and traveling. Gianluca plays the piano. He speaks Italian and English.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“People around me are very nice. It seems that I am not misunderstood.�
Sun is from Guangzhou, China. He is a Sino Chinese. He is a Philosophy PhD student at the University of Notre Dame. Loves playing soccer and basketball. Likes filming and watching movies. He speaks Mandarin, Cantonese, and English.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“Being a design major and a blonde is not a great combination. At first, people think of me as not being smart.�
Elizabeth is from Indianapolis, IN. She is Caucasian of Irish and Alsatian descent. She is a Graphic Design major at the University of Notre Dame. She is an AIGA and NDesign member at Notre Dame. Elizabeth is Catholic. Elizabeth can do back flips. She wants to travel the world! She speaks English and Spanish.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“My classmates automatically assume I’m a math genius.”
Suhan was born in Korea, but moved to Guatemala when he was 9 years old. He is a Spanish-speaking Korean. He is an MBA student at the University of Notre Dame. Suhan is a Christian. He wants to start businesses in Central America to bring desperately needed jobs there. He speaks Korean, English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“I get this a lot: ‘Oh Alfredo! Like my favorite pasta sauce’.”
Alfredo is from El Salvador. He is Latino of a Spanish and Italian descent. He is an Aerospace Engineering graduate of the University of Notre Dame. Alfredo likes soccer, running, and table tennis. He was in El Salvador’s national swim team. Alfredo is a Roman Catholic. He wants to professionally produce electronic music. He speaks Spanish, English, and French.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“People have always assumed that I’m an ‘airhead’ or a C or D student when I’m actually passionate about my education. I’m always pegged as a ‘dumb girl’.”
Amanda is from Holgate, OH. She is an American of German and Irish descent. She is a Painting MFA student at the University of Notre Dame. She was a valedictorian at both her high school and undergraduate institution.. Amanda is a Lutheran. She loves to volunteer with special needs children. She knows all the words to Nikki Minaj’s “Super Bass”. She speaks English and Spanish.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“I don’t eat sushi everyday. Neither do people in Japan. You might eat it maybe once a week.”
Airi is from Taiwan and Japan. She is 1/2 Taiwanese and 1/2 Japanese. She is an Industrial Design and Information Technology Management major at the University of Notre Dame. She is part of NDesign, IDSA, AIGA, and ISSA at Notre Dame. Airi is a Buddhist. She speaks Mandarin, Japanese, and English.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“One of my friends tried to convince me that El Salvador was another state of Mexico. I was really mad.�
Ricardo is from San Salvador, El Salvador. He is 1/2 Salvadoran and 1/2 Swiss. He is an Arts & Letters student at the University of Notre Dame. Ricardo is Catholic. He does improv comedy and is passionate about theatre and acting. He can also sing (but shh!). He speaks Spanish, English, and Italian.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“Almost “‘Can you every teach oneme thinks Spanish?’ Iran is completely should never desertbe and used weas don’t have snow, pick-up they line.” always forget that we border Russia.”
Mayra isisfrom Golnaz fromPanama Tehran, City, Iran. Panama. She is Persian. 1/4 Chinese, and 100% Panamanian. She is an Electrical Engineering She is Graphic Design MFA at the PhD student at the University University of Notre Dame. of Notre Dame. Mayra is a Roman Catholic. She is an International Ambassador Loves dogs and cooking. for ISSA at Notre Dame and the Speaks Spanish president of the and Persian English. Community. Golnaz is Muslim formally, spiritual actually. Loves dancing and listening to music. Golnaz works with explosives (the gases used in the lab are more dangerous than missiles). Speaks Farsi, Arabic, and English.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“A guy asked me if I was going to college to get my ‘MRS.’”
Marie is from Lafayette, LA. She is Caucasian. She is a Graphic Design MFA at the University of Notre Dame. Marie is Catholic-ish. She play drums, banjo, and sings. Likes printmaking and canoeing. She speaks English and French.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“I have a hard time making my friends acknowledge that Indians are Asians too.�
Pinaki is from Kolkata, India. He is Indian. He is a Physics PhD student at the University of Notre Dame. He is a member of the Indian Association at Notre Dame. Pinaki is Hindu. Plays badminton, ping pong, tennis, cricket, soccer, and board games. He speaks Bengali, Hindi, and English.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“People think I’m cheating when I tell them I’m taking Korean language classes. They don’t really understand what it’s like to have a communication barrier between your parents.” Shelley is from San Diego, CA. She is Korean-American. She is a Liberal Studies and Film major at the University of Notre Dame. She is the secretary of the Asian American Association and part of the Student Stand-ups of Notre Dame. Shelley is Catholic. She is a 1st-grade catechist and a humor artist. Speaks English and Korean.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“When people try to convince me I’m not Black, I realize that my appearance trumps the truth... and I am done attempting to have a conversation.”
Kamilah is from Philadelphia, PA. She is African-American. She is a Sculpture MFA student at the University of Notre Dame. Kamilah is Catholic. She is an instrument rated private pilot. Kamilah loves pugs and old books. She speaks English.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
“Sometimes “‘Can you teach when me I tell Spanish?’ people my name should they never askbe which usedcountry as I was born pick-up in. Then line.” I ask if they know which country Tennessee is in.”
Mayra isisfrom Marcos fromPanama State College, City, Panama. PA. He isis1/2 She 1/4Argentinian Chinese, and and 100% 1/2 Panamanian. Caucasian. He isisaGraphic She Chemical Design Engineering MFA at the University PhD student of at Notre the University Dame. of Notre Dame. Mayra is a Roman Catholic. Marcos is a Roman Catholic. Loves dogs and cooking. He is in the Liturgical Choir. Speaks Spanish and English. He grows potatoes. He speaks English, Spanish, and German.
The pictures and testimonies of The Real Me Project were taken and collected in the Fall of 2011 at The University of Notre Dame. The Real Me Photo Shoot was held during International Education Week (November 14–18, 2011). Thanks to International Students Services and Activities (ISSA), The Real Me Photo Shoot happened at the same time of International Taste of South Bend (November 16), an event that gathers a large amount of students to sample a variety of international cuisines provided by local ethnic restaurants. The students were invited to share, in a positive environment, an experienced misconception along with real information about them. It also gives the opportunity to showcase them as unique individuals. The Real Me Project is a honest overview of the life experience of these students. Some days it is tough and some days you just laugh at it. Been able to talk about these experiences makes us more comfortable with ourselves. Sharing is the first step to let go any resentment and start educating, hence demonstrating how many of these misunderstandings don’t apply.
The Real Me Project, The Real Me Photo Shoot, and The Real Me Photo Shoot 2.0 were possible thanks to: Mayra Duarte, Creative Director The Real Me Project Matt Bean, Photographer The Real Me Project Michael Longenecker, Production Assistant The Real Me Project Amanda Joseph, Event Assistant The Real Me Project McKenna Pencak, Assistant Director International Student Services and Activities Tobias Blake, Assistant Director Multicultural Student Programs and Services Alexa Arastoo, Chair Diversity Council The Participants of The Real Me Project
“The Real Me is a creative and interesting way to approach and explore the diversity issues that we face on campus. I have never seen something like this before, and I am excited to see what impact this has on our community.” –Pablo J. Quan, Vice-Chair of Diversity Council
“The Real Me opens one’s eyes to the diverse linguistic, racial, and cultural heritage of our campus.” –Felipe Campos, President of Ballet Foklórico
“Full of pop, color, and innovation, this collection of portraits provides a nuanced version of the reality we see on campus everyday. I never knew Notre Dame had so many hidden treasures!” –Alexa Arastoo, Chair of Diversity Council