Invisible Me: A Narrative Study on the Racialized Experiences of Asian American Students

This study examined the racialized experiences of nine Asian American students at the University of Illinois at Chicago and their perceptions of the campus climate. Using a critical race theory lens, one-on-one interviews were conducted to understand how racial microaggressions and stereotypes were imposed on and internalized by the student participants. Research findings provided a better explanation of the Asian American student experience and how race impacts various elements of student life and influences interaction within an educational institution. Specifically, the nine Asian American students reported encountering the model minority stereotype, the perpetual foreigner stereotype, and cultural assumptions that threatened their sense of belonging on campus and possibly affected their student success. Student suggestions on how to better serve Asian American students were shared for campus leaders, faculty, and staff, and researcher implications were shared for higher education practioners, developers, and researchers. This study contributes to the existing literature in the disciplines of education and Asian American studies.