My name is Shabina Shaikh and I am from Mumbai, India. I am doing my post-graduate studies in Child Adolescent and Mental Health and am currently working as research assistant on BAME project. As research assistant this is my first job in UK. When I applied for this role I was new to this country had no idea what is meant by ‘diversity’ and why there is so much talk about this subject. At interview I was asked how much do I know about diversity? My answer was I don’t know much about it, neither I have experienced anything so far.
This project gave me an insight on this sensitive subject; it is like on job training. As a student I am exposed to the new culture, new people, loads of up and downs in day-to-day life, including experiencing a pinch of diversity. And as a member of project team, I learn and understand this subject in depth. The project aims to create awareness about black student attainment at the university. So far, it’s been a fruitful journey. The project group comprises highly intellectual and experienced team members who are always supportive. During scheduled meetings we discuss the project updates, share our inputs, plan further course of action with defined deadlines.
Though it’s challenging to balance study & project work it’s worth all the difficulties. This project not only gave me an insight of what diversity is all about, but it has also groomed me on actual research work. Reading articles, writing reviews, analyzing data and statistics.
From the time I have landed in this country till now I don’t hesitate to accept and write that my perception about this subject is changed. Diversity is not something which is open and loud it’s something that communicates with you silently. You can feel it without even someone telling you anything. Including but not limited to the difference in treatment of white students and other international students. The main issue what we international students face is a language barrier. As an international student English is not our first language. Even if we know our subject it’s difficult for us to put it on paper. This was reflected in getting poor marks on assignments compared to the white students. The international student representatives are all white. International students look forward to seeing some familiar faces to share and discuss issues.
To sum it up, the journey so far is very eye opening. I am happy to be part of this project. Along with new learning I am sure this work experience will have a positive impact on my career opportunities, as I plan to work and grow in the research area. The idea of storytelling, taking feedback from the black nursing students is a very sensitive subject but this is need of the hour. Not only black students – but every international student is also the victim of diversity in some or other form. There is a huge difference and a gap between the claim we treat everyone equally then to practice it. High time we need to fill in this gap.