Septermber 30, 2014
Erin Busbee
- Year of graduation and concentration: 2014 B.A. Cultural Anthropology; Spanish; Community Action and Social Change
- First job after graduation: American Friends Service Committee Intern
How does your identity play a role in to your current activities/work?
I am currently traveling to approximately 7 countries in different regions of the world over a span of 8 months as a Bonderman Fellow. This fellowship is designed to allow its participants the opportunity to view and experience different parts of the world and themselves.
Biggest challenge you have faced in the workforce?
I do not consider myself to have entered the workforce yet. All of the jobs I've held as an adult have been linked to my status as a student. They have also been filled with diverse groups of people and/or similarly identified individuals on all levels. So, I will get back with you on that.
Do those abroad perceive your identity differently than you would have expected?
While I've been abroad, which on the grand scheme of my itinerary has not been much time, I have not been too shocked by how people perceive me. Thus far, I have only been to Santiago, Chile and Mendoza Providence in Argentina. In both locations, the ethnic, racial, and genetic backgrounds of the residents appear homogeneous, and I am very easily perceived as an outsider. While participating in tourist activities, I have been mistaken for Brazilian multiple times, as well as for Venezuelan, Colombian and Peruvian by children. So those identifications by others surprise me a bit.
How does this compare with the perceptions of your identity in the US?
Outside of nationality and racial aspects, the perception of my gender is not much different abroad than it is at home. Because of my androgynous appearance, I am often perceived as a man. What has been quite different here, however, has been the disclosure, or lack thereof, of my sexuality. After I am known to be a woman by those around me, regardless of having the same appearance as those who perceive me as male, I am not assumed to be a lesbian or queer. I am always asked questions about my boyfriend, or my opinion or preference of guys through the places I've visited such as: ¨Do you prefer Chilean men or Argentinean men?¨ It's an interesting place to be because, for comfort and familiarity reasons, I have not felt the need to come out to anyone as of yet, not as a woman when perceived as a man and not as queer when perceived as straight.
Advice to current U-M students
There are an abundance of resources available to you at the university: groups, professionals and peers. Anything you need, reach out, and there is someone who has been in your shoes, someone who can help you directly, or someone who can point you in the right direction. UM is a big place; don't let it swallow you. Find your niche(s) and thrive!