We had the amazing opportunity to chat with Dr. Christine Thiem about her experiences pursuing higher education in Southern California as a Cambodian, Chinese, Vietnamese woman. Read on for the interview.
Name & Professional role: Christine Thiem, Optometrist
Currently based: San Diego, CA
How would you describe the environment and community where you grew up?
I grew up in a middle-class neighborhood of other Asians, Pacific Islanders, and Hispanics.
How would you describe the academic setting as you pursued higher education?
The student and faculty population was predominantly White. Unfortunately, due to the pressures of the model minority myth, I would rarely seek help academically. Though I distinctly remember a time when I was in an emotionally bad state and couldn’t register anything and panicked how this would affect me academically, so I mustered the courage to set up an appointment to meet with my White professor for some guidance or direction. After hearing about my struggle, he blatantly dismissed me in front of two of my White peers. There was another White professor who publicly shamed me, the only Asian American in the group, for making a mistake in her biology lab. And a White counselor who saw me for my grades and made me feel particularly unworthy, trying to dissuade me from my major and career path. Thankfully, shortly after this, I found the school’s Cambodian Club and for the first time, felt validated and connected. It truly was the highlight of my college career and has been the source of my current best friends.
Was there ever a time in your educational journey where you felt behind, misunderstood, or confused because of your ethnic identity?
Till college, as one of two Cambodian students on campus, I felt misunderstood and confused, constantly asked by classmates “What is Cambodia?” Textbooks and teachers failed to mention the Khmer Rouge regime, essentially discounting my parents’ childhood trauma. During college, there were times I felt behind, watching my White peers freely request, afford, and receive private tutoring sessions and excel ahead of me.
How has the model minority myth impacted you and your educational experience? Do you think it’s harmful to our community and if so, why?
The internalized pressure of the model minority myth harmed my mental health and well-being; it led me to experience imposter syndrome, fear failure, and feel guilt and shame for letting people down. It prevented me from seeking or receiving academic and therapeutic support. On a larger scale, it ignores the unique differences between ethnic minorities. It ignores the racism and discrimination against Asian Americans. It pits people of color against each other when they should strive together toward racial justice.
How important of a role do you think higher education institutions have in helping to break the model minority myth? What are some ways you see universities and post-secondary institutions doing that?
Higher education institutions are in a powerful position to dismantle the model minority myth by the following ways: offer proper cultural training for faculty and mental healthcare professionals, hire more people of color, offer adequate mental healthcare and academic services.
Why did you pursue higher education?
Frankly, I pursued higher education to broaden my career opportunities, and to honor my parents’ sacrifices in giving me this opportunity.
What led you to your current career path? Any inspirations or moments that sparked your interest to pursue it?
Working as an optician in college, I became fascinated with the way eyes worked and realized how decent vision was the difference in attaining a better education, job, and life. I quickly learned that I enjoyed and excelled in learning and teaching about eye and systemic health, and more so, in forming strong personal relationships with my patients.
If at all, how do you relate your ethnic identity to your professional role and goals?
My ethnic identity has been a popular talking point in several exam rooms. “Where are you really from?” patients ask. As rude and disrespectful as that question is, I realized this was my opportunity to educate the proper way to ask people about their ethnic identity, and to educate about the brief history and uniqueness of Cambodia.
Any words of wisdom or tips you have for fellow SEAA students who are planning on pursuing higher education?
Volunteer and/or hold positions in clubs; it not only teaches leadership and responsibility, but it may very well be where you gain lifelong friends. Shadow as much as you can, as early as you can. Shadow different professions, and shadow people in the same profession but different settings. Learn to budget (free resources on Youtube). Learn to say no and set boundaries for yourself, especially if your parents disagree with your career path (mine wanted me to be a pharmacist). Remember that your journey is your own. Lastly, detach from outside your control and instead, focus on your own will and perception.
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