Making Space and Building Community as Resistance: Reflections of a Native-Chicana PhD Student

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Abstract

This reflective paper recounts the journey of a Native American-Chicana PhD student through life on the reservation, to young motherhood, then a jail cell, and finally redemption. Using an autoethnographic approach, this case study details the significance of mentorship, love, community, and education to overcome extreme poverty, an abusive home, and the mark of a criminal record. Through these lived experiences, I share how these adversities have impacted my life path and decision to pursue a doctorate degree. Through this process of self-reflection and analysis of past life events it became clear how important the impact of making space and building community as a form of resistance was, and is, for me in my academic journey. In addition, I reflect on how these resistance strategies have provided me with the knowledge and courage to make space and build community as resistance in spaces that have historically excluded voices like mine. The conclusion includes a discussion on the importance of lived experience of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) students and resistance as strategy in higher education.

Author

• Charlene M. Shroulote-Durán, Texas A&M University